Integrating xe^-(x-2): Solve with Substitution

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The discussion focuses on integrating the function xe^-(x-2). A user initially attempted substitution but found it unhelpful, leading to confusion over the correct approach. Suggestions included using integration by parts instead of substitution and clarifying the function's form, particularly if it was meant to be xe^-(x-2)^2. The conversation highlights that while the first integral can be easily solved, the second integral does not have a solution in terms of elementary functions. Ultimately, the integration of xe^-(x-2) can be approached through different methods, with some integrals remaining complex.
ramses07
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I'm having a brain fart and I can't figure out

xe^-(x-2).

I tried integrating by sub., which led me to;

U = x^2-4x+4
du = 2x -4

But that doesn't solve it, can anybody tell me ?
 
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You don't need to use substitution really. Write the exponential as a product of two terms.
 
\int xe^{-(x-2)}dx
I tried integrating by sub., which led me to;

U = x^2-4x+4
du = 2x -4

Your "U" doesn't really make sense.
Did you think to try integration by parts?
 
Is it possible that you meant
\int xe^{-(x-2)^2}dx

If that is the case, then, yes, the substitution u= (x- 2)^2= x^2- 4x+ 4 is reasonable. du= (2x- 4) dx which you can use by rewriting the integral as
\frac{1}{2}\int [(2x- 4)e^{-(x-2)^2}+ 4e^{-(x-2)^2}]dx

\frac{1}{2}\int e^{-u}du+ 2\int e^{-(x-2)^2}dx
Now that first integral is easy but the second integral can not be done in terms of elementary functions.
 
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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