Help with evaluating indefinite integral

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the indefinite integral of the form ∫ {√[(a^2)-(x^2)] / (b-x)} dx, which involves techniques of integration such as integration by parts and trigonometric substitution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods including integration by parts and trigonometric substitution. Questions arise regarding the limits of integration after substitution and the complexity of the resulting integral. Some participants explore special cases to simplify the problem.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing with participants sharing their attempts and insights. Some guidance has been offered regarding substitution methods, but there is no clear consensus on the best approach to take. The discussion has shifted towards evaluating the integral as a definite case, which may open up additional methods.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of specific limits for the integral changing from indefinite to definite, which may affect the strategies discussed. Participants also note the complexity of the integral in its general form compared to special cases.

pfsm01
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Homework Statement



Evaluate the integral:

∫ {√[(a^2)-(x^2)] / (b-x)} dx

Homework Equations



∫ u dv = uv - ∫v du

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried using integration by parts but it makes the integral even more complex.
I also tried using the table of integrals to find a solution to no avail.

Can someone please point me in the right direction?

Any help is much appreciated.
 
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Use trig substitution. Set x = asin(theta) and sub in x and dx.
 
Would I then integrate with respect to dtheta?

If I had to evaluate the integral from -a to +a, would I integrate from 0 to theta after the substitution?

Thank you for your help
 
pfsm01 said:
Would I then integrate with respect to dtheta?

If I had to evaluate the integral from -a to +a, would I integrate from 0 to theta after the substitution?

Thank you for your help

If you were to substitute x = a \sin(\theta) then the limits x=-a to +a would change to theta = -pi/2 to pi/2. However I don't think that substitution will help all that much? It changes it into:
\int \frac{a^2 \cos^2 \theta}{b - \sin \theta}\, d\theta
which doesn't look too easy.
 
pfsm01 said:

Homework Statement



Evaluate the integral:

∫ {√[(a^2)-(x^2)] / (b-x)} dx
That looks like a tricky integral pfsm. In the special case where b=a it simplifies (algebraically) to a very easy integral. For the general case however I'm stumped. Maybe if I show the simplified case it will give someone an else a lead.

\frac{\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}}{a-x} = \frac{\sqrt{a+x}}{\sqrt{a-x}} = \frac{a+x}{\sqrt{a^2-x^2}}

So for this special case we have,
\int \frac{\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}}{a-x} \, dx = \int \frac{a}{\sqrt{a^2-x^2}} \, dx + \int \frac{x}{\sqrt{a^2-x^2}} \, dx
which are both very easy integrals. For the general case however, hmmm, hopefully someone else can help out.
 
Apparently the answer is πb-π√(b^2-a^2 ) for limits x=-a to +a
but not sure how to arrive here
 
pfsm01 said:
Apparently the answer is πb-π√(b^2-a^2 ) for limits x=-a to +a
but not sure how to arrive here

Ok so the question has now been changed to a definite integral, is that right? Sometimes there are more options available in how to handle a definite integral so it makes a difference (in general, though I'm not sure if it will make a difference this case, I'll take another look).
 
If the answer for the definite integral is in fact πb-π√(b^2-a^2 ) for limits x=-a to +a, would it be incorrect to back-calculate the answer for the indefinite integral? For instance, bπ((a+x)/2a) - π√((b^2)-(a^2))((a+x)/2a) with limits x=-a to +a resolves into the answer above.
 

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