Having a problem in steps while solving integrals

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of integration in solving a physics problem related to displacement and velocity. The original poster attempts to find the displacement of a body given its velocity function, raising questions about the integration process and the treatment of constants.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster describes their attempt to integrate the velocity function and questions the omission of the integral of dt in the correct solution. Other participants provide insights into the execution of integration and the role of constants in definite versus indefinite integrals.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's confusion, offering clarifications about the integration process and addressing misconceptions. There appears to be a productive exchange of ideas regarding the treatment of constants and the nature of definite integrals.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on understanding the distinction between indefinite and definite integrals, as well as the implications of bounds in integration. The original poster's approach includes a misunderstanding of the integration of dt, which is being discussed among participants.

prakhargupta3301
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Okay. So I'm new to calculus. And this is the first time I'm solving a physics problem using integration.
I understood that ∫dt (or ∫1dt) will be equal to just 't+C.' (Just like f ' (t+C) = 1).
Though, that's not the problem. The problem is when I apply it this way:

Question: The expression for velocity of a body is given as 3t+2. Displacement (x) is in metres and time (t) in seconds. Find the displacement (x) in time 't' using integration. (Note: take starting time to be 0 seconds)

My attempt: x= t0∫vdt
x = t0∫(3t+2)dt
x = [(3t2)/2 + 2t] ⋅ (t+C) ('t+C' is the integral of dt)
x = [(3t3)/2 +2t2] ⋅ (t+C)
x = [(3t2C)/2 + (3t3)/2]+ [(2tC+2t2)] t0|
x= [(3t2C)/2 + (3t3)/2]- 0
x [(3t2C)/2 + (3t3)/2] metres

However, as is evident (even to me) that this approach + method is wrong. The correct solution is:
x= t0∫vdt
x = t0∫(3t+2)dt
x = (3t2)/2 + 2t t0|
x= [(3t2)/2 + 2t]- 0
x= (3t2)/2 + 2t metres

Please tell me, why in step 3 of correct solution, integral of dt was omitted? (Please refer to same step of my wrong calculation to know the error in my approach)

Also, please enlighten me on the correct way.
Thank you for reading.
 
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prakhargupta3301 said:
why in step 3 of correct solution, integral of dt was omitted?
It was not omitted, but executed.

The important thing for you is now to understand that in your own working, the factor (t+C) is not correct (too much).

Perhaps it helps if you look at ##\displaystyle \int_{t_0}^{t_1} 2 \,dt = 2 t |_{t_0}^{t_1} = 2( t_1 - t_0 )##
In other words: the 2t in [(3t2)/2 + 2t] is a primitive of 2 dt
(and the 3t2)/2 is the primitive of 3t)
 
prakhargupta3301 said:
't+C' is the integral of dt)
There is no such thing as an integral of "dt".
∫dt = ∫1.dt is the integral of 1 with respect to t.
Likewise, ∫(3t+2).dt is the integral of 3t+2 with respect to t.

Secondly, you only need a constant of integration in indefinite integrals. It represents the fact that you do not know both bounds. Where you do know the bounds, the constant would be the same at each end of the range, and so cancels out:
ab2x.dx=[x2+C]ab=(b2+C)-(a2+C).
 
∫ dt = t + C or ∫ dt = Δt
 
Thank you BvU, Haruspex and Dr Dr news, because if you my concept is clear.
 
:smile:
 

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