Antiderivative of square root function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the antiderivative of the function sqrt(81-x^2) within the bounds of 0 to 9/2, involving trigonometric substitution and integral calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts trigonometric substitution, specifically using x = 9sin(t), and expresses concern over discrepancies between their result and the expected answer. Other participants question the accuracy of the substitution and subsequent calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some offering insights into standard integral forms. There is recognition of a mistake in the original poster's calculations, prompting further exploration of the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a specific integral formula that could apply to the problem, as well as a note on the importance of understanding the process over memorizing formulas. The original poster expresses a desire for tips without needing extensive detail.

cemar.
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1. find the antiderivative of sqrt(81-x^2) in the bounds 0 to 9/2

okay so the first thing i did was sin substitution.
where I made x = 9sin(t) dx = 9cos(t) where t is theta.
then after some manipulating i got that that new integral was 9cos^2(t)
i then used the double angle formula and made it equal to 9/2 * (1 + cos(2t))
I then found the antiderivative of this integral to be 9/2 * (t + sin(2t)/2)
Using the identity that sin(2t) = 2sin(t)cos(t) the antiderivative became
(9/2) (t + cos(t)sin(t))
I then changed the bounds of the integral.
When x goes from 0 to 9/2, theta goes from 0 to pi/6
i then solved the integral to get 4.304
The actual answer is 38.74 so i think I am completely missing the boat here.
 
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Ps any tips you might have would really help me out it doesn't have to be too in detail I am usually pretty good at this stuff. Thank you!
 
okay so it was actually a really dumb sneaky mistake:
after all the subtituting and manipulating was done instead of 9cos^2(t) its actually supposed to be 81cos^2(t) then follow my steps from there and its right!
 
It is a standard integral [i.e. anti-derivatives of a general form of problems]:

<br /> \int \sqrt{a^2 - x^2}dx = \frac{x}{2} \sqrt{a^2 - x^2} + \frac{a^2}{2} sin^{-1}\left(\frac{x}{a}\right) + C<br />
 
thats really cool! I've never seen that formula before!
 
It is, honestly, better to know HOW to do the integral, the way you did, rather than remember (or even look up) a formula.
 

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