Math Problem Statement

integrate exp(-x^2)

Solution

The integral of ex2e^{-x^2} does not have a simple closed-form solution in terms of elementary functions. However, it can be expressed using the error function, commonly denoted as erf(x)\text{erf}(x). Specifically, the indefinite integral of ex2e^{-x^2} is:

ex2dx=π2erf(x)+C\int e^{-x^2} \, dx = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2} \text{erf}(x) + C

where erf(x)\text{erf}(x) is the error function, defined as:

erf(x)=2π0xet2dt\text{erf}(x) = \frac{2}{\sqrt{\pi}} \int_0^x e^{-t^2} \, dt

For definite integrals, such as ex2dx\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-x^2} \, dx, the result is well-known and equal to:

ex2dx=π\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-x^2} \, dx = \sqrt{\pi}

Would you like further details or have any specific questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How is the error function erf(x)\text{erf}(x) derived?
  2. What is the Gaussian integral and why is it important?
  3. How can ex2e^{-x^2} be approximated numerically?
  4. What are the applications of the error function in probability and statistics?
  5. Can you explain how ex2dx=π\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-x^2} \, dx = \sqrt{\pi} is computed?

Tip: The Gaussian integral appears frequently in statistics and quantum mechanics, especially in normal distributions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Gaussian Integral
Error Function

Formulas

\( \int e^{-x^2} \, dx = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2} \text{erf}(x) + C \)
\( \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-x^2} \, dx = \sqrt{\pi} \)
\( \text{erf}(x) = \frac{2}{\sqrt{\pi}} \int_0^x e^{-t^2} \, dt \)

Theorems

Gaussian Integral Theorem
Error Function Properties

Suitable Grade Level

University Level