Integrating xe^{ax}: A Step-by-Step Solution

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To evaluate the integral ∫xe^{ax}dx, integration by parts is recommended. The correct solution is given as (xe^{ax}/a) - (e^{ax}/a^2). The discussion highlights mistakes in the initial substitution and derivative calculations. Users emphasize the importance of correcting these errors to arrive at the right answer. The conversation illustrates the step-by-step process of integration by parts and the common pitfalls encountered.
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Homework Statement



Evaluate: \int{xe^{ax}}dx

Homework Equations



Integration by substitution

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm on a phone at the moment. My work: http://postimg.org/image/v4hdr5uqx/

The correct answer was:
\frac{xe^{ax}}{a}-\frac{e^{ax}}{a^2}
 
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You should do this integral by parts. Some of your original substitutions don't look OK.
 
http://postimg.org/image/ao3mi4ygz/

I feel like I'm getting closer but I'm still making a dumb mistake. Is it with the derivatives?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
If dv = e^{ax} dx, then v = e^{ax} is wrong. There are also multiple errors on the second line, but you need to fix what I said first.
 
Got it. Thanks for pointing out my mistakes.
\int{xe^{ax}}dx u=x du=dx dv=e^{ax}dx v=\frac{e^{ax}}{a}
\frac{xe^{ax}}{a}-\int{\frac{e^{ax}}{a}}dx
\frac{xe^{ax}}{a}-\int{e^{ax}a^{-1}}dx=\frac{xe^{ax}}{a}-\frac{e^{ax}}{a^2}

Power rule + derivative mistake
Thanks for the help.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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