What is the correct answer for this trigonometric improper integral?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a trigonometric improper integral, specifically the integral of 1/(sqrt[9-x^2]) from 0 to 3. Participants are examining the application of trigonometric substitution and the interpretation of the results.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to compute the integral using trigonometric substitution and evaluates the bounds, leading to a result of π/2. Some participants confirm the integral setup and the evaluation process but question the discrepancy with the answer sheet, which states 9π/4.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the validity of the original poster's approach and the potential error in the answer sheet. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the answer sheet, but some guidance has been offered regarding the evaluation of the integral.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the accuracy of the answer sheet and whether the problem has been described correctly. The discussion highlights the importance of verifying assumptions and results in the context of improper integrals.

cmab
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Here's a integral where I have to use trigonometric substitution but I can't get the right answer.

[int a=0 b=3] 1/(sqrt[9-x^2]) dx

I did the limit as t approches 3 from the left.

Then i did my trigonometric substitution, and it gives me arcsin(x/3).

Then i computed what i had arcsin(a/3)-arcsin(0/3).

It gives me 1.57 (estimated) or Pie/2 (real)

But in the answer sheet, it says 9pie/4...
 
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Your integral is correct.

[tex]\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{9-x^2}}dx = \arcsin{\frac{x}{3}} + C[/tex]

When you apply the bounds, you get [tex]\arcsin{1} - \arcsin{0}[/tex]

The arcsin of 0 is 0 and the arcsin of 1 is [tex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/tex]

I don't see anything wrong with your answer.
 
Jameson said:
Your integral is correct.

[tex]\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{9-x^2}}dx = \arcsin{\frac{x}{3}} + C[/tex]

When you apply the bounds, you get [tex]\arcsin{1} - \arcsin{0}[/tex]

The arcsin of 0 is 0 and the arcsin of 1 is [tex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/tex]

I don't see anything wrong with your answer.

I don't know man, maybe the answer sheet is wrong. It says 9pie/4,as I mentionned before.

I tried, I had pie/2, and test it on graphmatica the program, and it gave something near it.
 
Well, either your answer sheet is wrong, or you've described the problem incorrectly.
 

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