Another Part where my brain's Fried

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The discussion revolves around integrating the function \(\int \sqrt{4-x^2}^3 dx\) and explores various methods, including integration by parts and trigonometric substitution. Initially, the user considers using integration by parts but finds it complicated. They then suggest using the substitution \(x = 2 \sin \theta\), which simplifies the integral to \(16 \int \cos^4 \theta d\theta\). Acknowledging a mistake, they also discuss using \(x = 2 \cos u\) as an alternative substitution, leading to a similar integral form. The conversation highlights the challenges and strategies in solving the integral effectively.
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\int \sqrt{4-x^2}^3 dx

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 x = 2 \sin \theta...
then,
dx = 2 \cos \theta d\theta,
and your integral becomes:
16 \int \cos^4 \theta d\theta .
Use \cos{2\theta} = 2\cos^2 \theta - 1, etc...
 
Damn it, no wonder I couldn't get it to work (I tried x = 2cos u)!
 
So it's

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

How about a substitution

x=2\sin t ?

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
\sqrt{4- x^2}= \sqrt{4-4 cos^2(u)}= 2 sin(u) so the integral becomes
-16\int sin^4(u) du 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
\sqrt{4- x^2}= \sqrt{4-4 cos^2(u)}= 2 sin(u) so the integral becomes
-16\int sin^4(u) du and the only difference is that "-".

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