Calculating Length and Area of y=3sin(x+x^2)

  • Thread starter Thread starter jpd5184
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Area Length
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the length and area under the curve defined by the function y=3sin(x+x^2). Participants are exploring the necessary integrals for calculating arc length and area, while also addressing the lack of specified endpoints for the arc length and the nature of the area being sought.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivative dy/dx and its implications for the integrals needed to find length and area. There are questions about the limits of integration and whether the area refers to the surface area generated by revolving the curve around the y-axis. Some express uncertainty about the integration process and the feasibility of finding an elementary form for the integral.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with various interpretations of the problem being explored. Some participants have provided guidance on the integrals to use, while others express doubt about the integrability of the expressions involved. There is no explicit consensus on the method of integration or the expected form of the solution.

Contextual Notes

There are constraints noted regarding the endpoints for the arc length and the definition of the area. Participants are also considering the possibility of numerical approximation due to the complexity of the integrals involved.

jpd5184
Messages
76
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



find the length of y=3sin(x+x^2)
find its length and area

Homework Equations



length: integral of square root of 1+ (dy/dx)2 dx
area: integral 2pix square root of 1 + (dy/dx)^2 dx

The Attempt at a Solution



dy/dx = 3cos(x+x^2)(2x)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No end points are specified for the arc length.

There is no enclosed area defined.
 
sorry about that:

0 < x < pi/2

both are greater than or equal to and less than or equal to.
 
jpd5184 said:

Homework Statement


The Attempt at a Solution



dy/dx = 3cos(x+x^2)(2x)

dy/dx = 3cos(x+x^2)(2x+1), since the argument of sine is x+x^2.
 
For area, do you mean the surface area produced by revolving the arc about the y-axis?

That's what the 2πx suggests.
 
You need to do:
\int_{0}^{2\pi}\sqrt{1+\left( \frac{dy}{dx} \right)^2}dx to get the arc length, and
\int_{0}^{2\pi}ydx to get the area,
where y=3sin(x+x^2).
 
yes around the y-axis.

i need help integrating dy/dx

do i use u substitution or can i just integrate right away
 
TylerH said:
You need to do:
\int_{0}^{2\pi}\sqrt{1+\left( \frac{dy}{dx} \right)^2}dx to get the arc length, and
\int_{0}^{2\pi}ydx to get the area,
where y=3sin(x+x^2).

dy/dx = 3cos(x+x^2)(2x+1)

im not so sure how to to the integral though.
 
jpd5184 said:
dy/dx = 3cos(x+x^2)(2x+1)

I'm not so sure how to to the integral though.

JThompson showed you what dydx is.

Plug it in & give it a whirl.
 
  • #10
so its the integral of the square root of 1+ (3cos(x+x^2)(2x+1))^2

integral of cos(x) is sin(x)

would i use u substitution.

then it would be 1+ u^3/3
 
  • #11
I don't know. But, I bet Wolfram Alpha does.
 
  • #12
TylerH said:
I don't know. But, I bet Wolfram Alpha does.

And I'd bet nobody can integrate stuff like that in elementary analytic form. Not even WA. Is this a question where you are supposed to just give a numerical approximation?
 
  • #13
what do you mean it can be integrated. why not. its a question i was asked in class so i would think it can be solved.
 
  • #14
jpd5184 said:
what do you mean it can be integrated. why not. its a question i was asked in class so i would think it can be solved.

I mean that there are a lot of simple looking functions that don't have a simple form for the integral. You can write down an integral form for the length and area, which may be all you are expected to do. You could also try and numerically approximate them. But you probably can't simplify the integral expressions much.
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K