Did I Solve the Integral x^2√(1-x^2) dx Correctly?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Fabio010
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integral
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral ∫ x^2√(1-x^2) dx, focusing on the methods used for solving it, particularly through trigonometric substitution and other techniques. Participants share their approaches and seek validation of their solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their initial approach using trigonometric substitution with x = sin(t), leading to the integral ∫sin^2(t)cos^2(t) dt, but expresses difficulty in solving it.
  • The same participant later attempts a different substitution, t = √(1-x^2), and derives a new integral, but questions the correctness of their steps.
  • Another participant suggests that the first participant may have made an error related to a factor of x in their calculations and points out a potential confusion in the substitution process.
  • A third participant expresses frustration over what they perceive as a simple error and suggests reverting to the trigonometric substitution method.
  • Another observation is made regarding the relationship between the integral and integration by parts, proposing that partial integration might be a viable method to explore.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the initial solution, and multiple competing views on the appropriate method for solving the integral remain present.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the correctness of the substitutions made and the resulting integrals, as well as the potential errors identified by participants. The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with integration techniques.

Who May Find This Useful

Students studying calculus or mathematical analysis, particularly those interested in integration techniques and problem-solving strategies.

Fabio010
Messages
84
Reaction score
0
People, today i had a exam in math analysis and there was a integral to solve:

∫ x^2√(1-x^2) dx

ok, i started to think about the trigonometric substitution. x= sint

but, with that substitution now i have a ∫sin^2tcos^2t dt

so i have to do something like ∫(1-cos^2t)(cos^2t) dt ok and i thought (no thanks...)
i never learned how to solve a integral with the trigonometric formula, so solve something like
∫cos^4t dt takes a lot of time.


So i tried t = √(1-x^2)

dt/dx = -x/(√(1-x^2) )

So now i have a integral

-∫(x^2*t*√(1-x^2))/(x) dt
-∫(x^2*t*t)/(x) dt
-∫(x*t^2) dt

as we know t = √(1-x^2) so x= 1-t^2

-∫((1-t^2)t^2) dt = -∫t^2 - t^4 dt

ok now it is easy...

Please tell me that i did it in the correct way!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You can easily check by differentiating, however I think that you'll find you're off by a factor of x then.

The problem seems to be
as we know t = √(1-x^2) so x= 1-t^2
if t2 = 1 - x2 then x2 = 1 - t2.
I don't know how much that helps you though.
 
omfg...

what a stupid error.

Damn. ok i should do it by trigonometric substitution.
 
I just made the observation that
x^2 \sqrt{1 - x^2} \propto x \cdot \frac{d}{dx} (1 - x^2)^{3/2}
so maybe you can try partial integration.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K