Finding the integral of t e^(-lambda t) from t=0 to t=infinity

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The integral of t e^(-lambda t) from 0 to infinity is discussed, with the conclusion that it evaluates to 1/lambda. There is confusion regarding the presence of a missing factor of lambda in the antiderivative, which is crucial for maintaining correct dimensions. The participants clarify that the integration by parts was initially misapplied, leading to incorrect results. After correcting the expression to include the factor of lambda, the final evaluation confirms the integral's correctness. The discussion emphasizes the importance of careful step-by-step verification in integration problems.
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\int_{0}^{infty} t e^{-\lambda t} \lambda dt\frac{1}{\lambda e^{\lambda t}} (1 + t \lambda) \right]_{0}^{\infty} = \frac{1}{\lambda}

is this corect??

for hte infinity part we don't have to worry since the 1/exponential term goes to zero as does the t/exponential term. For t = 0 however t/exponentail is zero and what is left is 1/lambda
 
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You're missing a factor of lambda. It's helpful if you think of t as being a time, so that lambda is a frequency and the integral needs to have dimensions of time^2.
 
StatusX said:
You're missing a factor of lambda. It's helpful if you think of t as being a time, so that lambda is a frequency and the integral needs to have dimensions of time^2.
how am i missing it??

did i not do everything right??

see the whole work

\frac{-1}{\lambda e^{\lambda t}} (1 + t \lambda) \right]_{0}^{\infty} = \lim_{t \rightarrow \infty} \left(\frac{-1}{\lambda e^{\lambda t}} \right) - \left( \frac{-1}{\lambda}\right) - 0 \right) = \frac{1}{\lambda}

where does the extra fact oro lambda come from??
 
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The problem is before the first step you've shown, since the dimensions are wrong there as well. How did you take the antiderivative?
 
are u talkin about hte negative sign i was missing??

i did integration by parts..
 
No, you're missing a factor of lambda in the antiderivative. Go back through it step through step.
 
since we are on this what about
\int_{T}^{\infty} e^{-\lambda t} \lambda dt = -e^{-\lambda t} |_{T}^{\infty} = 0 + e^{-\lambda T}

am i missing a fact or of lambda here too.. WHY??
 
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StatusX said:
No, you're missing a factor of lambda in the antiderivative. Go back through it step through step.

i typed out the question wrong...

it should be e^\lambda t * lambda
 
I'm confused. Your antiderivative in the first step is right except for a factor of lambda. If you meant for there not to be a t multiplying the exponential, then your original answer is completely wrong. So which is it?
 
  • #10
Ok let's restart

\int_{0}^{\infty} t e^{-\lambda t} \lambda dt

and the integral is
\frac{-1}{\lambda e^{\lambda t}} (1 + t \lambda) \right]_{0}^{\infty} = \frac{1}{\lambda}

good?
 
  • #11
Yea, that's right.
 

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