The change of variables, also known as substitution, is a powerful method that simplifies the process of integration by transforming it into a more familiar or solvable form.The idea is to choose a new variable, say \(t\), related to \(w\) such that the integral becomes easier. Here's how it goes down:
- Pick a substitution \(t = \phi(w)\) that simplifies the integral.
- Express \(dw\) in terms of \(dt\), i.e., find \(d\phi(w)/dt\).
- Rewrite the limits, if necessary, using the new variable.
- Perform the integration with respect to \(t\) and change back to \(w\) if needed.
In our specific problem, even though a change of variables wasn't explicitly used, understanding this technique allows for great flexibility when evaluating complex integrals.Additionally, if integration by parts doesn't fully simplify the integral, a followed substitution might be the key to breaking down the problem further.