Can You Simplify Integrals by Separating Radicals?

In summary, the conversation discusses whether it is allowed to break up integrals in a certain way, and it is determined that it is not possible. The speaker is advised to review the properties of radicals before attempting a solution.
  • #1
Cacophony
41
0

Homework Statement


for the following integrals, am I allowed to break them up like so:

1. ∫(1)/(sqrt(16-9x²)³) dx

= ∫(1)/(√16)³ · ∫(1)/(√-9x²)³ dx

2. ∫(x²)/(sqrt(x²-9)) dx

= ∫(x²)/(√x²) · ∫(x²)/(√-9) dx

3. ∫(1)/(x²(sqrt(a²+x²))) dx

= ∫(1)/(x²) · ∫(1)/(√a²) · ∫(1)/(√x²) dx

? ? ?


Homework Equations


none


The Attempt at a Solution


I need to know if I'm allowed to break them up like this before I start attempting a solution
 
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  • #2
Is this what you are writing for #1?
[itex]\int \frac{1}{\left( \sqrt{16-9x^2}\right)^3} dx[/itex]
[itex]=\int \frac{1}{\left( \sqrt{16}\right)^3} dx \cdot \int \frac{1}{\left( \sqrt{-9x^2}\right)^3} dx[/itex]
Yikes. No, you cannot do that!

[itex]\sqrt{a - b} \ne \sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{-b}[/itex]
Better review the properties of radicals.
 
  • #3
Ok, guess i'll try something else. Thanks
 

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