- #1
JFuld
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Homework Statement
The context of this question is physics related but the problem I am having is purely mathematical.
g(t)= e^(-(a^2)(t^2))*e^(iwt) (a and w are just constants, i is sqrt(-1), not a constant)
I need to integrate this function with respect to t from -infinity to +infinity.
Homework Equations
error function: erf(x) = 2/sqrt(pi) * e^-t^2dt evaluated from t=0 to t=x
erf(infinity)=1, erf(-infinity) = -1
The Attempt at a Solution
i simplified g(t) to = e^(iwt-(a^2)(t^2)) and used an online integrator to get the answer.
My problem is that the integrated function involves the error function. From the math classes I have taken, the only way for me to have gotten that answer is if I had looked it up.
Clearly I won't be able to use an online integrator on an actual test so I was wondering If there are methods to deduce the answer without actually taking the integral.
Any insight is much appreciated.