Integrating challenge I am having

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving integration problems involving the Gaussian Integral and the evaluation of definite integrals. The first integral, $$\int e^{-x^2}\;dx$$, is confirmed to equal $$\sqrt{\pi}$$ when evaluated over the entire number line. The second integral, $$\int_{-\infty}^\infty xe^{-x^2}\; dx$$, results in 0 due to the symmetry of the function about the y-axis. The participant acknowledges a mistake in their substitution, which led to confusion in arriving at the correct answer.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus
  • Familiarity with Gaussian integrals
  • Knowledge of definite integrals and limits
  • Experience with substitution methods in integration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Gaussian integrals in depth
  • Learn about symmetry in definite integrals
  • Practice substitution techniques in integration
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, such as integration by parts
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for calculus exams, educators teaching integral calculus, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of integration techniques and Gaussian integrals.

terp.asessed
Messages
126
Reaction score
3
Hi, I am doing an exercise practice samples for the upcoming quiz, and stumbled across two questions I'm having trouble solving...

First question is to integrate integral e-x2 dx ...where the solution is equal to pi1/2

Also...

As for the second question (of a different equation) how can one solve for the result when I integrated an equation (another example) and got a x*e-x2 = ?, where x = -infinite to x = infinite? The answer is 0, but I don't know how to get there.

If anyone could explain, I'd appreciate it!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In the first problem:$$\int e^{-x^2}\;dx$$... where the solution is ##\sqrt{\pi}## ?
Did you miss out the limits of the integration?
Over the entire number line, this is called "the Gaussian Integral".
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaussian_integral

For the other one: $$\int_{-\infty}^\infty xe^{-x^2}\; dx = 0 $$ ...you should be able to tell that is true by looking at the symmetry, but you may prefer to use a substitution.
What have you tried?
 
Hello, thank you for hints--I just realized I made a mistake in my substitution. I got 0--and yes, since the area under the one curve is + and the other -, altogether, they become 0.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K