Finding the exact length of the curve (II)

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter shamieh
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Curve Length
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the exact length of the curve defined by the equation \(y = 1 + 6x^{\frac{3}{2}}\) over the interval \(0 \le x \le 1\). The derivative \(y' = 9\sqrt{x}\) leads to the integral \(\int ^1_0 \sqrt{1 + (9\sqrt{x})^2} \, dx\), which simplifies to \(\int ^1_0 \sqrt{1 + 81x} \, dx\). A critical point raised is the incorrect assumption that \(\sqrt{1 + 81x} = 1 + 9\sqrt{x}\), emphasizing that \(\sqrt{a+b} \neq \sqrt{a} + \sqrt{b}\).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically integration and differentiation.
  • Familiarity with the concept of arc length in curves.
  • Knowledge of the properties of square roots and their limitations.
  • Ability to manipulate and simplify algebraic expressions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the formula for arc length in calculus.
  • Learn about the properties of square roots and when they can be applied.
  • Explore integration techniques for more complex functions.
  • Review examples of curve length calculations using different functions.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus, as well as educators looking for examples of common misconceptions in integration and algebra.

shamieh
Messages
538
Reaction score
0
Find the exact length of the curve

$0 \le x \le 1$

$$y = 1 + 6x^{\frac{3}{2}}$$ <-- If you can't read this, the exponent is $$\frac{3}{2}$$

$$
\therefore y' = 9\sqrt{x}$$

$$\int ^1_0 \sqrt{1 + (9\sqrt{x})^2} \, dx$$

$$= \int ^1_0 \sqrt{1 + 81x} \, dx$$

$$
= \int^1_0 1 + 9\sqrt{x} \, dx$$

Now can't I just split the two integrals separately to obtain:

$$x + 6x^{\frac{3}{2}} |^1_0 $$ <-- If you can't read this, the exponent is $$\frac{3}{2}$$

Thus getting: $$1 + 6 = 7? $$
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
shamieh said:
Find the exact length of the curve

$$y = 1 + 6x^{\frac{3}{2}}$$ <-- If you can't read this, the exponent is $$\frac{3}{2}$$

$$
\therefore y' = 9\sqrt{x}$$

$$\int ^1_0 \sqrt{1 + (9\sqrt{x})^2} \, dx$$

$$= \int ^1_0 \sqrt{1 + 81x} \, dx$$

$$
= \int^1_0 1 + 9\sqrt{x} \, dx$$

Now can't I just split the two integrals separately to obtain:

$$x + 6x^{\frac{3}{2}} |^1_0 $$ <-- If you can't read this, the exponent is $$\frac{3}{2}$$

Thus getting: $$1 + 6 = 7? $$

There is a little questionable point because $\displaystyle \sqrt{1 + 81\ x} \ne 1 + 9\sqrt{x}$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
chisigma said:
There is a little questionable point because $\displaystyle \sqrt{1 + 81\ x} \ne 1 + 9\sqrt{x}$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

How is that $$\ne$$ ?

$$\sqrt{1} = 1$$ , $$\sqrt{81} = 9 $$, $$\sqrt{x} = \sqrt{x}$$
 
shamieh said:
How is that $$\ne$$ ?

$$\sqrt{1} = 1$$ , $$\sqrt{81} = 9 $$, $$\sqrt{x} = \sqrt{x}$$

The symbol $\ne$ means 'not equal to'...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
chisigma said:
The symbol $\ne$ means 'not equal to'...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

I understand what the symbol means, my question is tho, why is it $$\ne$$ to the solution i proposed... $$\sqrt{x}$$ is just itself still $$\sqrt{x}$$ all we did was square x to make it $$\sqrt{x}$$ . How can you say that x square rooted isn't = to $$\sqrt{x}$$

What am I not seeing here?

because if we have x then decide to square root x , we will just end up with $$\sqrt{x}$$
 
What I meant to say is that You wrote something like...

$\displaystyle \int_{0}^{1} \sqrt{1 + 81\ x}\ dx = \int_{0}^{1} (1 + 9\ \sqrt{x})\ dx\ (1)$

... but it isn't true because [as You can easily verify...] for $0 < x \le 1$ is...

$\displaystyle \sqrt{1 + 81\ x} \ne 1 + 9\ \sqrt{x}\ (2)$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
... in other words, it is NOT TRUE that $\sqrt{a+b} = \sqrt a + \sqrt b$.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K