Find the following indefinite integral

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the indefinite integral of ∫x√(1-x^2) dx, which falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore trigonometric substitution and alternative methods for solving the integral. There is a discussion about expressing the final result in terms of the variable x, and some participants question the clarity of the results obtained through trigonometric identities.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided various approaches to the problem, including trigonometric substitution and a suggestion to use a direct substitution of u = 1 - x^2. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of the trigonometric results, and some participants are considering alternative methods to simplify their solutions.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the need to express results in terms of x, and some participants reflect on the appropriateness of the methods used, indicating a mix of opinions on the best approach to take.

jodecy
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Homework Statement



find the indefinite integral of ∫x√(1-x^2) dx

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


∫x√(1-x^2) dx

let x = sinθ
dx = cosθ dθ

now sin^2θ + cos^2θ = 1
=> cosθ = √1-sin^2θ ( for the form √(1-x^2))

∫x√(1-x^2) dx => ∫sinθ (√1-sin^2θ) cosθ dθ
=> ∫sinθ cos^2θ dθ

integrating :- let u = cosθ
du = -sinθ dθ

=> ∫ sinθ cos^2θ dθ = ∫ -u^2 du
=> -1/3 u^3 + c
=> -1/3 cos θ + c


is this correct?
 
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jodecy said:

Homework Statement



find the indefinite integral of ∫x√(1-x^2) dx

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


∫x√(1-x^2) dx

let x = sinθ
dx = cosθ dθ

now sin^2θ + cos^2θ = 1
=> cosθ = √1-sin^2θ ( for the form √(1-x^2))

∫x√(1-x^2) dx => ∫sinθ (√1-sin^2θ) cosθ dθ
=> ∫sinθ cos^2θ dθ

integrating :- let u = cosθ
du = -sinθ dθ

=> ∫ sinθ cos^2θ dθ = ∫ -u^2 du
=> -1/3 u^3 + c
=> -1/3 cos3 θ + c


is this correct?
Hello jodecy. Welcome to PF !

At the very least, you need to give the final result in terms of the variable, x .

A more direct substitution is to let u = 1-x2 .
 
ohhhh so i need to state θ = arcsinx

therefore my answer in terms of x would be -1/3 cos^3(arcsinx )?

when i come back i'll try subst with u = 1-x^2
 
Well, I wouldn't even mess with trig substitution, as SammyS said; that's just overkill and too much work for this problem.

But, it is also not "correct" in the sense that it is really hard to understand what (-1/3)\cos^3(\arccos(x)). So, here is a better way.

Draw a right triangle. Pick one of the non-right angles to be \theta. Now, you now that \sin (\theta)=x, and you know that sine is opposite over hypotenuse. Now, label the opposite side with an x and the hypotenuse with a 1. Now, do you see how to find the cosine of \theta out of that?
 
ok so i worked it out using the subst of u = 1 - x^2 and got the answer to be
-1/3 (1-x^2) ^ 3/2 + c. however the original method i used was that presented to me by my lecturer so I'm wondering ...
 

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