Calc2 HW Help: Solve Integral (2 + 2x - x^2)^{3/2} dx

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SUMMARY

The integral \(\int (2 + 2x - x^2)^{3/2} dx\) requires advanced techniques for solution, specifically trigonometric substitutions and completing the square. Initial attempts using u-substitution and integration by parts were ineffective, as they either returned to the original integral or did not simplify the problem. The recommended approach involves transforming the integrand into a more manageable form by completing the square and applying multiple layers of substitution, including trigonometric identities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integration techniques, specifically u-substitution and integration by parts.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric substitutions in calculus.
  • Knowledge of completing the square for quadratic expressions.
  • Ability to manipulate fractional powers of polynomials.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study trigonometric substitution methods for integrals involving square roots.
  • Practice completing the square for various quadratic expressions.
  • Review advanced integration techniques, focusing on integration by parts and when to apply them.
  • Explore examples of integrating fractional powers of polynomials to build familiarity.
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Students studying calculus, particularly those tackling complex integrals, as well as educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods for integration techniques.

nitroracer
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Homework Statement


Solve the Integral
[tex]\int (2 + 2x - x^2)^{3/2} dx[/tex]

2. The attempt at a solution
I have looked at integration tables, u-substitution, and integration by parts but none of the above seem to be working.

U-Substitution wouldn't work because the du would be inside the integrand.
I tried parts with U=[tex](2 + 2x - x^2)^{3/2}[/tex] and DV=dx , but that result brought me back to the original integral.

What should I be using here that I am missing?
 
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What if you separated out 2 + 2x - x^2 and sqrt(2 + 2x - x^2), then tried integ. by parts?
 
nitroracer said:
U-Substitution wouldn't work because the du would be inside the integrand.
I tried parts with U=[tex](2 + 2x - x^2)^{3/2}[/tex] and DV=dx , but that result brought me back to the original integral.

Have you had trigonometric substitutions yet? (Square roots or fractional exponents with 2 in the denominator are usually a sign that you'll want them.)

If you have, you'll need to do a couple of layers of substitution. You'd start by completing the square under the radical. You'll get a difference of two squares raised to the 3/2 power, or 1/2 power cubed. You'd then do a u-substitution, then the appropriate trig substitution. (It ain't going to be pretty, but integrating fractional powers of quadratic polynomials generally aren't...)

I should comment that integration by parts should only be considered if the "v du" integral you're going to get is something you actually know how to integrate (and preferably should be easier than the integral you began with -- or at worst, equally difficult, but related)...
 
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