Integral of e^(-ax) from evaluated between neg/pos infinity

Thread starter kkowalko
Start date Apr 27, 2010
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Infinity Integral

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The integral of e^(-ax) evaluated from negative to positive infinity diverges, leading to an infinite result. The user attempted to calculate it and suggested that the positive half of the integral is "1/a + a." However, the correct approach involves recognizing that the area under the curve f(x) = e^(-x) converges to a finite value. Graphing the function can help visualize the area, which is essential for understanding the integral's behavior. The discussion emphasizes the importance of proper evaluation techniques in calculus for handling infinite integrals.

Apr 27, 2010

kkowalko

Hey guys I am working on a Physics problem and can't figure out a little but of math involved. What is this integral? I tried it out and got "1/a + a", assuming "1/a" is the positive half of the integral.

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Apr 27, 2010

Gigasoft

The integral is infinite.

Apr 27, 2010

zachzach

Graph f(x) = e^{-x} and see if you can tell what the area under it is.

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