Need help with difficult integration by parts problem

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster seeks assistance with the integration of the function (x^3) e^(3x^2) dx, expressing frustration over repeated unsuccessful attempts to solve it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest making substitutions to simplify the integral, while others propose rewriting the integral in a different form to facilitate integration by parts. There are discussions about the structure of the integral and the potential use of derivatives of exponential functions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively sharing hints and suggestions, with some providing specific strategies for approaching the integral. There is a mix of advice regarding rewriting the integral and using integration by parts, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive method.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of attachment approvals and formatting issues related to presenting mathematical expressions, indicating some constraints in communication within the thread.

kkidd002
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Homework Statement




integrate: (x^3) e^(3x^2) dx



Homework Equations



uv- integral vdu

The Attempt at a Solution



i've tried this many times on paper and can't get the right answer. I'm starting to get really frustrated. Please help, and be specific as possible.
 
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Since you haven't shown any work I'll assume the worst :s.

First you should make a substitution if possible, to get just e^t.

And when you have an integral of the form:

[tex]\int x^n T(x) dx[/tex]
where T(x) is a Transcendental function (e^x, sin x, cos x, a^[bx+c], ln x, etc..). And it's antiderivative should be easier than the entire function, otherwise you'll go from a hard integral to a harder one.

to solve that type of integral you need to make the substitutions:
[tex]u=x^n[/tex]
[tex]v'=T(x)[/tex]
and you will need to integrate n times, continue with u=x^n and eventually you will get rid of the x term and have only T(x) which would be a trivial integral. ex. [tex]...-\int cos x dx[/tex]
Also when integrating and say you have [tex]-3\int x^n cos 3x dx[/tex] don't just choose u=x^n; v'=cos 3x, place that coefficient on either u or v' to maybe cancel it out. A better choice would be u=x^n; v'=-3cos 3x, which gives u'=nx^(n-1); v=-sin3x
This way you don't have to worry about multiplying everything by that - sign, you might forget it and get the entire thing wrong :/
 
My advice is to rewrite the integral as this

[tex]\frac{1}{6}\int x^2(6xe^{3x^2}) dx[/tex]

and then use integration by parts

Here is a nice hint to help you

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}(e^{3x^2})=6xe^{3x^2}[/tex]
 
this is my solution

i added a file with my solution
 

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could you just write it out? usually it takes a while before attachments are approved.
 
i don't know how to write integral signs like you do
 
click on the integral and you'll see the code it should be like this:

[ tex] \int ... x^2 [ /tex]

without the spaces before the tex and /tex
 
wow its a sintax languege like programming
i'll try to get used to it
about the attachments

it always instantly appears on my pc that my attachment massage
is added to the thread
 
it has to be approved by a moderator before we can see it I think.

and here's a thread that has guides on how to use the LaTeX typesetting that's really useful here.
 
  • #10
ok thanks
 
  • #11
rock.freak667 said:
My advice is to rewrite the integral as this

[tex]\frac{1}{6}\int x^2(6xe^{3x^2}) dx[/tex]

and then use integration by parts

Here is a nice hint to help you

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}(e^{3x^2})=6xe^{3x^2}[/tex]

Best solution here =]
 
  • #12
even easier is to separate x^3 into x * x^2 and then set u = x^2. then use integration by parts
 
  • #13
You can do it in ASCII: you want int x^3*exp(3*x^2) dx. This looks nicer in 'tex', but is perfectly legible without it. If you wanted the definite integral from x=a to x=b you could write int(f(x) dx, x=a..b) or int_{x=a..b} f(x) dx.

RGV
 
  • #14
Hey ! This thread is nearly 4 years old! LOL.
 
  • #15
For the record, I still like my hint :smile:
 

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