Find the value of $\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}e^{-x^{2n}}\:\:dx$

calculusintegrationlimits

Find the value of $$\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}e^{-x^{2n}}\:\:dx$$

I just searched on the internet and learned that the given integral given is a special integral.

If we consider, $f(x)=e^{-x^{2n}}$ then we seen that $f(x)$ is an even function. Maybe it can help$?$

When I put $n=\infty$ in the $2n$ I got $e^{-x^{\infty}}$ How do I evaluate it$?$ As it's value depends on the valuenof $x$.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Apparently this is a MIT Integration Bee problem. But I ain't sure.

Best Answer

Consider the limit piecewise

$$\lim_{n\to\infty}x^{2n}=\begin{cases}0 & |x| < 1 \\ +\infty & |x| > 1\end{cases}$$

which by the continuity of $e^x$ gives the following limits

$$\lim_{n\to\infty}\exp(-x^{2n}) = \begin{cases}e^0 = 1 & |x| < 1 \\ e^{-\infty} = 0 & |x| > 1\end{cases}$$

so the integral converges to

$$\lim_{n\to\infty}\int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-x^{2n}}\:dx = \int_{-1}^1 dx = 2$$

by dominated convergence.

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