Integral of x^2*exp(x^2) using erfc tables

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function x^2*exp(-x^2) over specified limits, particularly from 0 to infinity and from 1.5 to infinity. Participants explore methods for solving this integral using error function tables and discuss various approaches, including substitution and partial integration.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a detailed solution for the integral of x^2*exp(-x^2) using error function tables, mentioning a method involving multiplying integrals.
  • Another participant points out that the integral diverges if the function were x^2*exp(x^2), but later corrects this to x^2*exp(-x^2).
  • A suggestion is made to use substitution (y = x^2) to transform the integral into a more manageable form, leading to an expression involving the Gamma function.
  • Another participant provides a series of equations related to the error function and outlines a method using partial integration to derive the integral from a general form.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the correctness of the substitution approach but acknowledges the straightforwardness of the multiplying integration method.
  • A later reply confirms that the provided method using partial integration aligns with what the original poster was seeking, emphasizing a different way to separate variables.
  • A new participant introduces a different integral involving x^2 and an exponential function with coefficients, seeking assistance for a solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for solving the integral, with multiple approaches and some uncertainty expressed regarding the correctness of certain methods. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal technique for integration.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific equations related to the error function, but there are limitations in the assumptions made about the integrals and the dependence on definitions of the error function and Gamma function. The discussion also reflects varying levels of familiarity with integration techniques.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in advanced integration techniques, particularly those involving error functions and exponential functions, may find this discussion beneficial.

ronphysics
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Can anybody show me how to integrate x^2*exp(-x^2) between the limits 0 to infinity(symbol=00) and 1.5 to infinity with detail steps. I want this by using error function table. I know the 'multiplying integral method'. Here is what I did so far
int(0,00) x^2*exp(-x^2)
=x^2*int(0,00)exp(-x^2)-int(0,00)[2*x*int(0,00)exp(-x^2)]
=x^2(pi^0.5/2)-int(0,00)[2*x*(pi^0.5/2)] ...first term also between (0,00)
This seems to be giving 00! Where am I missing?
Thanks.

Also please show me how to do this between limits (1.5,00) with error function tables.
 
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Did you get that right? [tex]x^2e^{x^2}[/tex] is divergent, those integrals will be [tex]\infty[/tex].
 


alxm said:
Did you get that right? [tex]x^2e^{x^2}[/tex] is divergent, those integrals will be [tex]\infty[/tex].
Oh, I am terribly sorry. I meant x^2*exp(-x^2). Forgot the negative sign. I corrected the original post (could not correct the Sub line). Thanks.
 
Hmm, okay. Well what I'd do is first do a substitution, e.g.
[tex]y = x^2[/tex]
Resulting in:
[tex]\frac{1}{2}\int\sqrt ye^{-y}dy[/tex]
Then use partial integration which will land you with a infinite series for the indefinite integral.

For the case of:
[tex]\frac{1}{2}\int^\infty_0\sqrt ye^{-y}dy[/tex] you can 'cheat' and note that it's [tex]= \frac{1}{2}\Gamma(1.5)[/tex]
 


alxm said:
Hmm, okay. Well what I'd do is first do a substitution, e.g.
[tex]y = x^2[/tex]
Resulting in:
[tex]\frac{1}{2}\int\sqrt ye^{-y}dy[/tex]
Then use partial integration which will land you with a infinite series for the indefinite integral.

For the case of:
[tex]\frac{1}{2}\int^\infty_0\sqrt ye^{-y}dy[/tex] you can 'cheat' and note that it's [tex]= \frac{1}{2}\Gamma(1.5)[/tex]
alxm, I don't know whether your approach is correct. But its pretty straightforward with 'multiplying integration'. You can find a method somewhere on the web.

My problem is trying to use error function approach.
 
Hello ronphysics,

You need to use the following four equations in order to solve it the way you want. These are:

[tex]\int_0^{\infty}e^{-ax^2}dx=\frac{1}{2}\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{a}}[/tex]
[tex]erf(x)=\frac{2}{\sqrt{\pi}}\int_0^{x} e^{-t^2}dt[/tex]
[tex]erfc(x)=\frac{2}{\sqrt{\pi}}\int_{x}^{\infty} e^{-t^2}dt[/tex]
[tex]erf(x)=1-erfc(x)[/tex]

Now I will show how to obtain the general question as:

[tex]I=\int_{\beta}^{\infty}x^2e^{-x^2}dx[/tex]

Afterwards you need to find for yourself the solution to your integrals, and additionally check them by using the definite numbers for [itex]\beta[/itex]. If any problems occur, just post. OK, so the first step is to use partial integration. This gives:

[tex]I=\int_{\beta}^{\infty}x^2e^{-x^2}dx= -\int_{\beta}^{\infty}\frac{x}{2}d\left(e^{-x^2}\right)= -\left[\frac{x}{2}e^{-x^2}\right]_{\beta}^{\infty}+\frac{1}{2}\int_{\beta}^{\infty}e^{-x^2}dx= \frac{\beta}{2}e^{-{\beta}^2}+\frac{1}{2}erfc(\beta)\frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2}[/tex]

Therefore, after rewriting:

[tex]I=\frac{\beta}{2}e^{-{\beta}^2}+\frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{4}erfc({\beta})= \frac{\beta}{2}e^{-{\beta}^2}+\frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{4}\left(1-erf({\beta})\right)[/tex]

Is this the method you were looking for?

coomast
 
coomast said:
Hello ronphysics,

You need to use the following four equations in order to solve it the way you want. These are:

[tex]\int_0^{\infty}e^{-ax^2}dx=\frac{1}{2}\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{a}}[/tex]
[tex]erf(x)=\frac{2}{\sqrt{\pi}}\int_0^{x} e^{-t^2}dt[/tex]
[tex]erfc(x)=\frac{2}{\sqrt{\pi}}\int_{x}^{\infty} e^{-t^2}dt[/tex]
[tex]erf(x)=1-erfc(x)[/tex]

Now I will show how to obtain the general question as:

[tex]I=\int_{\beta}^{\infty}x^2e^{-x^2}dx[/tex]

Afterwards you need to find for yourself the solution to your integrals, and additionally check them by using the definite numbers for [itex]\beta[/itex]. If any problems occur, just post. OK, so the first step is to use partial integration. This gives:

[tex]I=\int_{\beta}^{\infty}x^2e^{-x^2}dx= -\int_{\beta}^{\infty}\frac{x}{2}d\left(e^{-x^2}\right)= -\left[\frac{x}{2}e^{-x^2}\right]_{\beta}^{\infty}+\frac{1}{2}\int_{\beta}^{\infty}e^{-x^2}dx= \frac{\beta}{2}e^{-{\beta}^2}+\frac{1}{2}erfc(\beta)\frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2}[/tex]

Therefore, after rewriting:

[tex]I=\frac{\beta}{2}e^{-{\beta}^2}+\frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{4}erfc({\beta})= \frac{\beta}{2}e^{-{\beta}^2}+\frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{4}\left(1-erf({\beta})\right)[/tex]

Is this the method you were looking for?

coomast

coomast,

Thanks. Thats exactly what I was looking for. My mind was stuck in separating variables as x^2 and exp(-x^2). However, the useful way to seprate is x and x*exp(-x^2). Thanks again.
 
Hi all,

I am trying for the following integration

∫x2 exp(a0+a1x+a2x2) dx

Please help me to find a solution.

Sivaji
 

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