Calculating the Arc Length of y=e^x from 0 to 1

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the arc length of the function y=e^x over the interval [0,1]. Participants are exploring various mathematical approaches to set up the integral for arc length.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the arc length using a series of substitutions and integrals, questioning the next steps in their reasoning. Some participants suggest alternative substitutions, such as t = sinh(y), to simplify the process. Others explore manipulating the integral further using trigonometric identities and substitutions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing different approaches and questioning the effectiveness of their methods. There is no explicit consensus on the best path forward, but several productive lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There are indications of confusion regarding the setup and manipulation of integrals, as well as the appropriateness of certain substitutions.

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Homework Statement


Find the arc length of y=e^x, from [0,1].


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]s = \int_0^1 (1 + e^2^x)^(^1^/^2^)dx[/tex]

I let t = e^x, dt=e^xdx; therefore dt/t=dx

[tex]s = \int_1^e \frac{(1+t^2)^(^1^/^2^)}{t}\right) dx[/tex]

Let t = tanT, dt = sec^2(T)dT (T for theta)

[tex]s = \int_{\frac{Pi}{4}\right)}^{arctan(e)} \frac{sec^3T}{tanT}\right)dT[/tex]

[tex]s = \int_{\frac{Pi}{4}\right)}^{arctan(e)} \frac{1/cos^3T}{sinT/cosT} \right) dT[/tex]

[tex]s = \int_{\frac{Pi}{4}\right)}^{arctan(e)} \frac{1}{sinT}\right) * \frac{1}{cos^2T} \right)dT[/tex]

Where do I go from here?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)
 
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A substitution t = sinh y might be a bit easier. It takes some work too though.
 
Samuelb88 said:

Homework Statement


Find the arc length of y=e^x, from [0,1].


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]s = \int_0^1 (1 + e^2^x)^(^1^/^2^)dx[/tex]

I let t = e^x, dt=e^xdx; therefore dt/t=dx

[tex]s = \int_1^e \frac{(1+t^2)^(^1^/^2^)}{t}\right) dx[/tex]

Let t = tanT, dt = sec^2(T)dT (T for theta)

[tex]s = \int_{\frac{Pi}{4}\right)}^{arctan(e)} \frac{sec^3T}{tanT}\right)dT[/tex]

[tex]s = \int_{\frac{Pi}{4}\right)}^{arctan(e)} \frac{1/cos^3T}{sinT/cosT} \right) dT[/tex]

[tex]s = \int_{\frac{Pi}{4}\right)}^{arctan(e)} \frac{1}{sinT}\right) * \frac{1}{cos^2T} \right)dT[/tex]

Where do I go from here?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)
Since that is an odd power of sin(T), a standard technique is to multiply both numerator and denominator by sin(T) to get
[tex]s= \int_{\frac{pi}{4}}^{arctan(e)}\frac{cos^2(T)}{sin^2(T)} sin(T)dT[/tex]
[tex]= \int_{\frac{pi}{4}}^{arctan(e)}\frac{cos^2(T)}{1- cos^2(T)} sin(T)dT[/tex]

Now let u= cos(T) so du= -sin(T)dt and the integral becomes
[tex]\int_{\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}}^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+e^2}}}\frac{u^2}{1- u^2} du[/tex]
Which you can do by "partial fractions".
 
[tex]u=\sqrt{1+e^{2x}}[/tex]

[tex]{\rm d}u=\frac{e^{2x}}{\sqrt{1+e^{2x}}}=\frac{u^2-1}{u} {\rm{d}x}[/tex]

and

[tex]s={\int\limits_{\sqrt{2}}^{\sqrt{1+e^2^}}} {\frac{u^2}{u^2-1^}} \quad {\rm d}u[/tex]

?
 

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