Integrating exp(x^2) like gaussian integral?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the integral \(\int^{1}_{0} e^{x^2} dx\) and whether it can be solved similarly to the Gaussian integral. Participants explore various methods of integration, including numerical evaluation, series expansion, and transformations to polar coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if the integral can be solved like the Gaussian integral, seeking help.
  • Another participant notes that the integral can be expressed in terms of the error function but not in elementary functions, providing a numerical approximation.
  • A participant attempts to solve the integral using polar coordinates but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their approach.
  • Some participants challenge the polar coordinate transformation, stating that the Cartesian rectangle does not correspond to the claimed polar limits.
  • One participant suggests using a Taylor series expansion for the integrand to derive an infinite series as an alternative solution.
  • Another participant confirms that the series approach leads to a result involving the error function, specifically the complementary error function (erfc).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the polar coordinate approach, with some asserting it is incorrect while others seek clarification on the proper method. Multiple competing views on how to approach the integral remain present.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the challenge of parametrizing the Cartesian coordinates in polar coordinates and the unresolved nature of the integral's expression in terms of elementary functions.

coki2000
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Integrating exp(x^2) like gaussian integral??

Hi,
I can't solve this integral \int^{1}_{0}\\e^{x^2}\\dx

Can I solve this integral like gaussian integral?
Please help me
Thanks.
 
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The Gaussian integral you are referring to is usually being integrated from minus infinity to plus infinity. Integrals like yours can be expressed in terms of the so-called error function but not in terms of more elementary functions.

The numerical value of the integral in your case is 1.46265.
 


I found a solvation but I am not sure that the solvation is right.Firstly I write the integral in cartesian coordinates as surface integral after in polar coordinates.
Where r=\sqrt{x^2+y^2}

\int_S {e^{r^2}}dA=\int_{0}^{1} \int_{0}^{1} e^{{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}}^2}dxdy=\int_{0}^{1} e^{x^2}dx\int_{0}^{1} e^{y^2}dy=[\int_{0}^{1}e^{x^2}]^2

\int_S {e^{r^2}}dA=\int_{0}^{\pi /4} \int_{0}^{1} e^{r^2}rdrd\theta=\frac{\pi }{8}{(e-1)}=[\int_{0}^{1}e^{x^2}]^2

I determine the limits from graph of e^{x^2}

\int_{0}^{1}e^{x^2}=\sqrt{\frac{\pi }{8}{(e-1)}}

I solve this problem like solvation of gaussian integral but I'm in doubt that it is right.
Please help me and show me right solvation.
Thanks.
 
Last edited:


Your result is incorrect and the reason is that the rectangle [0,1] x [0,1] in Cartesian coordinates cannot easily be parametrized in polar coordinates, in particular it does not correspond to [0,pi/4] x [0,1] , which describes an 45 degree sector of the unit disc.
 


If you don't mind getting a infinite series for an answer, replacing the integrand with its Taylor series and integrating term by term gives a relatively nice looking series:

\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{(2n+1) n!}
 


Pere Callahan said:
Your result is incorrect and the reason is that the rectangle [0,1] x [0,1] in Cartesian coordinates cannot easily be parametrized in polar coordinates, in particular it does not correspond to [0,pi/4] x [0,1] , which describes an 45 degree sector of the unit disc.
If that is so, then what can we do to solve this integral?I worked to solve this integral like the solvation of gaussian integral but I can't find the parameters of integrals.If this solution is right, what is the parameters of integrals else what is the right solution of this problem?
I really wonder the solution.
Please help me,
Thanks in advance.
 


It has no more elementary expression other than in terms of the Error Function, which is pretty much just shorthand notation for that integral anyway, or you could try the series I put up if you like that better. There is NO "nicer" solution in terms of things like pi and e.
 


Gib Z said:
If you don't mind getting a infinite series for an answer, replacing the integrand with its Taylor series and integrating term by term gives a relatively nice looking series:

\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{(2n+1) n!}

I gave this series to Maple, and the result it gave me involves the error function in the form erfc:

\frac{i\sqrt {\pi }}{2} \left( -1+{\rm erfc} \left( i \right) \right)
 


g_edgar said:
I gave this series to Maple, and the result it gave me involves the error function in the form erfc:

\frac{i\sqrt {\pi }}{2} \left( -1+{\rm erfc} \left( i \right) \right)

Erfc is the complementary function of the error function, and is often defined to be 1-erf(x).

Since erf(x)=\frac{2}{\sqrt{\pi}} \int^x_0 e^{-t^2} dt and through some formal manipulations, we first let x= i, and then change variables via u= it we can easily show how the expression maple gives is indeed \int^1_0 e^{t^2} dt
 

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