Arc length for these parametric equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the arc length of a curve defined by specific parametric equations: x=2e^t and y=3e^(3t/2) over the interval from ln(3) to 2ln(3).

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss differentiating the parametric equations and setting up the integral for arc length. There are attempts to simplify the integral using substitutions, and some participants express uncertainty about the integration process and the correctness of their results.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered suggestions for simplifying the integral, such as factoring out terms and using substitutions. There appears to be a divergence in results, with one participant questioning the correctness of another's answer, indicating ongoing exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note constraints related to the bounds of integration and the nature of the integral, with some expressing concerns about the allowed methods for approximation or simplification.

Chiborino
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Homework Statement


Find the arc length of the curve described by the parametric equations: x=2e^t & y=3e^3t/2 ln3≤t≤2ln3


Homework Equations



S = ∫(a->b) √[(dy/dt)^2 + (dx/dt)^2]dt

The Attempt at a Solution



Differentiated the two parametrics:
dy/dt = 2e^t
dx/dt = (3/2)*3e^3t/2 = (9/2)e^3t/2

Plugged it all in and got:
∫(ln3->2ln3) √[(2e^t)^2 + ((9/2)e^3t/2)^2]dt
= ∫(ln3->2ln3)√[(4e^2t + (81/4)e^3t]dt

I'm stuck at this integral, I don't see any viable choice for u, and I don't think I'm allowed to approximate it.

*sorry about the sloppy bound notation.
 
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Try factoring out a [tex]e^{2t}[/tex] from inside the square root and then doing a u substitution. Keep in mind that [tex]\sqrt{e^{2t}}=e^{t}[/tex]
 
zcd said:
Try factoring out a [tex]e^{2t}[/tex] from inside the square root and then doing a u substitution. Keep in mind that [tex]\sqrt{e^{2t}}=e^{t}[/tex]


Wow! Didn't even think of that.

So the integrand simplifies to sqrt([e^2t](4+(81/4)e^t]) = (e^t)*sqrt(4 + 81/4)*e^t)). And u = e^t, du = e^t*dt, right? :D

If so, I can totally handle it from there, thanks!

Edit: meant e^t*dt, not du
 
Last edited:
I did a u-sub, then a v-sub (v=[81/4]u+4), and got (2/3e^t + 32/243)|(ln2->3ln2)

And then I got 9, is this answer correct?
 
That's not what I'm getting.
[tex]\int_{\ln(2)}^{2\ln(3)} \sqrt{4e^{2t}+\frac{81}{4}e^{3t}}\,dt=\frac{9}{2}\int_{\ln(2)}^{2\ln(3)} e^{t}\sqrt{\frac{16}{81}+e^{t}}\,dt[/tex]

Simplifies to
[tex]\left[ 3(\frac{16}{81}+e^{t})^{\frac{3}{2}}\right]_{\ln(3)}^{2\ln{3}}[/tex]

definitely not 9
 

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