How do I integrate this: 1 to 2∫ √(25+100t^2)?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter winkzy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integrate
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function √(25 + 100t²) in the context of finding arc length. Participants explore various methods of integration, including substitution and trigonometric identities, while addressing challenges related to the calculus involved.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in integrating the function and attempts a substitution method with u = 25 + 100t², but feels uncertain about the correctness of their approach.
  • Another participant clarifies the substitution for dt in terms of du and t, suggesting dt = du/(200t) with t expressed as a function of u.
  • A third participant proposes a trigonometric substitution, suggesting that using tan(θ) could simplify the integration process, and provides a derivation involving trigonometric identities.
  • One participant challenges the correctness of a previous statement regarding trigonometric identities, asserting that tan²(x) + 1 should equal sec²(x) instead of cos²(x).
  • Another participant points out a potential error in the trigonometric substitution, indicating that the relationship between tan²(θ) and t² may have been misrepresented.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to the integration problem, with multiple competing views and methods presented. Disagreements arise regarding the application of trigonometric identities and the validity of certain substitutions.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the substitutions and identities used in the integration process. The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with calculus concepts among participants.

winkzy
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I'm trying to find the arc length and I'm able to get this far. But it's been a long time since I've done calculus so I forgot.

1 to 2∫ √(25+100t^2)

I tried to do u = 25+100t^2, du = 200t dt, dt = 1/200 du, but it doesn't look right.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
dt=du/(200t), where t = √[(u-25)/100]
 
That's a pretty standard trig substitution: [itex]sin^2(\theta)+ cos^2(\theta)= 1[/itex]. Divide through by [itex]cos^2(\theta)[/itex], [itex]tan^2(\theta)+ 1= cos^2(\theta)[/itex].

Therefore, let [itex]5tan(\theta)= (1/10)t[/itex] so that [itex]tan^2(\theta)= (25/100)t^2[/itex], [itex]100t^2+ 25= 25tan^2(\theta)+ 25= 25(tan^2(\theta)+ 1)= 25cos^2(\theta)[/itex] and so [itex]\sqrt{100t^2+ 25}= 5cos(theta)[/itex].

Of course, [itex]d(tan(\theta))= sec^2(\theta)d\theta[/itex] so that [itex](1/10)dt= 5sec^2(\theta)d\theta[/itex].
 
I'm pretty sure that tan^2(x)+1 is not cos^2(x). I believe Halls of Ivy meant sec^2(x).
 
Also, if you define [itex]5\tan \theta = \frac{1}{10}t[/itex], then [itex]\tan^2 \theta = \frac{1}{2500}t^2[/itex]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K