Solve Definite Integral Homework: \int_0^a {x\sqrt{x^2+a^2}\,dx}

In summary, the conversation is about finding the integral of x*sqrt(x^2+a^2) with the given constraints. The individual sets up the problem and derives a solution, however there is confusion on how to eliminate the a's to obtain the final answer. The book's answer is (1/3)(2*sqrt(2)-1)a^3.
  • #1
RedBarchetta
50
1

Homework Statement


[tex]\int_0^a {x\sqrt{x^2+a^2}\,dx}[/tex]

Also, (A>0)

The Attempt at a Solution



Firstly, I set

u=x^2+a^2

Then take the derivative,

du=2x dx

[tex]1/2\int_0^a {\sqrt{u}\,du}[/tex]

Now I integrated. So

(1/3) * [(x^2+a^2)^3/2] from a to 0.

I ended up with

(1/3)[(a^2+a^2)^(3/2)-a^3]

This is where I get lost. It must have something to do with the (A>0). The answer in the book is:

(1/3)(2*sqrt(2)-1)a^3

I can't see how to eliminate the a's to get the (2*sqrt(2)-1).

Thanks for the help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
[tex]\frac 1 3[(a^2+a^2)^\frac{3}{2}-a^3][/tex]

[tex]\frac 1 3[(2a^2)^\frac{3}{2}-a^3][/tex]

[tex]\frac 1 3[2^\frac{3}{2}a^2^\frac{3}{2}-a^3)][/tex]

Continue simplifying.
 

1. What is a definite integral?

A definite integral is a mathematical concept that represents the area under a curve on a graph. It is denoted by the symbol ∫ and has an upper and lower limit, which indicates the range of values over which the area is being calculated.

2. How do you solve a definite integral?

To solve a definite integral, you need to use integration techniques such as substitution, integration by parts, or trigonometric substitution. First, you need to identify the function and limits of integration. Then, you can use the appropriate integration technique to solve the integral.

3. What is the purpose of solving a definite integral?

The purpose of solving a definite integral is to find the exact value of the area under a curve, which is useful in many applications, such as calculating displacement, velocity, and acceleration in physics, or finding the average value of a function in calculus.

4. Can you explain the steps to solve a definite integral?

There are a few different methods to solve a definite integral, but the general steps are as follows:
1. Identify the function and limits of integration
2. Apply a suitable integration technique
3. Simplify the integral as much as possible
4. Substitute in the limits of integration and evaluate the integral
5. Round the final answer to the appropriate number of significant figures.

5. How do you solve the specific definite integral \int_0^a {x\sqrt{x^2+a^2}\,dx}?

To solve this specific definite integral, you can use the substitution method. Let u = x2 + a2, then du = 2x dx. Substituting this into the integral, we get ∫x√u du. Using the power rule of integration, this becomes (2/3)u3/2 + C. Finally, substituting back in x2 + a2 for u and evaluating between 0 and a, we get the final answer of (2/3)(a2 + a4/2).

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
409
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
751
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
481
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
113
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
568
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
987
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
678
Back
Top