Improper double integral over R2

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating an improper double integral of the function e^-(x^2 + (x-y)^2 + y^2) over the entire region R2, utilizing the known result that the integral from -∞ to +∞ of e^(-x^2) equals the square root of Pi.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the simplification of the integrand and the potential for integrating with respect to x first. There is mention of using integration by parts, but uncertainty arises regarding its effectiveness. One participant suggests finding a change of variables to simplify the expression further, specifically by completing the square.

Discussion Status

Some participants are exploring the change of variables approach and discussing the implications of integrating over R2. There is acknowledgment of the challenges faced with the completing the square technique, and one participant indicates they have found suitable variables that simplify the integral to a more manageable form.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the necessity to integrate over the entire R2 when changing variables, and the discussion includes considerations about the nature of linear transformations in this context.

theneedtoknow
Messages
169
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Recall that the integral from -∞ to +∞ of e^(-x^2) is equal to the square root of Pi. Use this fact to calculate the double integral of e^-(x^2 + (x-y)^2 + y^2) dx over the entire region R2.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I am not sure if it's even the right thing to do, but what's in the brackets simplifies to e^-(2x^2-2xy+2y^2) = e^(2xy-2x^2-2y^2)

Now to do the inner integral first, I will integrate with respect to x

I can use the propery of exponents to formt he integral from -∞ to +∞ of e^2xy * e^(-2x^2) * e^(-2y^2)

since y is a constant I can pull e^(-2y^2) and integrate just e^2xy * e^(-x^2)

However, this is where I get stuck...
I try to integrate by parts but that only gives me a more complicated integral to do, so I don't know if it's the right way to go. Any suggestions?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Why don't you concentrate on trying to find a change of variables so that (2x^2-2xy+2y^2)=u^2+v^2 for u and v some linear functions of x and y? I.e. complete the square and use a jacobian to change the variables?
 
Last edited:
If I change variables, I still integrate the new variables over the entire r2 right? A linear transformation of R2 covers R2 always?
 
theneedtoknow said:
If I change variables, I still integrate the new variables over the entire r2 right? A linear transformation of R2 covers R2 always?

If it's linear and nonsingular, sure. And I think you can choose one that is.
 
Last edited:
Hey, Thanks a lot for the help!
I have never done this "completing the square" procedure below, so I had no idea what to do with it, but I did look up how to do it online and I played around with it for a while and in the end I think I found a u and v that work so that i get e^(-u^2 - v^2)

And in the end my integral came out to be Pi/root(3), which I hope is right :D
 
theneedtoknow said:
Hey, Thanks a lot for the help!
I have never done this "completing the square" procedure below, so I had no idea what to do with it, but I did look up how to do it online and I played around with it for a while and in the end I think I found a u and v that work so that i get e^(-u^2 - v^2)

And in the end my integral came out to be Pi/root(3), which I hope is right :D

That's what I get.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K