What is int_-oo^oo e^(-x^2) dx?

1 Answer
Aug 10, 2016

I = sqrt pi

Explanation:

This is the most common approach to this.

We square the integral, switch it to the product of 2 integrals in independent variables, and so use Fubini to create a double integral. That can then be switched to polar and actually evaluated.

I = int_-oo^oo e^(-x^2) dx

I^2 =( int_-oo^oo e^(-x^2) dx )* ( int_oo^oo e^(-x^2) dx)

=( int_-oo^oo e^(-x^2) dx )* ( int_-oo^oo e^(-y^2) dy)

= int_(y = -oo)^(oo) int_(x = -oo)^(oo) e^(-x^2) * e^(-y^2) dx dy

= int_(y = -oo)^(oo) int_(x = -oo)^(oo) e^(-(x^2+ y^2)) dx dy

switching to polar co-ordinates

= int_(phi = 0)^(2 pi) int_(r = 0)^oo e^(-r^2) r \ dr \ d phi

= int_(phi = 0)^(2 pi) \ d phi * int_(r = 0)^oo e^(-r^2) r \ dr

= 2 pi * [ -1/2e^(-r^2) ]_(r = 0)^oo = pi

implies I = sqrt pi