What would the new limits be for this integral?

In summary, the speaker is working on a physics problem involving the integral \int_{0}^{∞} r e^{-\frac{1}{2 r_0}(r-i r_0^2 q)^2}dr. They have found that making the substitution u=r-i r_0^2 q allows them to integrate, but they are unsure about the limits in terms of u. They also mention that one of the integrals turns out to be a gaussian integral with no indefinite form. The upper limit is ∞, but the lower limit of -i r_0^2 q does not make sense. The other person suggests separating the integrand into real and imaginary parts before substitution, or considering that u is
  • #1
Xyius
508
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I am working on an physics problem and it has boiled down to this integral.

[tex]\int_{0}^{∞} r e^{-\frac{1}{2 r_0}(r-i r_0^2 q)^2}dr[/tex]

I found that if I make the substitution ##u=r-i r_0^2 q##, then I can do the integration, but I am a little confused about what the limits would be in terms of u. Normally I would just replace u with its expression in terms of r, but one of the integrals turns out being a gaussian integral and thus, doesn't have an indefinite form.

I have for the upper limit to be ∞, but the lower limit is ##-i r_0^2 q##. This lower limit obviously will not work for the gaussian integral. Plus it doesn't make sense to me, a negative, complex radial limit?
 
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  • #2
Xyius said:
I am working on an physics problem and it has boiled down to this integral.

[tex]\int_{0}^{∞} r e^{-\frac{1}{2 r_0}(r-i r_0^2 q)^2}dr[/tex]

I found that if I make the substitution ##u=r-i r_0^2 q##, then I can do the integration, but I am a little confused about what the limits would be in terms of u. Normally I would just replace u with its expression in terms of r, but one of the integrals turns out being a gaussian integral and thus, doesn't have an indefinite form.

$$\int_a^b f(x)dx = \int_{u(a)}^{u(b)}g(u)du$$

I have for the upper limit to be ∞, but the lower limit is ##-i r_0^2 q##. This lower limit obviously will not work for the gaussian integral. Plus it doesn't make sense to me, a negative, complex radial limit?

I see... perhaps the way to make sense of it for you is to separate the integrand into real and imaginary parts before you do the substitution.

You can also consider that u is not a radius.
 

FAQ: What would the new limits be for this integral?

What is an integral?

An integral is a mathematical concept that represents the area under a curve on a graph. It is a fundamental tool in calculus and is used to solve a variety of problems in math and science.

What are the limits of an integral?

The limits of an integral define the range of values over which the integral is calculated. They determine the starting and ending points of the curve on the graph that is being integrated.

How do you determine the new limits for an integral?

The new limits for an integral can be determined by analyzing the problem or scenario at hand. It is important to consider the context and the given information to determine the appropriate range of values for the integral.

Why are the limits important in an integral?

The limits are important in an integral because they define the area that is being calculated. Without limits, the integral would be undefined and meaningless. They also allow us to calculate the area under a specific portion of a curve, rather than the entire curve.

Can the limits of an integral be negative?

Yes, the limits of an integral can be negative. This means that the area being calculated is below the x-axis on the graph. Negative limits are often used when calculating net change or displacement in physics problems.

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