# Math Help - Normalizatoin Constant and a Gaussian Integral.

1. ## Normalizatoin Constant and a Gaussian Integral.

Hello! I'm attempting to compute the normalization constant N for the following function $f(x)=N e^{-(x-x_0)/2k^{2})}$. This is generally done by evaluating $\int |f(x)|^{2}dx=1$, where the limits of integration are -inf to +inf.
I can get this right up until the point where I need to make a u substitution.
$1=\int |N e^{-(x-x_0)/2k^{2})}|^{2}dx$
$1=\int N^2 e^{-(x-x_0)^2/k^2} dx$
$1=N^2 \int e^{-(x-x_0)^2/k^2} dx$
making the substitution $u=x-x_0, du=dx$
$1=N^2 \int e^{-u^2/k^2}du$
This integral is only slightly more clear to me. It looks like a Gaussian integral, but, how do I go about solving it? Any help is much appreciated.

2. ## Re: Normalizatoin Constant and a Gaussian Integral.

I would actually make the subtitution

$u=\frac{x-x_{0}}{k}.$

That should make the integral a more standard integral.

3. ## Re: Normalizatoin Constant and a Gaussian Integral.

So, that would yield: $1=N^{2} \int e^{-u^{2}}du=N^{2}\sqrt{\pi}$ ?

4. ## Re: Normalizatoin Constant and a Gaussian Integral.

Originally Posted by atomicpedals
So, that would yield: $1=N^{2} \int e^{-u^{2}}du=N^{2}\sqrt{\pi}$ ?
I don't think you've quite got it yet. The substitution I suggested requires a change in the differential as well. The final answer had better have a 'k' in it somewhere.

5. ## Re: Normalizatoin Constant and a Gaussian Integral.

Woops! $1=N^{2}\frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{k}$ which then yeilds a normalization constant $N=\pm\frac{\sqrt{k}}{\pi^{1/4}}$ .

6. ## Re: Normalizatoin Constant and a Gaussian Integral.

Better, but still not quite there yet. Be careful as to numerator and denominator. Can you show your working, please?

7. ## Re: Normalizatoin Constant and a Gaussian Integral.

So my line of thinking was as follows:

$u=\frac{(x-x_{0})}{k}$ which I think yields $du=\frac{1}{k}dx$ and so $1=N^{2}\int \frac{1}{k}e^{-u^{2}}du=1=N^{2}\frac{1}{k}\int e^{-u^{2}}du=N^{2}\frac{1}{k}\sqrt{\pi}$

8. ## Re: Normalizatoin Constant and a Gaussian Integral.

Wait... I should have $kdu=dx$ shouldn't I...

9. ## Re: Normalizatoin Constant and a Gaussian Integral.

Originally Posted by atomicpedals
So my line of thinking was as follows:

$u=\frac{(x-x_{0})}{k}$ which I think yields $du=\frac{1}{k}dx$
Fine so far.

and so $1=N^{2}\int \frac{1}{k}e^{-u^{2}}du$
The problem here is that what you start with is a dx, not a du. Solve du = dx/k for dx. That's what you must plug in.

$=1=N^{2}\frac{1}{k}\int e^{-u^{2}}du=N^{2}\frac{1}{k}\sqrt{\pi}$