Evaluating indefinite integral - toughie

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The discussion focuses on evaluating the indefinite integral of the velocity function v(x) = [(k*x^2)/(2*m)] + v0 to derive position as a function of time. The correct approach involves separating variables and integrating the expression t = Integral [2m/(2mv0 + kx^2)]. The integral simplifies to an arctangent form after appropriate substitutions, specifically u = √(k/(2mv0))x, leading to the final expression involving arctangent. The participants confirm that constants m and k facilitate this integration process.

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don_anon25
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Evaluating indefinite integral -- toughie!

I have the velocity function v(x) = [(k*x^2)/(2*m)] + v0
I need to integrate this to get position as a function of time.
So v = dx/dt.
Separating variables, I get t = Integral [2m/(2mv0 + kx^2)]
Here's where I'm stuck...If i pull out the 2m, then I get something that resembles the integral which equals arc tangent.
Am I on the right track?
Can someone check my though process?
 
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I assume m and k are constants. If they are, this integral seems easy.

x= \frac{k}{2m}\int x^2 +v_{0}dx

EDIT: Mistake. Sorry. Look at the below post.
 
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Jameson: You understand, don't you, that your response makes no sense? You have x on one side and an integral with respect to x on the other! What happened to t?

We are given
v(x)= \frac{dx}{dt}= \frac{kx^2}{2m}+ v_0
That gives, as don_anon25 says
\int\frac{dx}{\frac{kx^2}{2m}+ v_0}= \int dt
Yes, that does look like an arctangent. What's wrong with that?
If we factor out v0 on the left, we get
\frac{1}{v_0}\int\frac{dx}{\frac{k}{2mv_0}x^2+ 1}= t+ C
Now make the substitution
u= \sqrt{\frac{k}{2mv_0}}x
and the integral on the left becomes
\sqrt{\frac{k}{2mv_0^3}}\int{\frac{du}{u^2+ 1}
which is, indeed, an arctangent.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Sorry bout that. Wasn't thinking obviously. Thanks for the correction :)
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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