Integral of (1/(at+b))e^(-t^2)

  • Thread starter Thread starter quantum_2000
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integral
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion centers around the integral of the function (1/(at+b))e^(-t^2), specifically integrating between a positive x and +infinity. The problem involves a negative quadratic exponential divided by a linear function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find an analytical solution for the integral, noting success when b=0 but encountering difficulties when b is not zero. Some participants question the need for numerical values for parameters a, b, and x, suggesting numerical integration as a potential approach. Others inquire about the origin of the integral, with one participant explaining its connection to the pdf of a normal distribution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations and approaches. While some guidance has been offered regarding numerical integration, there is no explicit consensus on a solution or method for the original problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster emphasizes the need for a solution that can be computed in a single Excel cell, highlighting constraints on computational methods. There is also mention of the integral's relation to the pdf of a normal distribution, which may influence the approach to the problem.

quantum_2000
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I need to calculate the integral of (1/(at+b))e^(-t^2), that is, a negative quadratic exponential divided by a linear function at+b. I need to integrate between some positive x and +infinity.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I could find the integral for b=0. In fact the integral of 1/(at) e^(-t^2) between x>0 and +infinity is equal to -1/(2a) Ei(-x^2) where Ei(x) is the exponential integral function defined as
-Ei(-x)=E1(x)=Integral of (1/t)e^-t between x and +infinity. Since Ei can be expressed through the Incomplete Gamma function and I have the latter in Excel, in this case my problem would be - at least computationally - solved.

However, when b is not zero I cannot find any solution. Any help guys?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Seems like a tough one. Do you have numerical values for a, b, and x? If yes, I would suggest a numerical integration.
 
The reason why I need an analytical solution is that I need to be able to compute the integral in a single Excel cell for any given set of parameter values. So, say that a=20 b=50 and x=80, I need to compute in a single cell (that means without being able to compute partial results in any other cell or set of cells) the integral of e^-t^2 / (20a+50) between 80 and + infinity.
If I understand correctly what you mean by numerical integration, it seems this would require to launch a calculation with a specific software for each instance, and this is not what I need :(
Any other ideas? Please help!
 
May I ask where the integral comes from?
 
It is the integral of the pdf of a normal distribution times 1/t. With substitution I get the integral in the title where b is the mean of the distribution. So, if anyone has a solution to compute the integral of (1/t)*PDF(NormalDistribution(mu,sigma),t) from x>0 to +infinity, this would make me very happy as well.

Now, I could also explain where this comes from, but it is not a short story...
 
So, in the end no one has a clue about it?
 

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
10K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K