Gaussian integral in Mathematica

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on evaluating the Gaussian integral in Mathematica, specifically the expression \(\int^{\infty}_{-\infty} d^3 \mathbf{x} f(\mathbf{x}) e^{t g(\mathbf{x})}\). The user is guided to use Cartesian coordinates for the triple integral, resulting in the Mathematica code: Integrate[ Integrate[ Integrate[ f(x,y,z)*Exp[t*g(x)], {x,-Infinity, Infinity}], {y,-Infinity, Infinity}], {z,-Infinity, Infinity}]. The conversation also touches on the necessity of adjusting the integral for spherical or cylindrical coordinates if required. The importance of specifying the forms of functions f and g is emphasized.

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  • Understanding of Gaussian integrals in mathematical analysis
  • Familiarity with Mathematica syntax and functions
  • Knowledge of Cartesian, spherical, and cylindrical coordinate systems
  • Basic concepts of multivariable calculus
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Mathematicians, physicists, and students who are working with multivariable integrals in Mathematica, particularly those interested in Gaussian integrals and their applications in various fields.

MadMax
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How can I evaluate something like

\int^{\infty}_{-\infty} d^3 \mathbf{x} f(\mathbf{x}) e^{t g(\mathbf{x})}

in Mathematica, where x is a vector in 3D?
 
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When you say:

<br /> \int^{\infty}_{-\infty}d^3x<br />

It means that you want to integrate over all space, so first you need to pick a set of coordinates (which will probably depend on the coordinates in which you have f(x) and g(x) expressed). If you use Cartesian (the simplest) then

<br /> d^3x = dxdydz<br />

and now how you have to do a triple integral (one integral for dx where you think of y and z as constants, one for dy where you think of x and z and constants, and similarly for dz). So the Mathematica code would look like:

Integrate[ Integrate[ Integrate[ f(x,y,z)*Exp[t*g(x)], {x,-Infinity, Infinity}], {y,-Infinity, Infinity}], {z,-Infinity, Infinity}]

Where you have to supply the forms for f(x,y,z) and g(x,y,z).

If, on the other hand, you need to do it in spherical or cylindrical coordinates, then you have to add in a few more factors, which I could explain if you need them. Perhaps you already know all the math and just needed the syntax, in which case I apologize for telling you all this that you already knew, but I figured too much would be better than too little :cool:

Peace,
Jason
 
Last edited:
humm, yeah thanks man. I was hoping there would be a way to do it without expanding x... ah well, cheers mate.
 

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