Can anyone solve this integral for spring mass oscillation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the integral related to spring mass oscillation, specifically the equation 1/(a-b*x^2)^(1/2) dx. Participants emphasize the importance of separating variables in the equation to facilitate integration. A recommended method for solving this integral involves using trigonometric substitution or consulting an integral table. The conversation highlights the challenges of direct integration for non-linear equations in the context of physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of second-order differential equations, specifically mx''=kx.
  • Familiarity with variable separation techniques in differential equations.
  • Knowledge of trigonometric substitution methods for integration.
  • Access to integral tables for reference.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study trigonometric substitution techniques for integrals.
  • Explore variable separation methods in differential equations.
  • Review integral tables and their applications in solving standard integrals.
  • Practice solving second-order differential equations in physics contexts.
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Students in physics and mathematics, particularly those tackling problems in classical mechanics and differential equations, will benefit from this discussion.

jin94
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Homework Statement



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So this is the question I need to solve. I was told to directly integrate the bottom equation to solve for x(t). I can solve (1) by differentiating (1) to turn it into 2nd order difffeq (mx''=kx), but I think I'm not allowed to do that ... I have no idea how to solve (2) using direct integration. It looks like a difficult non-linear equation to solve to me. please help me T T

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved (1) by turning into mx''=kx, but I'm not allowed to do that.
 
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Welcome to PF!

Equation (2) is in terms of the two variables x and t. The ideas is to "separate" the two variables so that just the x variable occurs on one side and the t variable on the other, in such a way that the equation "begs" you to integrate both sides.
 
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TSny said:
Welcome to PF!

Equation (2) is in terms of the two variables x and t. The ideas is to "separate" the two variables so that just the x variable occurs on one side and the t variable on the other, in such a way that the equation "begs" you to integrate both sides.

Thank you! but then how do I integrate 1/(a-b*x^2)^(1/2) dx?
 

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