Chapter 7: Problem 50
In Problems 49-60, use either substitution or integration by parts to evaluate each integral. $$ \int x e^{-2 x^{2}} d x $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The integral \( \int x e^{-2x^2} dx = -\frac{1}{4} e^{-2x^2} + C \).
Step by step solution
01
Choose the Integration Method
Given the integral \( \int x e^{-2x^2} dx \), we will use substitution as it is suitable for integrals involving polynomial expressions and their derivatives. Integration by parts is not ideal here because we don't have a clear product of functions to use.
02
Substitution Setup
We aim to simplify \( e^{-2x^2} \). Let's choose the substitution \( u = -2x^2 \). This gives us \( du = -4x \, dx \). Consequently, solving for \( x \, dx \) gives \( x \, dx = -\frac{1}{4} du \).
03
Substitution Application
Substitute \( u = -2x^2 \) and \( x \, dx = -\frac{1}{4} du \) into the original integral:\[ \int x e^{-2x^2} \, dx = \int e^u \left(-\frac{1}{4} \, du\right) \]This simplifies to:\[ -\frac{1}{4} \int e^u \, du \]
04
Integrate with Respect to u
The integral \( \int e^u \, du \) is simply \( e^u \). Thus, the integration becomes:\[ -\frac{1}{4} e^u + C \]Where \( C \) is the constant of integration.
05
Substitute Back to x
Replace \( u \) with \( -2x^2 \) to express the solution in terms of \( x \):\[ -\frac{1}{4} e^{-2x^2} + C \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Substitution Method
The substitution method in calculus is a powerful tool for simplifying integrals that are otherwise difficult to solve. The key idea is to replace a complicated part of the integral with a single variable, usually denoted as \( u \). This method involves three main steps:
- **Choosing a Substitution:** Identify a part of the integral that, when substituted with \( u \), makes the integral easier to evaluate. Common choices include expressions that appear frequently and their derivatives.
- **Calculate \( du \):** Once you choose your substitution, differentiate it to find \( du \). This step allows you to replace \( dx \) or any other derivatives in the integral.
- **Rewrite and Integrate:** Substitute all parts of the integral accordingly and then perform the integration with respect to \( u \). Solve the simplified integral and don't forget to convert back to the original variable, \( x \).
Integration by Parts
Integration by parts is another technique for solving integrals, based on the product rule for differentiation. The formula it uses is:\[\int u \, dv = uv - \int v \, du\]This method is handy when the integral is a product of two functions. The steps involve:
- **Identify Parts:** Choose which part of the integral will be \( u \) and which will be \( dv \). A common strategy is using the LIATE rule—Logarithmic, Inverse trigonometric, Algebraic, Trigonometric, Exponential.
- **Differentiate and Integrate:** Differentiate \( u \) to find \( du \) and integrate \( dv \) to find \( v \).
- **Apply the Formula:** Calculate \( uv - \int v \, du \) to solve the integral.
Indefinite Integral
An indefinite integral, often called an antiderivative, represents a family of functions whose derivative gives the original function. It's written without limits of integration, resulting in a general form that includes a constant, \( C \). Here's how it works:
- **Result of Integration:** Calculating an indefinite integral results in a general antiderivative plus an arbitrary constant, \( C \). This accounts for the fact that the derivative of a constant is zero, meaning the original function could have been any constant plus another function.
- **Notation:** Represented as \( \int f(x) \ dx \), it's signified by a solitary integral sign and involves evaluating the antiderivative of \( f(x) \).
- **Purpose:** Indefinite integrals are used to determine the original functions from their derivatives, helping in solving differential equations and problems within physical sciences.