Evaluating indefinite integral - toughie

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating an indefinite integral related to a velocity function, specifically integrating a function to find position as a function of time. The context involves concepts from calculus and physics, particularly kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to separate variables and integrate a velocity function to find time, questioning their thought process regarding the integral resembling an arctangent. Some participants raise concerns about the formulation of the integral and the relationship between variables.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing corrections and clarifications regarding the setup of the integral. There is an acknowledgment of the potential for an arctangent solution, and a substitution method is suggested to simplify the integral further.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions about the constants involved (m and k) are noted, and there is a recognition of the original poster's confusion regarding the relationship between variables in the integral.

don_anon25
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Evaluating indefinite integral -- toughie!

I have the velocity function v(x) = [(k*x^2)/(2*m)] + v0
I need to integrate this to get position as a function of time.
So v = dx/dt.
Separating variables, I get t = Integral [2m/(2mv0 + kx^2)]
Here's where I'm stuck...If i pull out the 2m, then I get something that resembles the integral which equals arc tangent.
Am I on the right track?
Can someone check my though process?
 
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I assume m and k are constants. If they are, this integral seems easy.

[tex]x= \frac{k}{2m}\int x^2 +v_{0}dx[/tex]

EDIT: Mistake. Sorry. Look at the below post.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Jameson: You understand, don't you, that your response makes no sense? You have x on one side and an integral with respect to x on the other! What happened to t?

We are given
[tex]v(x)= \frac{dx}{dt}= \frac{kx^2}{2m}+ v_0[/tex]
That gives, as don_anon25 says
[tex]\int\frac{dx}{\frac{kx^2}{2m}+ v_0}= \int dt[/tex]
Yes, that does look like an arctangent. What's wrong with that?
If we factor out v0 on the left, we get
[tex]\frac{1}{v_0}\int\frac{dx}{\frac{k}{2mv_0}x^2+ 1}= t+ C[/tex]
Now make the substitution
[tex]u= \sqrt{\frac{k}{2mv_0}}x[/tex]
and the integral on the left becomes
[tex]\sqrt{\frac{k}{2mv_0^3}}\int{\frac{du}{u^2+ 1}[/tex]
which is, indeed, an arctangent.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Sorry bout that. Wasn't thinking obviously. Thanks for the correction :)
 

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