Did I Substitute Correctly in My Integral Calculation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the integral \(\int \frac{e^{3x}}{\sqrt{4 - e^{2x}}} \, dx\). Participants are examining the substitution methods used in the integration process and the correctness of those substitutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts a substitution with \(u = e^x\) and discusses the subsequent steps involving trigonometric substitution. Some participants question the initial choice of substitution and whether it aligns with the integral's structure. Others express confusion about the professor's feedback regarding the substitution of \(u^2\) and its implications on the solution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different substitution methods and questioning the validity of the original poster's approach. Some affirm the correctness of the original work, while others suggest that alternative methods may be simpler.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of differing opinions on the appropriateness of the substitutions made, particularly regarding the choice of \(u^2 = e^{3x}\) versus \(u^2 = e^{2x}\). The conversation reflects a mix of perspectives on the complexity of the integral and the methods employed.

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Homework Statement


[tex]\int \frac{e^{3x}}{\sqrt{4 - e^{2x}} \, dx[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Let [tex]u = e^x[/tex]. Then [tex]du = e^x \, dx[/tex]. So [tex]u^2 = e^{2x}[/tex]. We have

[tex]\int \frac{u^2}{\sqrt{4 - u^2)} \, du[/tex]
We make the substitution [tex]u = 2 \sin\theta[/tex]. [tex]du = 2 \cos\theta \, d\theta[/tex]. Then

[tex]\int \frac{4\sin^2\theta}{2\cos\theta)} 2\cos\theta \, d\theta[/tex]
[tex]=4 \int \sin^2\theta \, d\theta[/tex]
[tex]=2 \int (1 -\cos 2\theta) \, d\theta[/tex]
[tex]=2 \theta -\sin 2\theta = 2 \theta -2\sin\theta \cos\theta + C[/tex]
Changing variables

[tex]=2 \arcsin \frac{e^x}{2} -\frac{e^x}{2}\sqrt{4 - e^{2x}} + C[/tex]

But, my proffesor say that I've an error at the first step when i took u^2 as e^2x he said that i should take u as u^2= e^3x, the answer is right he said that the error was cover by another error and that is how i get the answer right. Is anything bad in the way i solved the integral or why my proffesor said that?
 
Last edited:
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Wayy to complicated

[tex]\[<br /> \begin{array}{l}<br /> \int {\frac{{e^x }}{{\sqrt {4 - e^{2x} } }}} dx \\ <br /> {\rm{let }}u = e^x \\ <br /> {\rm{ }}du = e^x dx \\ <br /> \int {\frac{{du}}{{\sqrt {4 - u^2 } }}} \\ <br /> {\rm{let }}u = 2\sin \theta \\ <br /> {\rm{ }}du = 2\cos \theta d\theta \\ <br /> \end{array}<br /> \][/tex]

What would you do from here?

P.S. u^2= e^3x wouldn't help anything here
 
Last edited:
ChaoticLlama said:
Wayy to complicated

[tex]\[<br /> \begin{array}{l}<br /> \int {\frac{{e^x }}{{\sqrt {4 - e^{2x} } }}} dx \\ <br /> {\rm{let }}u = e^x \\ <br /> {\rm{ }}du = e^x dx \\ <br /> \int {\frac{{du}}{{\sqrt {4 - u^2 } }}} \\ <br /> {\rm{let }}u = 2\sin \theta \\ <br /> {\rm{ }}du = 2\cos \theta d\theta \\ <br /> \end{array}<br /> \][/tex]

What would you do from here?

Its [tex]\int \frac{{e^{3x} }{\sqrt {4 - e^{2x} } dx[/tex]
 
Nope, your answer is totally correct. And there's no error in your work. There are several ways to go about solving an integral, and yours is one of them. :)
Congratulations.
 

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