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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral of the function t e^(-lambda t) from t=0 to t=infinity, focusing on the correct application of integration techniques and dimensional analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the antiderivative of the integral, questioning the presence of a missing factor of lambda and discussing the implications of dimensional consistency.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing examination of the steps taken in the integration process, with some participants suggesting that a factor of lambda is missing in the antiderivative. Others express confusion about the correctness of the initial setup and calculations, leading to a reevaluation of the approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential issues with the dimensions of the integral and the correctness of the integration by parts method. There is also mention of a misunderstanding in the original formulation of the problem.

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[tex]\int_{0}^{infty} t e^{-\lambda t} \lambda dt[/tex][tex]\frac{1}{\lambda e^{\lambda t}} (1 + t \lambda) \right]_{0}^{\infty} = \frac{1}{\lambda}[/tex]

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

[tex]\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}[/tex]

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
[tex]\int_{T}^{\infty} e^{-\lambda t} \lambda dt = -e^{-\lambda t} |_{T}^{\infty} = 0 + e^{-\lambda T}[/tex]

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

[tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} t e^{-\lambda t} \lambda dt[/tex]

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

good?
 
  • #11
Yea, that's right.
 

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