What is the Integral Solution for a Calculus Problem with Two Variables?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a calculus problem involving integrals with two variables, specifically focusing on an equation that includes exponential functions and derivatives. Participants are examining the integration process and the implications of certain variables within the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration of an equation with respect to x and the resulting expressions. There are questions about the presence of the variable "m" in the expected answer, and some participants express confusion about the derivation process and whether the correct problem is being addressed.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the problem, with participants questioning the original poster's approach and highlighting potential discrepancies in the variables used. Some guidance has been offered regarding starting points for integration, but no consensus has been reached on the correct method or interpretation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the expected result includes both variables n and m, which raises questions about the completeness of the original poster's work. There is also mention of an attachment that may provide additional context, but its content is not detailed in the discussion.

eas123
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Homework Statement



See attached.

Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



I integrated the equation with respect to x to obtain
∫\frac{d}{dx}(xe^{-x}\frac{df}{dx})dx+∫ne^{-x}fdx= constant
The first term on the left hand side goes to zero as x, df/dx are bounded at 0, infinity. This leaves the expression ∫ne^{-x}fdx= constant which is not the one given.
 

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hi eas123! :smile:

what happened to m ? :confused:
 
Hi. :-)

What do you mean? I don't know how to derive the expression.
 
your expected answer, ##\int_0^{\infty} e^{-x}f_n(x)f_m(x) dx = 0##, has an "m" in it

i don't see an "m" in your actual work
 
So where have I gone wrong?
 
eas123 said:
So where have I gone wrong?

i'm completely confused :redface:

you seem to be solving a different problem :confused:

start with ##e^{-x}f_n(x)f_m(x) dx = 0##, and integrate it :smile:
 
eas123 said:

Homework Statement



See attached.

Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



I integrated the equation with respect to x to obtain
∫\frac{d}{dx}(xe^{-x}\frac{df}{dx})dx+∫ne^{-x}fdx= constant
The first term on the left hand side goes to zero as x, df/dx are bounded at 0, infinity. This leaves the expression ∫ne^{-x}fdx= constant which is not the one given.
The following is an image of the attachment. Please notice that the result you are to prove contains both n and m . That's what tiny-tim is telling you.

attachment.php?attachmentid=58464&d=1367661781.jpg
 

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