Integrating exp(x^2) Without Numerical Methods: A Simple Guide

Thread starter kasse
Start date Nov 6, 2008
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Integral

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Integrating exp(x^2) analytically is not feasible without numerical methods. The integral can be expressed using the imaginary error function, but this function typically requires numerical evaluation for most limits of integration. Special cases exist where it can be solved, but they are limited. Overall, numerical methods remain essential for practical evaluation of this integral. Thus, integrating exp(x^2) analytically is largely impractical.

Nov 6, 2008

kasse

Is it possible to integrate exp(x^2) without using numerical methods?

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Nov 6, 2008

gabbagabbahey

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Not really...you can express it in terms of the imaginary error function, but with the exception of certain special limits of integration, the imaginary error function can only be evaluated numerically.

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