What is the Integral of e^(-bx^2) Using Substitution?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral of the function e^(-bx^2) from zero to infinity, with reference to a known result for the integral of e^(-x^2). Participants are exploring substitution methods and the implications of constants in the context of integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts substitution with x = y/sqrt(b) but encounters difficulties with the resulting constant 1/sqrt(b). Other participants question the treatment of sqrt(b) as a constant and its role in the integral. There is also a mention of a related integral involving a constant c and a different function form.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing guidance on substitution techniques and differentiation with respect to b. There is a collaborative atmosphere, with multiple interpretations and approaches being discussed without a clear consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

There are references to known integral results and specific substitution methods, indicating that participants are working within the constraints of established mathematical principles. The original poster's confusion about constants suggests a need for clarification on their role in the integration process.

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Hello!

I've got a problem I've been working on for hours.

I get a clue;

If the integral (from zero to infinity) of e^(-x^2) is sqrt(pi)/2, what is
the integral (from zero to infinity) of e^(-bx^2)?

I've tried substitution, but I kind of got it wrong. If x = y/sqrt(b), I get the same integral as in the clue. But then I'm stuck with a 1/sqrt(b) which I can't get rid of. Anyone up for the challenge? Thanks..
 
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What do you mean get rid of? sqrt(b) is a constant, and it will appear in the final answer.
 
StatusX said:
What do you mean get rid of? sqrt(b) is a constant, and it will appear in the final answer.

But is sqrt(b) a constant when it is the same thing as y/x? Can I move it outside the integral?
 
I'll take the whole problem:

The integral (from zero to +infinity) of c*x^2*e^(-bx^2) dx = 1

I get the clue: integral (from zero to +infinity) of e^(-x^2) = sqrt(pi) / 2

What is c?
 
You know

[tex]\frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2} = \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-x^{2}} dx.[/tex]

Use the substitution [itex]u = \sqrt{b} x[/itex] to calculate

[tex]I \left( b \right) = \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-bx^{2}} dx[/tex]

for any [itex]b[/itex]. Then differentiate with respect to [itex]b[/itex] both sides of

[tex]I \left( b \right) = \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-bx^{2}} dx[/tex]

to find the integral that you want.

Regards,
George
 
George Jones said:
You know

[tex]\frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2} = \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-x^{2}} dx.[/tex]

Use the substitution [itex]u = \sqrt{b} x[/itex] to calculate

[tex]I \left( b \right) = \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-bx^{2}} dx[/tex]

for any [itex]b[/itex]. Then differentiate with respect to [itex]b[/itex] both sides of

[tex]I \left( b \right) = \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-bx^{2}} dx[/tex]

to find the integral that you want.

Regards,
George

Thanks a lot George and StatusX. Appreciate you taking your time. :!)
 

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