Definite Integral Word Problem

Definite Integral Word Problem
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The sales of a plastic widget were estimated to be:

$P(t)  =  8000te ^{−0.5t}$

where $t$ is in weeks, and $P(t)$ is in units per week.

How many widgets were sold in the first $9$ weeks?

To start, I need to definite integral. This means that I need a $v$, $\mathrm{d}v$, $u$, and $\mathrm{d}u$.

I know $u= t$, $du = dt$, $dv = e^{-0.5t}$ and $v= -e^{-0.5t}/{0.5}$

So then it should be

$\int^9_08000te^{-.5t}dt$

After that I should switch it to

$8000\int^9_0te^{-.5t}dt$

But I'm not sure what to do after that point to get the answer.

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1 Answer

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In order to solve the integral, taking into account you are using parts method:

$uv\int vu' dt$

Solve that indefinite integral (comment if you need help there), compute and then apply the boundaries

And of course, the 8000 must be outside the integral, not duplicated inside.

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James H. Sterling
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James H. Sterling

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.