Find Value of \(\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(x) dx\) for \(y=f(x)\)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral \(\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(x) dx\) for the piecewise function defined as \(f(x) = 2 - e^{-0.2x}\) for \(x \ge 0\) and \(0\) otherwise. Participants explore whether this integral converges and, if so, to what value.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants clarify the definition of the function \(f(x)\) and express confusion over its notation and the integral's limits.
  • One participant suggests breaking the integral into two parts, \(I_1\) and \(I_2\), where \(I_1\) corresponds to the integral of a constant and \(I_2\) involves the exponential decay term.
  • Another participant states that the integral diverges because the exponential term approaches zero as \(x\) increases, leading to the right tail behaving like the integral of a non-zero constant.
  • There is uncertainty regarding the convergence of the integral, with some participants seeking a precise answer while others provide differing interpretations of the convergence criteria.
  • Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

    Participants generally do not reach a consensus on the convergence of the integral. While some argue that it diverges, others express confusion and seek clarification on how to determine convergence.

    Contextual Notes

    There are limitations in the clarity of the function's definition and the notation used, which may affect the understanding of the integral's evaluation. Additionally, the discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps regarding the evaluation of the integrals.

Nicole18
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the problem says \(y=f(x)\) and find the value of \(\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f(x)dx\) if it converges

\[f(x)=\begin{cases}2-e^{-0.2x}&\text{ for } x \ge 0\\0&\text{
otherwise} \end{cases}\]...help
 
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Nicole18 said:
the problem says y=f(x) and find the value of negative to positive infinityf(x)dx if it converges

f(x)={2-e^-.2x
{0
x is greater than or equal to 0
otherwise
...help

Hi Nicole18,

Welcome to MHB. :)

Can you edit your post a bit? It's hard to fully understand what you mean. The first line could be $f(x)={2-e^{-.2}}x$ or $f(x)={2-e^{-.2x}}$. The second and third lines don't make any sense to me. What is greater than or equal to 0? Line 2? Line 1? Something else?

Lastly is this an integral or a sum?

Jameson
 
Nicole18 said:
the problem says y=f(x) and find the value of negative to positive infinityf(x)dx if it converges

f(x)={2-e^-.2x
{0
x is greater than or equal to 0
otherwise
...help

Welcome on MHB Nicole!...

If You want to receive a precise answer You have to do a precise question. First : f(x) is like that... $\displaystyle f(x) = \begin{cases} 2-e^{- .2\ x}\ \text{if } x \ge 0\\
0\ \text{otherwise} \end{cases}$ (1)

... or some else?... Second: do You ask if ... $\displaystyle \int_{- \infty}^{+ \infty} f(x)\ dx$ (2) ... converges and if yes to what it converges?... Kind regards $\chi$ $\sigma$ P.S. If You click on 'replay with quote' You can have a good example of use of LaTex...
 
yes the way chisigma wrote it is correct...i really have no idea how to even start this i need a precise answer. how do i tell if it converges i know converges means it is getting close to a number
 
Nicole18 said:
yes the way chisigma wrote it is correct...i really have no idea how to even start this i need a precise answer. how do i tell if it converges i know converges means it is getting close to a number

Very well!... we can write thye integral as $I= I_{1}+ I_{2}$ where... $\displaystyle I_{1} = \int_{0}^{\infty} 2\ dx$ (1)$\displaystyle I_{2}= - \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{- \frac{x}{5}}\ dx$ (2)

Starting from the second we have...

$\displaystyle I_{2} = \lim_{t \rightarrow \infty} - \int_{0}^{t} e^{- \frac{x}{5}}\ dx = \lim_{t \rightarrow \infty} 5\ |e^{- \frac{x}{5}}|_{0}^{t} = - 5$ (3)

... a now the first...

$\displaystyle I_{1} = \lim_{t \rightarrow \infty} \int_{0}^{t} 2\ dx = \lim_{t \rightarrow \infty} 2 |x|_{0}^{t} = + \infty$ (4)

The conclusion is: the integral doesn't converge...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Nicole18 said:
the problem says \(y=f(x)\) and find the value of \(\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f(x)dx\) if it converges

\[f(x)=\begin{cases}2-e^{-0.2x}&\text{ for } x \ge 0\\0&\text{
otherwise} \end{cases}\]...help
The integral diverges since the exponential term goes to \(0\) as \(x\) becomes large, so the right tail of the integral is like the integral of a non zero constant (and of course the left tail converges since the integrand is zero for \(x\lt 0\).

CB
 

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