Proving an Integral Problem: Kepler's Law Derivation Help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation of Kepler's laws, specifically focusing on solving an integral that is part of this derivation. Participants explore various mathematical techniques and substitutions that could aid in resolving the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in proving a specific integral related to Kepler's laws and seeks assistance.
  • Another suggests completing the square in the denominator and using trigonometric substitution, while also noting a potential missing arbitrary constant.
  • A different participant proposes using the Abel substitution for the integral.
  • Further suggestions include calculating a specific expression involving the Abel substitution and rearranging it for Y, indicating that this method works for half-integer powers as well.
  • Multiple cases are outlined regarding the discriminant of the quadratic, with different approaches for each case based on whether it is zero, positive, or negative, leading to different forms of the integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various methods and approaches to solve the integral, indicating multiple competing views on the best technique to use. The discussion remains unresolved as no consensus is reached on a singular method.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the forms of the integral based on the discriminant of the quadratic, which may not be universally applicable without further context. The effectiveness of the proposed methods may depend on specific conditions of the integral.

TrifidBlue
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How can this be proved?

intg.jpg


I really in need to know it, as I'm working on a derivation of Kepler's laws, but I'm stuck at this point :confused::cry::frown: ...
Thanks in advance
 
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To solve the integral, I would have tried to complete the square in the denominator before using trig substitution. However, due to the fundamental theorem of calculus, you might find it easier to take the derivative of the right hand side. There does seem to be an arbitrary constant missing.
 
This can be solved with the Abel substitution
t=(\sqrt{a+bx+cx^2})'
 
I wonder what's the easiest way :) Maybe you calculate and tell me ;)
Hint: For the Abel substitution calculate 4t^2Y and rearrange for Y (Y=a+bx+cx^2). Then solve with usual trig substitution. This also works if the square root is any other half-integer power.

In general for simple square roots you can also use
http://planetmath.org/encyclopedia/EulersSubstitutionsForIntegration.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Case 1: b^2 - 4ac = 0 in which case the quadratic term is a perfect square of a linear term, so the integral is simply the log of that term.

Case 2: If b^2- 4ac > 0, then completing the square and a simple linear shift will make the integrand of the form \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2 - a^2}}, and x= a cosh t makes that one come out immediately.

Case 3: If b^2-4ac < 0, completing the square and a linear shift makes the integrand of the form \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2 + a^2}}, and x= a sinh t makes that one come out immediately.

Of course the appropriate circular trigonometric substitutions would work as well, but don't come out as quickly. For both of these integrals, the substitutions lead straight to \int dt
 
thank you very much Tedjn, Gerenuk and Gib Z
and extra thanks for you Gib Z for the details
 

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