Integration by parts, where am I going wrong?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function \( \int_{1}^{2} x^2 e^{x} dx \) using the method of integration by parts. Participants are examining the steps taken to arrive at the solution and identifying potential errors in simplification.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply integration by parts multiple times and is seeking clarification on where their simplification may have gone wrong. Some participants suggest that the calculus steps are correct but emphasize the importance of showing all work for accurate feedback.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's attempts, with some confirming the correctness of the calculus involved while others point out potential errors in simplification. There is a collaborative effort to identify mistakes without providing direct solutions.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of frustration with formatting in LaTeX, which may have contributed to the confusion in the simplification process. The discussion highlights the importance of clarity in presenting mathematical work for effective assistance.

Kaldanis
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Homework Statement



[itex]\int_{1}^{2} x^2 e^{x} dx[/itex]

Homework Equations



Integrating by parts. Writing out chain rule, integrating both sides and rearranging gives ∫f(x)g'(x) dx = f(x)g(x) - ∫f'(x)g(x) dx

The Attempt at a Solution



[itex]\int_{1}^{2} x^2 e^{x} dx = \left[x^2 e^x\right]_{1}^{2} - \int_{1}^{2} 2x e^{x} dx[/itex]

Applying again gives:

[itex]\int_{1}^{2} x^2 e^{x} dx = \left[x^2 e^x\right]_{1}^{2} - \left(\left[2x e^x\right]_{1}^{2} - \int_{1}^{2} 2 e^{x} dx\right)[/itex]

Integrating last term gives:

[itex]\int_{1}^{2} x^2 e^{x} dx = \left[x^2 e^x\right]_{1}^{2} - \left(\left[2x e^x\right]_{1}^{2} - \left[2e^x\right]_{1}^{2}\right)[/itex]

When I simplify this I get -2e2 + 3e, however I know the answer should be 2e2-e.

Can someone please point out where my mistake is?
 
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You got the calculus part right. You just didn't simplify it correctly, but we can't tell you where since you didn't show us that part of your work.
 
vela said:
You got the calculus part right. You just didn't simplify it correctly, but we can't tell you where since you didn't show us that part of your work.

Ah yeah, I was getting frustrated with trying to write it out in latex! But thanks for letting me know I've at least got all that part right, I'll try again a few more times and then write it out here if I can't get it
 
you didnt show you last step so I think you made a sign error there.

(4ee - e) - ( 4ee - 2e - (2ee - 2e) ) ==> 4ee - e - 4ee + 2e + 2ee - 2e ==> 2ee - e
 
Thank you :D I got it. I screwed up a + and - my first 50 times of trying to solve this.

(22e2-12e) - ( (2*2e2 - 2e) - (2e2 - 2e) )
= (4e2 - e) - ( (4e2 - 2e) - (2e2 - 2e) )
= (4e2 - e) - ( 4e2 - 2e -2e2 + 2e )
= 4e2 - e - 4e2 + 2e + 2e2 - 2e
= 2e2 - e
 

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