Chapter 6: Problem 40
Evaluate the integral. $$\int_{-2}^{0} x e^{-x^{2}} d x$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The result of the definite integral is \(-1/2 [1 - e^4]\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify substitution
To make the integral easier to solve, we apply the technique of substitution. Let \(u = -x^2\). This means \(du = -2x dx\). We can then find \(dx\) in terms of \(du\) as \(dx = du / (-2x)\).
02
Substitute
Substituting \(u\) into the integral, and adjusting the limits of the integral accordingly, we get \(\int_{4}^{0} e^{u} du / -2\).
03
Simplify
This simplifies to \(-1/2 \int_{4}^{0} e^{u} du\).
04
Evaluate integral
The integral of \(e^{u}\) with respect to \(u\) is simply \(e^{u}\). So, we have \(-1/2 [e^{0} - e^{4}]\).
05
Simplify
Simplifying, we get \(-1/2 [1 - e^4]\).
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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 is a powerful integration technique, frequently employed when dealing with complex integrals. The idea is to simplify an integral by substituting a part of it with a new variable, usually denoted as \( u \). This often reduces the complexity of the problem and makes the integration process more manageable.
To apply the substitution method, you should:
To apply the substitution method, you should:
- Identify a part of the integral that can be substituted, ideally something that will simplify the form of the function.
- Define a new variable \( u \), and express \( dx \) in terms of \( du \) by differentiating \( u \) with respect to \( x \).
- Adjust the limits of integration if you are dealing with definite integrals. Substitute these new limits in terms of \( u \).
- Re-evaluate the integral in terms of \( u \) and solve it.
- Finally, substitute back the original variable to arrive at the final result.
Definite Integrals
Definite integrals are a concept in calculus that allow us to calculate the net "area" under a curve from one point to another. Unlike indefinite integrals, which are more general, definite integrals have specified limits of integration, offering specific numerical results.
To solve a definite integral:
To solve a definite integral:
- Evaluate the antiderivative of the function.
- Apply the limits of integration to the antiderivative, which involves plugging in the upper limit and subtracting the value of plugging in the lower limit.
- The result is the net area under the curve between those two points.
Exponential Functions
Exponential functions, characterized by the form \( e^x \), are functions where the variable is in the exponent. These functions grow rapidly and have unique properties that simplify integration and differentiation.
Key aspects of exponential functions include:
Key aspects of exponential functions include:
- The derivative of \( e^x \) is \( e^x \), and similarly, the integral of \( e^x \) is also \( e^x \).
- They have a natural base \( e \), approximately equal to 2.718, which simplifies logarithmic and exponential operations.
- In integration calculations, \( e^{u} \) makes solving certain integrals straightforward, as it is its own derivative and antiderivative.