How Can You Effectively Evaluate a Challenging Definite Integral?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the evaluation of the definite integral $$\int_2^4 \frac{\sqrt{\ln (9-x)}\,dx}{\sqrt{\ln (9-x)}+\sqrt{\ln (x+3)}}$$. Participants explore various methods and solutions related to this integral, engaging in both technical reasoning and problem-solving approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the integral for evaluation.
  • Another participant shares their solution, although the details of the solution are not provided.
  • A third participant praises the approach of the second participant, indicating it is a clever method.
  • A fourth participant suggests a more direct method, but does not elaborate on the specifics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best method for evaluating the integral, as multiple approaches are suggested without resolution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks detailed explanations of the proposed solutions and does not clarify the assumptions or steps involved in the evaluations.

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Evaluate $$\int_2^4 \frac{\sqrt{\ln (9-x)}\,dx}{\sqrt{\ln (9-x)}+\sqrt{\ln (x+3)}}$$
 
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My solution:

We are given to evaluate:

$$I=\int_2^4 \frac{\sqrt{\ln (9-x)}\,dx}{\sqrt{\ln (9-x)}+\sqrt{\ln (x+3)}}$$

Let:

$$u=x-3\,\therefore\,du=dx$$

and we have:

$$I=\int_{-1}^{1}\frac{\sqrt{\ln(6-u)}}{\sqrt{\ln(6-u)}+\sqrt{\ln(6+u)}}\,du$$

Using the property of definite integrals:

$$\int_{-a}^a f(x)\,dx=\int_0^a \left[f(x)+f(-x) \right]\,dx$$

we may write:

$$I=\int_{0}^{1}\frac{\sqrt{\ln(6-u)}}{\sqrt{\ln(6-u)}+\sqrt{\ln(6+u)}}+\frac{\sqrt{\ln(6+u)}}{\sqrt{\ln(6+u)}+\sqrt{\ln(6-u)}}\,du$$

$$I=\int_{0}^{1}\frac{\sqrt{\ln(6-u)}+\sqrt{\ln(6+u)}}{\sqrt{\ln(6-u)}+\sqrt{\ln(6+u)}}\,du$$

$$I=\int_{0}^{1}\,du=_0^1=1-0=1$$
 
MarkFL said:
My solution:

We are given to evaluate:

$$I=\int_2^4 \frac{\sqrt{\ln (9-x)}\,dx}{\sqrt{\ln (9-x)}+\sqrt{\ln (x+3)}}$$

Let:

$$u=x-3\,\therefore\,du=dx$$

and we have:

$$I=\int_{-1}^{1}\frac{\sqrt{\ln(6-u)}}{\sqrt{\ln(6-u)}+\sqrt{\ln(6+u)}}\,du$$

Using the property of definite integrals:

$$\int_{-a}^a f(x)\,dx=\int_0^a \left[f(x)+f(-x) \right]\,dx$$

we may write:

$$I=\int_{0}^{1}\frac{\sqrt{\ln(6-u)}}{\sqrt{\ln(6-u)}+\sqrt{\ln(6+u)}}+\frac{\sqrt{\ln(6+u)}}{\sqrt{\ln(6+u)}+\sqrt{\ln(6-u)}}\,du$$

$$I=\int_{0}^{1}\frac{\sqrt{\ln(6-u)}+\sqrt{\ln(6+u)}}{\sqrt{\ln(6-u)}+\sqrt{\ln(6+u)}}\,du$$

$$I=\int_{0}^{1}\,du=_0^1=1-0=1$$


That's a smart approach, MarkFL! Well done!(Clapping)
 
A little more direct
Let $x = 6-u$ so the integral become

$I = \displaystyle - \int_4^2 \dfrac{\sqrt{\ln (3+u)}}{ \sqrt{\ln (3+u)} +\sqrt{\ln (9-u)}}\;du$

Replace $u$ with $x$ and add to the original and like Mark said $2I = \int_2^4 1dx$ gives $I = 1$
 

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