Rewriting an integral involving an exponential

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    Exponential Integral
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SUMMARY

The integral \(\int_0^{\infty} r^k e^{-a r} dr\) evaluates to \(\frac{k!}{a^{k+1}}\). The discussion highlights the use of integration by parts as a key technique for solving this integral. Additionally, the relationship between the integral \(I(k)\) and \(I(k-1)\) is crucial for simplifying the problem. The polynomial expansion of \(e^{-ar}\) was initially considered but proved less effective than the integration by parts method.

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Repetit
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Can someone help me show the following:

\int_0^{\infty}r^k e^{-a r} dr=\frac{k!}{a^{k+1}}

I tried to use the polynomial expansion of e^x:

\sum_{n=0,1...} \frac{x^n}{n!}

...but I get stuck pretty fast. Can someone give me a few hints?


Thanks!
 
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Just do integration by parts and apply one more well known technique of proof (it might help if you let that integral be I(k), 'cos then what is I(k-1), and how does that link up with the hint to do things by parts?)
 
I got it now! I wasn't really as difficult as it first seemed. Thanks a lot! :-)
 

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