Another Part where my brain's Fried

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function \(\int \sqrt{4-x^2}^3 dx\), which falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically focusing on integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster considers using integration by parts but finds it complicated. Other participants suggest trigonometric substitutions, specifically \(x = 2 \sin \theta\) and \(x = 2 \cos u\), to simplify the integral. There are discussions about the transformations and their implications on the integral's form.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different substitution methods and sharing their thoughts on the effectiveness of these approaches. There is acknowledgment of previous attempts and some confusion regarding the methods, but no consensus has been reached on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express frustration with their initial attempts and the complexity of the integral, indicating a need for clarification on the substitution methods being discussed.

Chaz706
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[tex]\int \sqrt{4-x^2}^3 dx[/tex]

I'm thinking integrating by parts would work, with u being that root and dv being dx, but is that the right method and direction. I've tried it and it seems more complicated.
 
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Use [tex]x = 2 \sin \theta[/tex]...
then,
[tex]dx = 2 \cos \theta d\theta[/tex],
and your integral becomes:
[tex]16 \int \cos^4 \theta d\theta[/tex] .
Use [tex]\cos{2\theta} = 2\cos^2 \theta - 1[/tex], etc...
 
Damn it, no wonder I couldn't get it to work (I tried x = 2cos u)!
 
So it's

[tex]\int \left(4-x^{2}\right)^{\frac{3}{2}} \ dx[/tex]

How about a substitution

[tex]x=2\sin t[/tex] ?

Daniel.

EDIT:Didn't see the other posts.
 
x= 2cos(u) should work exactly like "x= 2 sin(u)": dx= -2 sin u du and
[tex]\sqrt{4- x^2}= \sqrt{4-4 cos^2(u)}= 2 sin(u)[/tex] so the integral becomes
[tex]-16\int sin^4(u) du[/tex] and the only difference is that "-".
 
HallsofIvy said:
x= 2cos(u) should work exactly like "x= 2 sin(u)": dx= -2 sin u du and
[tex]\sqrt{4- x^2}= \sqrt{4-4 cos^2(u)}= 2 sin(u)[/tex] so the integral becomes
[tex]-16\int sin^4(u) du[/tex] and the only difference is that "-".

Oops, I made a slight mistake!
 
Thanks once more! :)
 

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