Help with trigonometric substitutions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral ∫1/x^2*√(25-x^2), focusing on trigonometric substitutions for solving the integral. Participants are exploring the correct interpretation and approach to this integral within the context of calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the substitution x=5 sin(theta) and its implications for the integral. There are questions about the correct form of the integral and the appearance of sin^2 in the numerator. Some participants attempt to clarify the setup and the steps involved in the substitution process.

Discussion Status

Several participants are actively engaging with the problem, questioning assumptions about the integral's form and discussing the implications of their substitutions. Guidance has been offered regarding the appropriate antiderivative and back-substitution methods, but no consensus has been reached on the specific errors made in the original attempts.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the correct interpretation of the integral, whether it is ∫(1/(x^2√(25-x^2))) or ∫(1/x^2)√(25-x^2)dx. This ambiguity is affecting the approaches being discussed.

afcwestwarrior
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Homework Statement


∫1/x^2*√25-x^2




Homework Equations


√a^2-x^2 , x=a sin (theta) , -pi/2 less than or equal theta less than or equal pi/2 Identity 1-sin^2 theta= cos^2 theta

table of trigonometric substitutions


The Attempt at a Solution


x=5 sin theta
dx= 5 cos theta dtheta
theta=arcsin (x/5)
√25-x^2=5 cos theta
∫5 cos theta / 25 sin^2 theta * (5cos theta)=1/25 ∫sin^2 theta d theta

=1/25 - cos^2 theta+c
= -1/25 cos^2 (arcsin(x/5) +c

but the answer in the back of the book is -√25-(x^2)/(25x) +c

what did i do wrong
 
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anyone know what i did wrong
 
Is the integral

[tex]\int \frac{dx}{x^2 \cdot \surd(25-x^2)}[/tex]?

afcwestwarrior said:

The Attempt at a Solution


x=5 sin theta
dx= 5 cos theta dtheta
theta=arcsin (x/5)
?25-x^2=5 cos theta
?5 cos theta / 25 sin^2 theta * (5cos theta)=1/25 ?sin^2 theta d theta

How did sin^2 suddenly get into the numerator? I believe the trig-substituted integral at this point will be

[tex]\frac{1}{25} \int \frac{d\theta}{sin^2 \theta}[/tex]

Do we have an antiderivative handy for [tex]csc^2 \theta[/tex]?

BTW, please don't "bump" your own threads: it makes the reply count go up, so it looks like someone has started helping you when they actually haven't yet. Please be patient and someone will get to you. It's going to be slow right now because most universities are still on "interim" until at least next week (and many don't start up again until well into September)...
 
Last edited:
afcwestwarrior said:

Homework Statement


∫1/x^2*√25-x^2
First question: is this
[tex]\int \frac{dx}{x^2\sqrt{25- x^2}}[/tex]
or
[tex]\int \frac{1}{x^2} \sqrt{25- x^2}dx[/tex]?




Homework Equations


√a^2-x^2 , x=a sin (theta) , -pi/2 less than or equal theta less than or equal pi/2 Identity 1-sin^2 theta= cos^2 theta

table of trigonometric substitutions


The Attempt at a Solution


x=5 sin theta
dx= 5 cos theta dtheta
theta=arcsin (x/5)
√25-x^2=5 cos theta
∫5 cos theta / 25 sin^2 theta * (5cos theta)=1/25 ∫sin^2 theta d theta

=1/25 - cos^2 theta+c
= -1/25 cos^2 (arcsin(x/5) +c

but the answer in the back of the book is -√25-(x^2)/(25x) +c

what did i do wrong
If the problem is
[tex]\int \frac{dx}{x^2\sqrt{25- x^2}}[/tex]
then the substitution x= 5 sin(t) gives dx= 5 cos(t)dt, [itex]\sqrt{25- x^2}= 5cos(t)[/itex] and x2= 25 sin2(t) so the integral becomes
[tex]\int \frac{5 cos(t)dt}{(25 sin^2(t))(5cos(t))}= \frac{1}{25}\int \frac{dt}{sin^2(t)}= \frac{1}{25}\int csc^2(t) dt[/tex]

If the problem is
[tex]int \frac{1}{x^2}\sqrt{25- x^2}dx[/tex]
then the substitution x= 5 sin(t) gives
[tex]\int \frac{25 cos^2(t) dt}{25 sin^2(t)}= \int cot^2(t) dt[/itex][/tex]
 
It's the first one
 
Then the replies in post #3 and the first integration in post #4 are appropriate. Find the general antiderivative of [tex] csc^2 \theta[/tex], then back-substitute to get the expression in terms of x.
 
thanks
 

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