Chapter 7: Problem 43
Evaluate the indefinite integral. Illustrate, and check that your answer is reasonable, by graphing both the function and its antiderivative (take \( C = 0 \)). \( \displaystyle \int xe^{-2x} dx \)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The antiderivative is \(-\frac{1}{2}xe^{-2x} - \frac{1}{4}e^{-2x} + C\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify Integration Method
Notice that the integral \( \int xe^{-2x} \, dx \) involves a polynomial \( x \) and an exponential \( e^{-2x} \). This suggests using integration by parts, where we let \( u = x \) and \( dv = e^{-2x} \, dx \).
02
Determine \( du \) and \( v \)
The formula for integration by parts is \( \int u \, dv = uv - \int v \, du \). Calculate \( du \) as the derivative of \( u \), which is \( du = dx \), and find \( v \) by integrating \( dv \):1. \( du = dx \)2. Integrate \( dv = e^{-2x} \, dx \) - \( v = \int e^{-2x} \, dx = \frac{-1}{2} e^{-2x} \)
03
Apply Integration by Parts Formula
Substitute \( u \), \( du \), \( v \), and \( dv \) into the integration by parts formula:\[\int xe^{-2x} \, dx = x\left(\frac{-1}{2}e^{-2x}\right) - \int \left(\frac{-1}{2}e^{-2x}\right) \, dx\]Simplify:\[= -\frac{1}{2}xe^{-2x} + \frac{1}{2}\int e^{-2x} \, dx\]
04
Evaluate Remaining Integral
Complete the integration for \( \int e^{-2x} \, dx \):\[= -\frac{1}{2}xe^{-2x} - \frac{1}{4}e^{-2x} + C\]where \( C \) is the constant of integration.
05
Confirm Result with Graphs
Graph both the original function \( xe^{-2x} \) and its antiderivative \( -\frac{1}{2}xe^{-2x} - \frac{1}{4}e^{-2x} \) with \( C = 0 \). Ensure that the derivative of the antiderivative resembles the original function, indicating correctness.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Indefinite Integral
An indefinite integral is a fundamental concept in calculus, often described as the "antiderivative" of a function. When we evaluate an indefinite integral, our goal is to find a function whose derivative is equal to the integrand. In simpler terms, we are finding a function that, when differentiated, gives us the function inside the integral sign.
- Unlike definite integrals, which calculate the exact area under a curve between two points, indefinite integrals represent a family of functions.
- The result of an indefinite integral includes a constant of integration, typically denoted as "C," which accounts for the vertical shift of the function.
Exponential Functions
An exponential function is a mathematical expression in which a constant base is raised to a variable exponent. These functions are characterized by their rapid rate of growth or decay. In this particular exercise, the exponential function present is \( e^{-2x} \).
- Exponential functions like \( e^x \) and \( e^{-x} \) are unique because their derivative is proportional to the function itself, making them elegant and powerful tools in calculus.
- The negative sign in \( e^{-2x} \) indicates an exponential decay, slowing the growth of the function as \( x \) increases.
Antiderivative
The antiderivative is essentially the reverse process of differentiation. If you want to think of it as rewinding a function to its original state before differentiation, you're on the right track. Finding the antiderivative is the crux in evaluating indefinite integrals.
- The antiderivative can be visualized as a curve that results from integrating a given function, along with a constant "C" that accounts for the unknown vertical shift.
- Antiderivatives are not unique because of this constant of integration; any function of the form \( F(x) + C \) is an antiderivative of \( f(x) \).