Why is the answer to this exponential integral ye^(x/y)dy and not e^(x/y)/y dy?

In summary, the integral in question is e^{x/y} dx and the answer is ye^{x/y} dy. This is because when integrating with respect to x, the derivative of yexp(x/y) is exp(x/y) by the chain rule. If using substitution, dx should be replaced with ydu since the integral is with respect to x.
  • #1
steelphantom
159
0
Ok, this isn't a particularly hard integral, but for some reason I don't understand why the answer is what it is. Here's the integral (BTW, it's part of a double integral):

[tex]\int e^{x/y} dx[/tex]

The answer is: [tex]ye^{x/y} dy[/tex] but I don't understand why.

Wouldn't it be in the form e^u, with u being x/y, and du being 1/y dy? If so, then the answer should be [tex]e^{x/y}/y dy[/tex], right? That's wrong I guess, because the rest of the integral is pretty much impossible to do if that's the answer. So basically, my question is, why is the answer the answer? :redface: Thanks!
 
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  • #2
You're integrating wrt x, so just consider y constant.
The derivative of yexp(x/y) wrt x is exp(x/y) by the chain rule, so that's the correct answer.

If you use substitution u=x/y, then you should replace dx with ydu (not use dy, since you're integrating wrt x).
 
  • #3
Galileo said:
You're integrating wrt x, so just consider y constant.
The derivative of yexp(x/y) wrt x is exp(x/y) by the chain rule, so that's the correct answer.

If you use substitution u=x/y, then you should replace dx with ydu (not use dy, since you're integrating wrt x).

Ah! That makes sense, especially since there's already a dy in the problem. No use having two of them. Thanks for the help!
 

FAQ: Why is the answer to this exponential integral ye^(x/y)dy and not e^(x/y)/y dy?

What is the Weird Exponential Integral?

The Weird Exponential Integral is a mathematical function that is used to calculate the area under the curve of a specific type of exponential function. It is denoted by the symbol Ei(x) and is defined as the integral of e^t / t from -x to infinity.

How is the Weird Exponential Integral different from other exponential integrals?

The Weird Exponential Integral is different from other exponential integrals because it is a complex function that can only be expressed in terms of special functions. It also has a unique singularity at t=0, making it difficult to evaluate analytically.

What are some applications of the Weird Exponential Integral?

The Weird Exponential Integral has many applications in physics and engineering, particularly in the study of diffusion processes and heat transfer. It is also used in the analysis of data from experiments involving exponential decay.

Is there a closed-form solution for the Weird Exponential Integral?

No, there is no general closed-form solution for the Weird Exponential Integral. However, there are special cases where it can be evaluated analytically, such as for certain values of x or in the limit as x approaches infinity.

How is the Weird Exponential Integral calculated?

The Weird Exponential Integral is typically calculated using numerical methods, such as the Gaussian quadrature or Simpson's rule. There are also various approximations and series expansions that can be used to estimate its value. Additionally, there are many computer programs and calculators that can calculate the Weird Exponential Integral for specific values of x.

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