How do I use trig substitution to solve this integral?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of trigonometric substitution to solve the integral \(\int x(81-x^2)^{5/2}dx\). Participants explore different methods of solving the integral, including trigonometric and algebraic substitutions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant details a solution using the substitution \(x = 9\sin\theta\) and provides a step-by-step derivation leading to the final answer.
  • Another participant suggests an alternative substitution \(u = 81 - x^2\), claiming it should be significantly easier.
  • A third participant mentions using Mathematica, which produced a result similar to the first participant's but with a different exponent (7/2 instead of 7).
  • One participant clarifies that the 7/2 exponent can be interpreted as \(-\frac{(81-x^2)^{7/2}}{7}\), emphasizing the necessity of trigonometric substitution in their approach.
  • Another participant argues that trigonometric or u substitution may not be necessary and suggests that inspection could suffice for this integral.
  • A light-hearted comment about using tables for simplification is made, indicating a preference for less complex methods.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the necessity and effectiveness of trigonometric substitution versus other methods. No consensus is reached regarding the best approach to solve the integral.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' solutions depend on specific assumptions about the method of substitution, and there are unresolved differences in the interpretation of the results, particularly regarding the exponents and the necessity of trigonometric substitution.

p53ud0 dr34m5
Messages
94
Reaction score
0
im hoping i worked this out right; its long:
[tex]\int x(81-x^2)^{5/2}dx[/tex]
the integral contains [itex]a^2-x^2[/itex], so i set [itex]x=asin\theta[/itex]. that would make [itex]x=9sin\theta[/itex] and [itex]dx=9cos\theta d\theta[/itex]:
[tex]\int 9sin\theta(81-81sin^2\theta)^{5/2}9cos\theta d\theta = \int 9sin\theta[81(1-sin^2\theta)]^{5/2}9cos\theta d\theta[/tex]
the integral now contains [itex]1-sin^2\theta =cos^2\theta[/itex]
[tex]\int 9sin\theta(9cos\theta)^59cos\theta d\theta[/tex]
i used u-sub by setting [itex]u=9cos\theta[/itex] and [itex]du=-9sin\theta d\theta[/itex].
[tex]-\int u^6 du=-\frac{u^7}{7}+C[/tex]
i plugged my u back in:
[tex]-\frac{(9cos\theta)^7}{7}+C[/tex]
then, i drew my little triangle.
[tex]cos\theta=\frac{\sqrt{81-x^2}}{9}[/tex]
i plugged that into the [itex]cos\theta[/itex] and simplified and came out with:
[tex]-\frac{(\sqrt{81-x^2})^7}{7}+C[/tex]
that's my answer
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You could also try the substitution u = 81 - x^2, which should be significantly easier.
 
I punched it into mathematica and it produced the same as yours, save for a 7/2 exponent rather than 7.
 
7/2 exponent is like my square root to the 7th
[tex]-\frac{(\sqrt{81-x^2})^2}{7}=-\frac{(81-x^2)^{7/2)}{7}[/tex]
also, we had to use trig substitution, so that left out the easy 81-x^2 sub
 
p53ud0 dr34m5 said:
im hoping i worked this out right; its long:
[tex]\int x(81-x^2)^{5/2}dx[/tex]

It doesn't have to be.

You shouldn't have to use a trig or u substitution. Inspection isn't too hard with something like this.

[tex]\frac{(2)}{(-2)(7)}\int (-2x)(\frac{7}{2})(81-x^2)^{5/2}dx[/tex]
[tex]= -\frac{1}{7} (\sqrt {81-x^2})^7[/tex]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
*Cough* Table *Cough*

Excuse me... something in my throat--- tables are great to have around so you barely have to think.
 
Guess having someone else do it is the easiest way. :smile:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K