4.1.237 AP calculus exam find area

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the area of the region bounded by the graph of the function \( f(x) = x\sqrt{1-x^2} \) and the x-axis. Participants explore the limits of integration, methods of integration, and the symmetry properties of the graph.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the area using integration and suggests the answer is \( \frac{2}{3} \) based on their calculations.
  • Another participant questions the symmetry of the graph, stating it is antisymmetric rather than symmetric, and suggests a substitution method for integration.
  • A third participant refers to the graph being symmetric about the origin, indicating a different perspective on the symmetry issue.
  • There is mention of using a table reference for the integral, with some participants expressing uncertainty about remembering all the necessary methods.
  • One participant emphasizes the observation of the structure of the integral, suggesting a substitution that could simplify the integration process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the symmetry of the graph, with some asserting it is antisymmetric while others refer to it as symmetric about the origin. The method of integration also appears to be a point of discussion, with no consensus reached on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

There are references to integration methods and symmetry properties that may depend on definitions or interpretations, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

karush
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$\tiny{237}$
$\textsf{The total area of the region bounded by the graph of $f(x)=x\sqrt{1-x^2}$ and the x-axis is}$
$$(A) \dfrac{1}{3}\quad
(B) \dfrac{1}{3}\sqrt{2}\quad
(C) \dfrac{1}{2}\quad
(D) \dfrac{2}{3}\quad
(E) 1 $$
find the limits of integration if
$$f(x)=0 \textit{ then } x=-1,0,1$$
so we have a symetric graph about $y=x$ so
$$\displaystyle
2\left|\int_{0}^1 x\sqrt{1-x^2}\,dx\right|
=2\left(
-\frac{1}{3}\left(1-x^2\right)^{\frac{3}{2}}
\right)\bigg|_{0}^1
=\dfrac{2}{3}\quad (D)$$ok hopefully this is the answer but I was alarmed how much time I spent on calculation
which will kill you on these exams even if you get the corrects answers.not real sure what the slam dunk method would be just from obersavation.
 
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karush said:
$\tiny{237}$
$\textsf{The total area of the region bounded by the graph of $f(x)=x\sqrt{1-x^2}$ and the x-axis is}$
$$(A) \dfrac{1}{3}\quad
(B) \dfrac{1}{3}\sqrt{2}\quad
(C) \dfrac{1}{2}\quad
(D) \dfrac{2}{3}\quad
(E) 1 $$
find the limits of integration if
$$f(x)=0 \textit{ then } x=-1,0,1$$
so we have a symetric graph about $y=x$ so
$$\displaystyle
2\left|\int_{0}^1 x\sqrt{1-x^2}\,dx\right|
=2\left(
-\frac{1}{3}\left(1-x^2\right)^{\frac{3}{2}}
\right)\bigg|_{0}^1
=\dfrac{2}{3}\quad (D)$$ok hopefully this is the answer but I was alarmed how much time I spent on calculation
which will kill you on these exams even if you get the corrects answers.not real sure what the slam dunk method would be just from obersavation.
Looks good to me, although since you didn't mention what method you used to integrate. A simple substitution u = 1 - x^2 looks doable.

Also, this graph is not symmetric. It is antisymmetric.

-Dan
 
ok its not mirrored
I think some have called it symeteric about origin?

the integral is also a table reference but nobody could remember all of those

Mahalo
 
"From observation" you should immediately see the "1- x^2" inside the square root and the "x" outside the root and think "Aha, I can let u= 1- x^2[/tex[ so that dx= -2xdx and I have the 'x' to give me 'xdx'!"
 
HallsofIvy said:
"From observation" you should immediately see the "1- x^2" inside the square root and the "x" outside the root and think "Aha, I can let u= 1- x^2[/tex[ so that dx= -2xdx and I have the 'x' to give me 'xdx'!"
<br /> <br /> total awesome...
 

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