How Do You Start Solving the Integral of e^(sqrt(x))?

  • Thread starter Thread starter BlackMamba
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Beginning Integral
Click For Summary
To solve the integral \(\int_{0}^{4} e^{\sqrt{x}} \, dx\), a substitution of \(u = \sqrt{x}\) is suggested, leading to \(x = u^2\) and \(dx = 2u \, du\). This transforms the integral into \(\int_{0}^{2} e^u \cdot 2u \, du\) with new limits of integration from 0 to 2. The discussion highlights the confusion around applying the substitution correctly and emphasizes the importance of integration by parts in the process. Ultimately, the integral converges, and the participants express gratitude for the guidance received.
BlackMamba
Messages
187
Reaction score
0
Hello,

I have this integral that is stumping me. Once I get the basic start then I know I can finish the rest myself it's just getting started that's stumping me.

Here is the problem:

\int_{0}^{4} {e^\sqrt{x}} dx

First this doesn't appear to me to be an improper integral. So I should just go ahead and solve as normal. But I'm told to find if the integral converges or diverges and evaluate it if it converges. So even though this integral is not an improper integral, I assume I can still apply the same rules.

To begin however, is where I'm getting stuck.

Substitution doesn't appear to help. if I use u = x^{1/2}I think I'm making this harder than it needs to be...

Any and all input would be greatly appreciated!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
u^2 = x, then

d({u^2})\,=\,2u du
 
Thank you

I understand how you got that.

u=\sqrt{x} then,
u^2 = x

However, I'm getting lost as to how I'm supposed to substitute that into the original equation.

I think the part that is throwing me is the d(u^2) = 2udu

This is as far as I'm getting:

\int_{0}^{4} {e^\sqrt{u^2}} du

\int_{0}^{4} e^u du

Am I just adding the 2u and then do integration by parts?
 
Last edited:
BlackMamba said:
Thank you

I understand how you got that.

u=\sqrt{x} then,
u^2 = x

However, I'm getting lost as to how I'm supposed to substitute that into the original equation.

I think the part that is throwing me is the d(u^2) = 2udu

This is as far as I'm getting:

\int_{0}^{4} {e^\sqrt{u^2}} du

\int_{0}^{4} e^u du

Am I just adding the 2u and then do integration by parts?
Using the u-substitution that astronuc showed you, you then have:
\int e^{\sqrt{x}}dx = \int e^{\sqrt{u^2}}2u \,du

Your idea about 'adding' 2u and applying integration by parts is correct.
 
Thanks FrogPad and thanks again to Astronuc.

The help was greatly appreciated!
 
The new limits of integration will be 0 and 16.

Daniel.
 
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?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K