Having big problem with integration work (1st year tertiary level)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integration problems at a first-year tertiary level, specifically focusing on the integral of a polynomial multiplied by a square root and a trigonometric integral involving powers of sine and cosine.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve the integral of x^2 √(x-5) by substitution but expresses uncertainty about their approach. They later clarify their understanding after reviewing a worked solution. Another participant discusses simplifying a complex trigonometric integral and questions the next steps for simplification.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify integration techniques and explore different methods. Some participants provide hints and welcome the original poster, while others express confusion about specific steps in the integration process. There is no explicit consensus, but guidance is offered in the form of hints and encouragement.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of integration techniques, including substitution and reduction formulas, while adhering to homework constraints that may limit the sharing of complete solutions.

capt. crunch
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I am currently working on revision and the following question came up:
Find the integral of:
[tex]\int[/tex] x^2 [tex]\sqrt{x-5}[/tex]dx

now the way I went about solving this was to let u = x-5 and du = dx so that for the first step i got:
[tex]\int[/tex] x^2 U^1/2 du. I felt wrong right from the get go and had a look at the worked solution and they came up with:
Let u =[tex]\sqrt{x-5}[/tex]
then they got
2[tex]\int[/tex]u^2 (U^2 +5)^2 du
I do not understand where this comes from?

EDIT i figured it out:
u = [tex]\sqrt{x-5}[/tex]
x= u^2+5 therefore x^2 = (u^2+5)^2
dx = 2U du

This gives me all the values who's origins i was unsure of.
 
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for a 2nd question:
[tex]\int[/tex]sin^7xcos^3xdx

i worked it down to the following using reduction eqn and also substitution:
= - cos^4x/40 -1/10 sin^6xcos^4x - 3/40 sin^4xcos^4x - 1/20sin^2xcos^4x + c

should I simplify this further and where should i begin if i do?
 
welcome to pf!

hi capt. crunch! welcome to pf! :smile:

(have an integral: ∫ and a square-root: √ and try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)

hint: cos3x = cosx - cosx sin2x :wink:
 


tiny-tim said:
hi capt. crunch! welcome to pf! :smile:

(have an integral: ∫ and a square-root: √ and try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)

hint: cos3x = cosx - cosx sin2x :wink:


Thanks, so if I use what you gave above, how do i treat the sin7x? i thought i had to reduce that with the reduction equations?
 
there won't be a sin7x :confused:
 
i got it... thanks dude you are a hero!
 

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