Solve Maths Problem: Integral Substitution with Change of Limits

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a calculus problem involving integral substitution and changing limits. The original poster seeks assistance with the substitution of variables in an integral and the subsequent adjustment of limits, specifically in the context of evaluating the integral from R to R1.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply a substitution method but struggles with changing the limits of integration correctly. Some participants question the validity of the factor remaining in the integral after substitution, while others suggest clarifying the limits after the substitution.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering hints and exploring the implications of the substitution. There is an acknowledgment of potential mistakes in the assignment, and some guidance has been provided regarding the evaluation of the integral limits.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a limit approaching zero, which introduces additional complexity to the problem. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the next steps in the problem, indicating a need for further clarification on the approach.

tyco05
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This seems so simple, but I can't for the life of me work it out. I've forgotten a lot of maths over the years, so I need a little help.

The question goes:

Using the substitution

[tex]u=\frac{r}{R_1}[/tex]

Show that :

[tex]\int_R^{R_1} \sqrt{\frac{R_1}{r}-1} dr = \int_\frac{R}{R_1}^1 \sqrt{\frac{1}{u}-1} du[/tex]


So, the substitution under the root is easy enough, it's just the changing of the limits that I can't seem to figure out (or perhaps remember).

I got

[tex]\frac{du}{dr}=\frac{1}{R_1}[/tex]

[tex]dr={R_1}du[/tex]

So substituting

[tex]\int_R^{R_1} \sqrt{\frac{R_1}{r}-1} dr = R_1\int_R^{R_1}\sqrt{\frac{1}{u}-1} du[/tex]


I can see that if I divide both limits by the factor outside the integral, [itex]R_1[/itex], I'll get the right answer, but surely I can't just do that.
Any hints?

Cheers
 
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The limits are r = R and r = R1. The corresponding limits after the substitution are u = R/R1 and u = 1 (since uR1 = r). The factor of R1 remains though (in your last integral). I don't see how it could disappear, but who knows...
 
thanks, I knew it was reasonably trivial, I just couldn't see it.

That factor of R1 is still supposed to be there though right?
Maybe another mistake on this assignment...

I also need help with the next part, which I don't even know where to start on.

Show that in the limit [itex]\frac{R}{R_1}\rightarrow0[/itex]

[tex]\int_{\frac{R}{R_1}}^1\sqrt{\frac{1}{u}-1}du \approx \frac{\pi}{2}-\int_0^{\frac{R}{R_1}}\sqrt{\frac{1}{u}}du[/tex]

I have no bloody idea where to start, it's doing my head in! It can't be that difficult!
Any hints?
 
[tex]\int _x^1 \sqrt {\frac {1}{u} -1} du = \int _0^1\sqrt {\frac {1}{u} -1} du - \int_0^x \sqrt {\frac {1}{u} -1} du[/tex]

The first integral is [itex]\frac {\pi}{2}[/itex] and for the second observe that
[tex]\sqrt {\frac {1}{u} - 1} = \sqrt {\frac { 1-u}{u}}[/tex]
and use the binomial expansion on the numerator. I think there's a factor of [itex]\frac {1}{2}[/itex] missing in the last term of your equation.
 
How do you just know that the first integral is [itex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/itex]?
 

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