Mathmetics in Introductory Quantum Mechanics book

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The discussion centers around the challenges faced in solving Gaussian integrals, specifically the integrals of e^(-x^2) and x^2 e^(-x^2). The original poster expresses difficulty with these calculations, noting that they were not covered in their prior studies, including Thomas' calculus. Participants clarify that these integrals are typically introduced in physics courses rather than standard undergraduate math courses. They emphasize the importance of advanced calculus and complex analysis as prerequisites for understanding quantum mechanics. A detailed method for solving the integral of e^(-x^2) is provided, utilizing polar coordinates and the concept of the error function for non-elementary anti-derivatives. The conversation also touches on the need for proper mathematical notation in forum posts and the significance of understanding the necessary mathematical background before tackling quantum mechanics.
rar0308
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I'm reading Introductory quantum mechanics written by liboff.
When I solve problems, I stuck with calculation such as Intergral(-inf to +inf) e^(-x^2)dx, Intergral(-inf to +inf) (x^2) e^(-x^2)dx, and other many integrals.
I studied thomas' calculus but I think I haven't seen these in the book. So can't do it. Are there math books about these integrals? What math subject is related to these (high level?)integrals?
 
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These are examples of Gaussian integrals:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaussian_integral

I don't recall seeing them in any of my undergraduate math courses. I think most physics students (in the USA at least) learn about them in their physics courses.
 
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<Intergral(-inf to +inf) e^(x^2)dx> and the other one. I think you meant them with a minus e^(-x^2).

It depends on the curricula. An advanced course of calculus is normally taken before quantum mechanics or statistical mechanics.
 
The first one, Integral(-inf to +inf) e^(x^2)dx, is not in Thomas because it does not converge. But \int_{-infty}^\infty e^{-x^2}dx, as dextercioby suggests, certainly is in Thomas, and the second is a variation. You may be trying to find an anti-derivative formula and not finding that- neither integrand has an "elementary" anti-derivative. Both are used extensively in probability (e^{-x^2} is the "bell shaped curve") and so in quantum mechanics.

Here is a simple way to get the first integral:
Let I= \int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-x^2}dx. Since the integrand is symmetric about x=0, we also have I/2= \int_0^\infty e^{-x^2}dx.

And, we can write I/2= \int_0^\infty e^{-y^2}dy. Multiplying those together, I^2/4= \left(\int_0^\infty e^{-x^2}dx\right)\left(\int_0^\infty e^{-y^2}dy\right). By Fubini's theorem, we can write that product of integrals as a double integral:
I^2/4= \int_{x= 0}^{\infty}\int_{y=0}^\infty e^{-(x^2+ y^2}dydx

Now, change to polar coordinates: x^2+ y^2= r^2cos^2(\theta)+ r^2sin^2(\theta)= r^2 and dydx= r drd\theta. The area of integration, with both x going from 0 to infinity is the first quadrant. In polar coordinates, r goes from 0 to infinity while \theta goes from 0 to \pi/2. The integral becomes<br /> I^2/4= \int_{\theta= 0}^{\pi/2}\int_{r=0}^\infty e^{-r^2} rdrd\theta= \frac{\pi}{2}\int_0^\infty e^{-r^2} rdr<br /> <br /> That extra &#039;r&#039; in the integrand now allows us to make the change of variable u= r^2 so du= 2r dr and the integral becomes<br /> I^2/4= \frac{\pi}{4}\int_0^\infty e^{-u}du<br /> which is easy.<br /> <br /> It was necessary, to make that change to polar coordinates, that the integral be over the entire first quadrant. Again, that function, e^{-x^2}, has no elementary anti-derivative. In fact, its anti-derivative is typically written &quot;erf(x)&quot;, the &quot;error function&quot;, and it values are got by a numerical integration.
 
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Thank you very much for your helps and I'm glad to finally locate it.
Trying to find that integral, I have flipped over pages of thomas so many times.
Even I borrowed from library advanced calculus written by bucks. I found gamma function and Integral(-inf to +inf) e^(-x^2)dx in this book. Now I'm about to read both of them. Thanks again.
P.S. I'm curious about how to input mathematical notations at the post.
 
rar0308 said:
I'm curious about how to input mathematical notations at the post.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=386951
 
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For the records, just because it's <Introductory> QM, it doesn't mean it uses simple mathematics. That's why serious professors always provide their students with the so-called <prerequisites> before attempting any of their courses. As anybody should know, complex analysis and multi-variable differential and integral calculus are pre-requisites for a quantum mechanics course.

Of course, books don't have prerequisites, but merely opening one should get you informed on the necessary mathematics you need to comprehend its content.
 
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