View Full Version : A very simple U-sub is wrecking my brain
jinksys
Jul19-09, 06:18 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Integral Sqrt[16-x^2]*x dx from 0 to 2.
2. Relevant equations
3. The attempt at a solution
First thing I do is a u-sub, so
u=16-x^2
du=-2xdx
I also my bounds change to upper=12 lower=16.
After I integrate and swap out my U, I get
-1/3*(16-x^2)^(3/2) from 16 to 12.
Am I using the wrong method?
Razzor7
Jul19-09, 06:26 PM
This is probably a stupid question, but why did you change the limits of integration?
Nabeshin
Jul19-09, 06:28 PM
Umm, this is actually a trig-substitution problem (which I guess is a class of u-substitution).
Try thinking of it in those terms.
Pjennings
Jul19-09, 06:29 PM
Have you thought of trying a trig substitution?
Razzor7
Jul19-09, 06:31 PM
Umm, this is actually a trig-substitution problem (which I guess is a class of u-substitution).
Try thinking of it in those terms.
You sure it's necessary? I get an answer that matches my calculator without incorporating any trig.
EDIT: Oh.
Pjennings
Jul19-09, 06:35 PM
You could do the problem using a u substitution, it's just easier to use the trig substitution.
Nabeshin
Jul19-09, 06:35 PM
I actually missed the *x in the problem the first glance through, but I still would go with trig substitution. Necessary, maybe not.
jinksys
Jul19-09, 06:40 PM
Are my bounds incorrect? I thought you had to adjust your bounds when using a usub.
Nabeshin
Jul19-09, 06:42 PM
You adjust if you keep the equation in terms of u, but if you substitute back in for x after integration, you retain the original x boundaries. Seems you substituted back into x and changed the boundaries, which doesn't work.
jinksys
Jul19-09, 06:56 PM
You adjust if you keep the equation in terms of u, but if you substitute back in for x after integration, you retain the original x boundaries. Seems you substituted back into x and changed the boundaries, which doesn't work.
This clears up a lot. Thanks. I got the correct answer now!
HallsofIvy
Jul19-09, 07:04 PM
That is one reason why it is a good idea to write the variable in the limits of integration:
\int_{x= 0}^2 \sqrt{16- x^2} xdx
after the substitution u= 16- x^2 becomes
-\frac{1}{2}\int_{u=16}^{12}u^{1/2}du
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