Can you solve this week's POTW: Integrating a Complex Expression? May 25th, 2020

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter anemone
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers around solving the integral $$\int \left(x^{10}+\sqrt{1+x^{20}}\right)^{^{\Large\frac{21}{10}}}\,dx$$ for real numbers x. The problem is part of the "Problem of the Week" (POTW) series, which encourages mathematical problem-solving. Despite the challenge, no solutions were provided for the previous week's problem, highlighting the complexity of these integrals.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus
  • Familiarity with advanced algebraic expressions
  • Knowledge of real analysis concepts
  • Experience with mathematical problem-solving techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study techniques for solving complex integrals
  • Explore the use of substitution methods in calculus
  • Learn about the properties of integrals involving square roots
  • Investigate advanced topics in real analysis
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, calculus students, and anyone interested in solving complex integrals will benefit from this discussion.

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Here is this week's POTW:

-----

Find $$\int \left(x^{10}+\sqrt{1+x^{20}}\right)^{^{\Large\frac{21}{10}}}\,dx$$ where $x\in \mathbb{R}$.

-----

 
Physics news on Phys.org
No one answered last week's POTW. (Sadface) However, you can find the suggested solution of other below:

$$\begin{align*}\int \left(x^{10}+\sqrt{1+x^{20}}\right)^{^{\Large\frac{21}{10}}}\,dx&=\int \left(\dfrac{(1+x^{20})-x^{20}}{\sqrt{1+x^{20}}-x^{10}}\right)^{^{\Large\frac{21}{10}}}\,dx\\&=\int (\sqrt{1+x^{20}}-x^{10})^{^{\Large-\frac{21}{10}}}\,dx\\&=\int (\sqrt{1+x^{-20}}-1)^{^{\Large-\frac{21}{10}}}\cdot x^{-21}\,dx\end{align*}$$

Let $u=\sqrt{1+x^{-20}}-1$. We then have

$x^{-20}=u^2+2u\\-20x^{-21}dx=(2u+2)du$

$$\begin{align*} \therefore \int \left(x^{10}+\sqrt{1+x^{20}}\right)^{^{\Large\frac{21}{10}}}\,dx&=\int u^{\Large-\frac{21}{10}}\left(-\dfrac{1}{10}(u+1)\right)\,du\\&=-\dfrac{1}{10} \int (u^{\Large-\frac{1}{20}}+u^{\Large-\frac{21}{20}})\,du\\&=-\dfrac{1}{10}\left(\dfrac{20}{19}u^{\Large\frac{19}{20}}-20u^{\Large-\frac{1}{20}}\right)+C\\&=-\dfrac{2}{19}(1-\sqrt{1+x^{-20}})^{\Large\frac{19}{20}}+2(1-\sqrt{2+x^{-20}})^{\Large-\frac{1}{20}}+C\end{align*}$$
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K