Arc Length for a metal project

[basha]

Hello everyone. I'm a metal worker trying to do the layout for a project using a few nice curves. To do that, I need to get arc length, but I'm having trouble finding it for f(x)=x^3. If anyone can give me a nudge in the right direction for integrating (1+(3x^2)^2)^1/2, it would be greatly appreciated. If not, I'll just have to cook up some easily integratable functions so I can get welding, but I'd prefer to work the other way around.

Thanks in advance,
Stephen.

 

[benorin]

That integral involves an elliptic integral of the first kind, go to www.integrals.com and input (1+(3x^2)^2)^(1/2)

 

[basha]

Thanks for the link, it's really handy. Since this is a metal project, and not a math one, I think I'll just avoid using that particular fuction, since I can get the lines I want without getting into such beastly integrations. Again, that link is great, and I'll be putting it in my toolbox. Thanks.

 

[benorin]

Use also http://www.hostsrv.com/webmab/app1/MSP/quickmath/02/pageGenerate?site=quickmath&s1=calculus&s2=integrate&s3=advanced has many free online math calculators: click on the links listed on the lefthand side of their home page.)