I recognize that the ∫∞0e−xxndx=Γ(n+1) and ∫+∞−∞e−x2dx=√π. I am having difficulty, however with ∫+∞−∞e−x2xndx. By the substitution u=x2, this can be equivalently expressed as 12∫+∞−∞e−uun−12du. This integral is similar to the first one listed (which equates to the Γ function), except that its domain spans R like the second integral (which equates to √π). Any pointers on how to evaluate this integral would be helpful.
Answer
Let In:=∫+∞−∞e−x2xndx. If n is odd then In=0 and for p≥1:
I2p=∫+∞0e−x2x2pdx+∫0−∞e−x2x2pdx=∫+∞0e−t2t2pdt+∫+∞0e−t2(−t)2pdt(left: t=x,right: t=−x)=2∫+∞0e−t2t2pdt=2∫+∞0e−ssp12√sds(s=t2)=∫+∞0e−ssp−1/2ds=[−e−ssp−1/2]+∞0+∫+∞0e—s(p−12)sp−1−1/2ds=(p−12)I2(p−1).
Finally we get I2p+1=0 and I2p=√π∏pj=1(j−12) for all p≥0.
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