Integrate $$y= \frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2},~y=0,~x=0,~x=1$$

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function $$y= \frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2}$$ within the bounds of $$x=0$$ and $$x=1$$, with the context suggesting a volume calculation related to a surface of revolution.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration process, particularly the application of the chain rule and the handling of constants in the integral. There is mention of the difficulty in finding the antiderivative of $$e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2}$$ and the distinction between this and the integral of $$x e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2}$$. Some participants question the clarity of the problem statement regarding the intended task.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the integration challenge. Suggestions for substitution methods have been offered, and there is an acknowledgment of the complexity involved in finding the antiderivative of the given function.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted ambiguity in the problem statement, as some participants express uncertainty about the specific task to be completed, particularly regarding the volume calculation and the nature of the surface of revolution.

Jovy
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Homework Statement


[/B]

$$y= \frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2},~y=0,~x=0,~x=1$$

Homework Equations



$$Volume=2\pi\int_a^b p(x)h(x)dx$$

The Attempt at a Solution



I understand how to do the problem, I'm just having trouble integrating.
##h(x)=\frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2},~ p(x)=x##
And you just plug that into the equation.
When you integrate ##\frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2}x## , you use the chain rule right? But first you move the constant ##\frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}## out of the integral next to the ##2\pi##
So it would look like this, ##Volume=2\pi~\frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}~\int_0^1~ xe^{ \frac{- x^2} 2}dx##

I know the anti derivative of ##e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2} is, e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2}## and then you have to do the anti derivative of ## { \frac{- x^2} 2}## as part of the chain rule right? Well, that is where I get stuck.
 
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Hi Jovy:

I suggest you investigate the substitution u = (x^2)/2, du = x dx

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Buzz
 
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Jovy said:

Homework Statement


[/B]

$$y= \frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2},~y=0,~x=0,~x=1$$

Homework Equations



$$Volume=2\pi\int_a^b p(x)h(x)dx$$

The Attempt at a Solution



I understand how to do the problem, I'm just having trouble integrating.
##h(x)=\frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2},~ p(x)=x##
And you just plug that into the equation.
When you integrate ##\frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2}x## , you use the chain rule right? But first you move the constant ##\frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}## out of the integral next to the ##2\pi##
So it would look like this, ##Volume=2\pi~\frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}~\int_0^1~ xe^{ \frac{- x^2} 2}dx##

I know the anti derivative of ##e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2} is, e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2}## and then you have to do the anti derivative of ## { \frac{- x^2} 2}## as part of the chain rule right? Well, that is where I get stuck.

No, the antiderivative of ##e^{-x^2/2}## is a non-elementary function. In other words, it is not possible to write down the antiderivative in a finite number of terms involving the standard functions. Even if you try to write it down in 1 billion pages of horrible algebra, you cannot do it.

Fortunately, you don't need the antiderivative of ##e^{-x^2/2}##, but of ##x e^{-x^2/2}## instead, and that is a much different story.
 
Jovy said:

Homework Statement


[/B]

$$y= \frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2},~y=0,~x=0,~x=1$$
What exactly is the problem? All you have given us is an equation in x and y, but you haven't said what it is you're supposed to do?

From your attempt below, it would seem that you're trying to find the volume of a surface of revolution, but there is no clue above that that's what you need to do.
Jovy said:

Homework Equations



$$Volume=2\pi\int_a^b p(x)h(x)dx$$

The Attempt at a Solution



I understand how to do the problem, I'm just having trouble integrating.
##h(x)=\frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2},~ p(x)=x##
And you just plug that into the equation.
When you integrate ##\frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2}x## , you use the chain rule right? But first you move the constant ##\frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}## out of the integral next to the ##2\pi##
So it would look like this, ##Volume=2\pi~\frac 1 {\sqrt{2\pi}}~\int_0^1~ xe^{ \frac{- x^2} 2}dx##

I know the anti derivative of ##e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2} is, e^{ \frac{- x^2} 2}## and then you have to do the anti derivative of ## { \frac{- x^2} 2}## as part of the chain rule right? Well, that is where I get stuck.
 

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