Integrating $\frac{1}{\sqrt{2\beta x-\alpha x^2}}$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2\beta x - \alpha x^2}}\). Participants explore various methods for integrating this expression, share experiences with computational tools, and express uncertainty regarding the results obtained.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in integrating \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2\beta x - \alpha x^2}}\) and mentions receiving an unexpected result from Wolfram.
  • Another participant suggests that the integration should yield a function of \(x\) rather than a number.
  • Concerns are raised about the presence of complex numbers in the results, particularly when the integrand may yield a negative expression under the radical.
  • Some participants propose that completing the square inside the radical could simplify the integration process, potentially leading to an expression involving the ArcSin function.
  • There is a suggestion that integrals of this type can generally be expressed in terms of elementary functions, although exceptions exist.
  • Participants discuss the reliability of computational tools, noting that they may produce unexpected results or fail to integrate certain functions correctly.
  • One participant mentions confusion regarding the output format of the integrator, specifically the meaning of numerical prefixes in the results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to the integration or the validity of the results produced by computational tools. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the integration process and the interpretation of results.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the potential for complex results due to negative expressions under the radical, which may affect the interpretation of the integrals. There is also mention of the need to specify intervals for integration.

dcppc
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Does anyone know how to intergrate [tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{2\beta x-\alpha x^2}}[/tex]
I went to wolfram and type it in, but it gave me a weird number.
 
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It can't give u a #,but a function of "x"...

Daniel.
 
But the answer contain i, so I don't know it that's correct or not
The last time I put in 1/Sqrt[a x^2], it gave me [x log x]/Sqrt[a x^2]
Which I don't think is the right answer
 
Last edited:
If you aren't sure whether an indefinite integral is right or not, just differentiate it! If it is then you'll get back your original function (for example, the answer it gave you in your last post is right).
 
According to Wolfram's Integrator, [tex]\int 0 dx[/tex] is 0. I thought it was to be a constant.
 
I thought the intergral of [tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{a x^2}}[/tex] is [tex]\frac{\ln{x}}{\sqrt{a}}[/tex]
Also when I substitute 2b as 59, the integrator gave me an different answer
 
Last edited:
Icebreaker said:
According to Wolfram's Integrator, [tex]\int 0 dx[/tex] is 0. I thought it was to be a constant.
It never adds the constant.

dcppc said:
I thought the intergral of [tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{a x^2}}[/tex] is [tex]\frac{\ln{x}}{\sqrt{a}}[/tex]
Also when I substitute 2b as 59, the integrator gave me an different answer
[tex]\frac{x \log x}{\sqrt{a x^2}} = \frac{x \log x}{x \sqrt{a}}[/tex]

As it goes that website does have bug I've found but I really doubt you will find them.
 
Ok, another question when I put in 1/Sqrt[19.66 x-a x^2], I don't know what "0." in that intergral means. Also it has 1. ax and 2. Sqrt[x]
what does 0. 1. 2. means?
 
  • #10
These integrals are simple enough to them by hand.There's no need to use software to do them for you.The integrator from wolfram is excellent,though I've caught him with some functions he woudn't integrate.

Okay,there's a problem with your integrals,though.U have a possibly negative expression under a radical.That's why the result is weird,because it may contain complex functions,though the input is real.I suggest u decide on which intervals u wish to integrate...

Daniel.
 
  • #11
dcppc said:
Does anyone know how to intergrate [tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{2\beta x-\alpha x^2}}[/tex]
I went to wolfram and type it in, but it gave me a weird number.

Integrands like these require you to complete the square inside the radical. You'll then get something like:

[tex]\sqrt{a^2-(x-b)^2}[/tex]

in the denominator. In this particular form, the answer can be expressed in terms of the ArcSin function.
 
  • #12
Integrals like these

[tex]\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{ax^{2}+bx+c}},\int \sqrt{ax^{2}+bx+c} \ dx[/tex]

are always expressible through elementary functions...

While even this one

[tex]\int \sqrt{x^{3}+0,0000000000000000000000000000000000000000001} \ dx[/tex]

cannot;


Daniel.
 

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