How can I use all the data to solve this integral calculus problem?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an integral calculus problem presented in a college-level Calculus 1 class. Participants explore various approaches to the integral, including the use of special functions and potential issues with the problem statement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the integral can be expressed in terms of the error function if the integrand were negative, but since it is positive, they propose using the Dawson integral function instead.
  • Another participant questions the problem's formulation, suggesting that if the function were xe^{x^2}, it would be easier to integrate, implying that the current function e^{x^2} cannot be integrated in terms of elementary functions.
  • A different participant provides a detailed integration approach, indicating a method involving integration by parts and the evaluation of a definite integral, but does not clarify the correctness of their steps.
  • There is a suggestion to verify the problem with the professor, indicating a possible typo in the problem statement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the solvability of the integral and the appropriateness of the problem as stated. There is no consensus on the best approach or the validity of the problem itself.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the dependence on the specific form of the integrand and the limitations of elementary functions in integration, highlighting unresolved aspects of the problem formulation.

wonglk9090
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What class is this for, where did the problem come from. A text or written by prof?
 
That is just Cal 1 class in college level...I guess it is written by my professor.
Is that too difficult??lol
 
This is plain impossible. The solution can be expressed in terms of the error function if it was negative x squared (which is not elementary):

$$\displaystyle \frac{\mathrm{erf}(3)\sqrt{\pi}}{2}$$

But since it is positive, we need to use the Dawson integral function. The answer then becomes

$$\displaystyle e^9\mathrm{Di}(3)$$

where Di denotes the Dawson integral.
 
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I suggest you reread the problem and then, possibly, ask your teacher if there has not been a typo. If the function were [itex]xe^{x^2}[/itex], this would be easy- and . But the function [itex]e^{x^2}[/itex] cannot be integrated in terms of elementary functions.
 
Your professor is sneaky, you really must make use of all the data:

[tex]\int f(x) dx=x f(x)-\int f'(x)xdx=xf(x)-\int e^{x^2}(\frac{x^2}{2})'dx=xf(x)-\frac{1}{2} \int (e^{x^2})' dx=xf(x)-\frac{e^{x^2}}{2}+c[/tex]

Now, since this is a definite integral:

[tex]\int_0^3 f(x) dx=3f(3)-\frac{e^{3^2}}{2}-0f(0)+\frac{e^{0^2}}{2}=21-\frac{e^{3^2}}{2}+\frac{1}{2}[/tex]
 

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