2 Finding length of curve problems

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on finding the exact length of curves using integral calculus, specifically through antidifferentiation. The first problem involves calculating the integral from -2 to x of the square root of (3t^4 - 1) dt, while the second problem requires finding the integral from 0 to x of the square root of (cos(2t)) dt from x = 0 to x = π/4. Participants emphasize the importance of correctly applying the arc length formula, which includes the squared derivative term, and share resources for formatting integrals using LaTeX.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus and antidifferentiation
  • Familiarity with the arc length formula: ∫_a^b √(1 + (dy/dx)²) dx
  • Basic knowledge of LaTeX for formatting mathematical expressions
  • Experience with parametric equations in calculus
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  • Study the process of antidifferentiation for complex functions
  • Learn how to apply the arc length formula to various types of curves
  • Explore LaTeX commands for mathematical formatting
  • Review parametric equations and their applications in calculus
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on calculus, integral applications, and LaTeX formatting for mathematical expressions.

Sympathy
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1. Find the exact length of the curve analytically by antidifferentiation. You will need to simplify the integrand algebraically before finding an antiderivative.

y = the integral from -2 to x of the SQUARE ROOT (3t^4-1)dt, -2 < x < -1

note that the "<" is actually less than or equal to, don't know how to post that.

For this one, do I just plug the x in? x_x I'm really clueless on how to start

2. Find the length of the curve.

y = the integral of 0 to x of SQUARE ROOT (cos(2t))dt from x = 0 to x = pi/4The problem with me is I know how to do it in terms of y and x, but I am terrible at parametrics.

If you can, please help me with any of the above =) thanks
 
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Heres the arc length formula:

\int_a^b \sqrt{1+\frac{dy}{dx}} dx. Sub in the requirements, easy enough to get.
 
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O sorry didnt actually read it through well. For the first one,

\int^{-2}_{x} \sqrt{3t^4 -1} dt. If there wasn't an X there, but instead a normal number like you normally see, you would find the integral and then sub in b into it, and - the integral with a subbed in. In this case just sub in X.
 
For the second one, there should be a second parametric equation >.<
 
how do you actually type in the integral sign and stuff?
 
Here's one source:
http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/LaTeX/AoPS_L_GuideCommands.php
which will help with formatting the integrals

And another source for starters: (crash course in LaTeX at these forums:
https://www.physicsforums.com/misc/howtolatex.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Oh, and to see specifically how Gib Z did it, click to quote him, and take a look at what he has.

However, the formula has a small mistake in it...
(So, I copied and pasted from the quote so I could change it more simply)
\int_a^b \sqrt{1+(\frac{dy}{dx})^2} dx.
There's supposed to be a squared in there...
 
Yes, of course, drpizza's correct...I forget the squared, my bad :p
 
Btw, rather than actually having to quote me, just click on my latex pictures, that'll show up what I typed to show that code.
 

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