Substitution method with Integration by Parts?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral ∫x^3[e^(-x^2)]dx, which involves techniques such as integration by parts and substitution. Participants are exploring the methods to approach this integral and the complexities involved in the process.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use integration by parts but finds it complicated, leading to a switch to the substitution method. They express confusion about the variable changes and the overall process. Other participants confirm the original poster's approach and share their relief about the correctness of the method.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided positive feedback on the original poster's attempts, indicating that the approach taken may be valid. There is an acknowledgment of the challenges faced during the problem-solving process, but no explicit consensus on the final solution has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the complexities of variable substitution and integration techniques, with some expressing uncertainty about their methods. The discussion reflects the iterative nature of solving integrals and the importance of verification through differentiation.

csinger1
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Substitution method with Integration by Parts?

Homework Statement



Evaluate the integral...
∫x^3[e^(-x^2)]dx


Homework Equations



∫udv=uv-∫vdu

The Attempt at a Solution


I first tried using integration by parts setting u and dv equal to anything and everything. This seemed to make it more complicated so I decided to use the substitution method setting y=-x^2 and dy=-2xdx and finally -1/2dy=xdx to give me
1/2∫ye^ydy
From here i used integration by parts with u=y, du=dy, v=e^y and dv=e^y dy to get
1/2(ye^y-∫e^y dy) = 1/2(ye^y-e^y)
and then
1/2[-x^2e^(-x^2)-e^(-x^2)]
This problem got really confusing with all the variables and I just want to make sure that I'm not way off base with my methods and solution.
Thanks in advance for any input!
 
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csinger1 said:

Homework Statement



Evaluate the integral...
∫x^3[e^(-x^2)]dx


Homework Equations



∫udv=uv-∫vdu

The Attempt at a Solution


I first tried using integration by parts setting u and dv equal to anything and everything. This seemed to make it more complicated so I decided to use the substitution method setting y=-x^2 and dy=-2xdx and finally -1/2dy=xdx to give me
1/2∫ye^ydy
From here i used integration by parts with u=y, du=dy, v=e^y and dv=e^y dy to get
1/2(ye^y-∫e^y dy) = 1/2(ye^y-e^y)
and then
1/2[-x^2e^(-x^2)-e^(-x^2)]
This problem got really confusing with all the variables and I just want to make sure that I'm not way off base with my methods and solution.
Thanks in advance for any input!

Looks right to me.
 


That's a relief! I spent a loooonnnggg time working this problem. Thanks!
 


Once you have gotten an antiderivative, it's a good practice to check it by differentiating it. If your work is correct, the derivative of your answer should be the original integrand.
 

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