# Homework Help: How do I solve the integral x|x|dx?

1. Jul 3, 2010

### Telemachus

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
I must solve $$\displaystyle\int_{}^{}x|x|dx$$

How should I proceed?

2. Jul 3, 2010

### Hurkyl

Staff Emeritus
I try starting with one of the first things you learned about solving problems involving |x|.

3. Jul 3, 2010

### Quantumjump

You just distinguish the two cases x>=0 or x<0 and then teh calculation is straighforward. in the first case you wil have the integral of x*x and in the second you will have the integral of -x*x

4. Jul 3, 2010

### The Chaz

I wonder why Hurkyl didn't just say that in his reply... hmm...
I guess he doesn't know how to do it...

5. Jul 3, 2010

Thanks :P

6. Jul 3, 2010

### Unit

Are you serious?

7. Jul 3, 2010

### LCKurtz

Just guessing here, but I would say obviously no, he isn't serious. Rather it is a gentle jab at quantumjump for not giving the OP a chance to think for himself.

8. Jul 3, 2010

### The Chaz

It was either THAT, or I was totally slamming Hurkyl (but not both)!

I prefer the Socratic method to spoon-feeding.