Help to find skipped step in integration

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a skipped step in the integration process of a mathematical problem involving the relationship between variables R and x, specifically focusing on the integration of a differential equation. Participants explore the transition from one form of the equation to another and the implications of constants in the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the integration step between two forms of the equation involving R and sin(x).
  • Another participant provides a solution involving logarithmic integration, leading to the expression for R in terms of sin(x) and a constant K.
  • A participant acknowledges their earlier confusion and seeks clarification on how the constant K arises from the integration process, questioning whether it is related to properties of logarithms.
  • Further exploration of the relationship between the constants and the logarithmic expressions is presented, showing how R can be expressed in terms of R0 and sin(x).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the specific nature of the constant K or its derivation from the logarithmic properties, indicating ongoing uncertainty and exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific assumptions about the values of R0 and sin(x0) but do not resolve the implications of these assumptions on the general case. The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps related to the integration process.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in integration techniques, differential equations, and the properties of logarithms in mathematical contexts may find this discussion relevant.

johnpjust
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In a textbook I'm reading, a step in an example problem was skipped during integration, and I'm just not quite seeing how to get from "point A to B" in this.

(1) d(R)/(2*cos(x)) = (R*d(x))/(sin(x))

(2) d(R)/R = 2*d(sin(x))/(sin(x))

*Integrate* (here is where I get lost -- what is happening here?)

(3) R = (sin(x))^2
 
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Well, you have:
[tex]\frac{dR}{R}=2\frac{d(\sin(x))}{\sin(x}}[/tex]
Integrating this yields:
[tex]\ln|R|-\ln|R_{0}|=2*(\ln|\sin(x)|-\ln|\sin_{x}_{0}|)[/tex]
Now, assuming that [itex]|R_{0}|=|\sin(x_{0})|=1[/itex]*, we get:
[tex]\ln|R|=2\ln|\sin(x)|[/tex]

I'm sure you manage the last step on your own, in the event that R>0

*In the general case, we get:
[tex]R=K\sin^{2}(x}[/tex]
where K is some arbitrary constant.
 
Last edited:
Thanks...apparently I couldn't think straight last night because that is really obvious now haha.

I didn't realize though that the constant 'K' in the general case will be there. I knew from the context of the problem that there would have to be a constant there, but I guess I didn't know how that got there either (the solution actually has 'K' in it in the book).

How does - ln (|sin(x_0)|^2 + |R_0|) translate to the constant 'k' in the general case? Is it a property of logrithms?
 
Last edited:
johnpjust said:
How does - ln (|sin(x_0)|^2 + |R_0|) translate to the constant 'k' in the general case? Is it a property of logrithms?

[tex]\ln(R) - \ln(R_0) = 2 (\ln(\sin x) - \ln (\sin x_0))[/tex]

[tex]\ln(R/R_0)) = 2 \ln(\sin x/\sin x_0)[/tex]

[tex]R/R_0 = \sin^2 x / \sin^2 x_0[/tex]

[tex]R = (R_0 / \sin^2 x_0) \sin^2 x[/tex]
 

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