Interval with the leingth of 3

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding an interval of length 3 for the function f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 2, specifically in relation to the arc length of the function over that interval. Participants explore different interpretations of the original question and propose various mathematical approaches to determine the interval that meets the specified conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the question involves finding an interval [a, a+3] such that the arc length of the function equals 25/4, introducing the derivative and arc length formula.
  • Another participant proposes a simpler interpretation, suggesting that the goal is to find an interval where the change in y over the interval is 25/4, leading to a different mathematical approach.
  • A later reply indicates that if the original poster can understand the more complex explanation, they should focus on the simpler method proposed.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the original question, questioning the phrasing and suggesting the possibility of rephrasing it in Danish for clarity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the interpretation of the original question, with multiple competing views on how to approach the problem and what is being asked.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the original question's intent, and participants have different interpretations of what is meant by "f illustrates on an interval." The mathematical steps proposed by participants may depend on specific substitutions and interpretations that are not universally agreed upon.

rizza
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f(x)=x^2-2x+2
Draw the function (I can do that) and deside an interval with the leingth of 3, there by f illustrates on an interval in the leingh of 25/4. (how??)

(hope you can read it, I am from Denmark, so i'll try)
 
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I'm afraid I don't understand your question. f illustrates an interval? Maybe you could post the question in Danish instead.
 
Last edited:
You seem to be asking for an interval [a, a+3] (so that the interval has length 3) such that the length of the arc y= x2- 2x+ 2 is 25/4.

Since y= x2- 2x+ 2, y'= 2x- 2 and ds= [tex]\sqrt{y'^2+1}dx[/tex] (if you don't know what that means, either you need to go back and review "arclength" or I've completely misunderstood your question!).

This is ds= [tex]\sqrt{4x^2-8x+ 5}= \sqrt{4(x- 1)^2+1}[/tex] is 25/4

To find the arc-length, we need find [tex]\integral_a^{a+3}\sqrt{4(x-1)^2+1}dx[/tex].
Do that integral (I suggest the substitution u= 2(x-1) followed by a trig substitution) and then determine what a must be so that the arc-length is
 
Another, simpler, possiblity is that you just want an interval from x to x+3 such that the change in y is 25/3. Since y= x2- 2x+ 2= (x-1)2+1, the change in y between x and x+3 is ((x+2)2+ 1)- ((x-1)2+ 1)= x2+ 4x+ 5- x2- 2x+ 1= 2x+ 6= 25/4. Then 2x= 25/4- 6= 1/4 and x= 1/8.
 
I guess if he can undestand post #3, it is probably this one he should solve.
 

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