How to solve an integration problem using integration by parts

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the distance traveled by a particle with a given velocity function v(t) = t²e^(-t) over a specified time interval. This falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically focusing on integration techniques such as integration by parts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply integration by parts but expresses uncertainty about the next steps after setting up the integral. Some participants provide their own setups and calculations, while others question the correctness of the differentiation and integration choices made by the original poster.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering different perspectives on the integration process. There is a mix of attempts to clarify the integration steps and to address potential misunderstandings about the setup. One participant indicates they have resolved their confusion, but the overall discussion reflects ongoing exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of integration by parts, particularly in the differentiation and integration of the chosen functions. The original poster references a textbook solution, suggesting a comparison of results is part of the discussion.

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A particle that moves along a straight line has velocity v(t) = t2e-t meters per second after t seconds. How far will it travel during the first t seconds.

This problem is from “calculus” by James Stewart 5e pg 517 # 61

I started the problem by using the formula for integration by parts. This is what I have.

∫udv = uv - ∫ v du

∫ t2e-t dt =

u = t2 dv = e-t
du = 2t v = -e-t

I don’t know where to go on from here. Can someone please show me the solution to this problem?
 
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[tex]\int t^2 e^{-t} dt[/tex]

[tex]u=t^2 \mbox{ and }v'=e^{-t}\implies u'=2t \mbox{ and }v=-e^{-t}[/tex]

[tex]\implies uv - \int u'vdt = -t^2e^{-t}+2\int te^{-t} dt[/tex]

Continue ...

-Wolfgang.
 
If u = t^2 then du is not 2t and dv is not e^-t
 
Steven60 said:
If u = t^2 then du is not 2t and dv is not e^-t

Why not? (Well, dv=-e^{-t} as shown above).
 
This is what I have:
∫t ^2 e ^-t dt
u = t ^2 dv = e ^-t
du = 2t v = -e ^-t

-t ^2 e ^-t + 2∫te ^-t dt
u = t dv = e ^-t
du = 1 dt v = -e ^-t

-t ^2 e ^-t + 2((t)(-e ^-t) - ∫(-e ^-t)(1)
-t ^2 e ^-t + 2(-te ^ -t) – (e^-t)
-t ^2 e ^-t – 2te^-t – 2e^-t
-e^-t (t^2 + 2t + 2)

The answer in the book says 2-e^-t (t^2 + 2t + 2)

I don't know what I'm doing wrong.
 
integration

Your integration by parts is right, but the particle have moved the distance, d:

[tex]d=[-e^{-t}(t^2+2t+2)]_0^t=(-e^{-t}(t^2+2t+2)\,+\,e^0\cdot 2)=2\,-\,e^{-t}(t^2+2t+2)[/tex]
 
thank you, i figured it out. c = 2
 

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