Zaymiey

📐 Mathematics  ·  Integrals  ·  JEE

Evaluate: integral from 0 to ∞ of e<sup>-x²</sup> dx.

Answer: √π/2.

  • A 1
  • B π/2
  • C √π/2
  • D √π

Correct answer: C. √π/2

Explanation: Gaussian integral: let I=∫₀^∞ e<sup>−x²</sup>dx. Then (2I)²=∫∫e<sup>−x²−y²</sup>dx dy over the plane. Converting to polar: 2π∫₀^∞ re<sup>−r²</sup>dr = π. So (2I)²=π, giving I=√π/2.

xyabArea = integral of f(x) dxRectangles approximate the area (Riemann sum)

The exact area under the curve from a to b (shaded) is approximated by a few rectangles, the Riemann sum idea behind the definite integral.

Concept context

Indefinite and definite integrals, areas under curves

Read the full Integrals notes →