Exact length of the curve analytically

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The discussion focuses on finding the exact length of the curve defined by y=(9-x^(2/3))^(3/2) for 1 ≤ x ≤ 8 through antidifferentiation. Participants clarify the correct formula for arc length, which involves integrating the square root of one plus the square of the derivative. There are challenges in simplifying the expression and integrating due to negative exponents and terms in the denominator. The conversation emphasizes the importance of algebraic simplification before proceeding with integration. Ultimately, the goal is to accurately compute the integral for the curve's length.
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Homework Statement



a curve is given by y=(9-x^(2/3))^(3/2) for 1 ≤ x ≤ 8. Find the exact length of the curve analytically by antidifferentiation


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


\int_a^b \sqrt{1+\frac{dy}{dx}} dx
I use this formula right?

i took the derivative of the equation and i got \sqrt{9-x^(2/3)} times X^(-1/3)

How do I integrate it with the negative exponent... I know its probably simple but I'm just not getting it
 
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volleygirl292 said:

Homework Statement



a curve is given by y=(9-x^(2/3))^(3/2) for 1 ≤ x ≤ 8. Find the exact length of the curve analytically by antidifferentiation


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


\int_a^b \sqrt{1+\frac{dy}{dx}} dx
I use this formula right?

i took the derivative of the equation and i got \sqrt{9-x^(2/3)} times X^(-1/3)

How do I integrate it with the negative exponent... I know its probably simple but I'm just not getting it


Your equation above is wrong. It should be

\int_a^b \sqrt{1 + (\frac{dy}{dx}})^2 dx

When you use this form of the equation for the arc length, you will find a couple of things simplify.
 
ok so now i have it down to integral of sqrt of 1-(9-x^(2/3)/(x^(2/3))

but i still have a exponent in the denominator
 
Let me first fix your expression by putting in the "tex" commands:

volleygirl292 said:
ok so now i have it down to

\int_a^b \sqrt{1 + (\frac{9-x^(2/3)}{x^2/3}}) dx

That doesn't look right.

Now,

y = (9 - x^{\frac{2}{3}})^{\frac{3}{2}}

has a derivative that looks like

\frac{dy}{dx} = -(9 - x^{\frac{2}{3}})^{\frac{1}{2}} x^{-\frac{1}{3}}

Now when you square that mess so you can put it into your expression for the arc length there will be simplifications that will allow you to do the integration.
 
I got it down to the integral of sqrt of 1+ (27-x)/x

but i still have an x in the denominator
 
volleygirl292 said:
ok so now i have it down to integral of sqrt of 1-(9-x^(2/3)/(x^(2/3))

but i still have a exponent in the denominator

It's 1+(9-x^(2/3)/(x^(2/3)), isn't it? Simplify the algebraically and then integrate.
 
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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