How Do You Calculate the Arc Length of y = ln(x) from x = 1 to x = e?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the arc length of the curve defined by the function f(x) = ln(x) over the interval from x = 1 to x = e. Participants are exploring the application of integration techniques and comparing the arc length to the straight-line distance between two points on the curve.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration process for finding arc length, referencing integration tables and evaluating the integral at specific bounds. Questions arise regarding the correctness of the integration and the comparison to the straight-line distance.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants examining the integration steps and questioning whether the evaluations at the bounds were performed correctly. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of the integral table, but no consensus has been reached on the final answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the straight-line distance is typically the shortest distance between two points, prompting discussions about the implications of their calculations. There is also mention of the need to evaluate the integral at both bounds, indicating potential gaps in the initial evaluations.

Dylan6866
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Homework Statement



Use the integration tables to find the exact arc length of the curve
f(x)=ln x 1≤x≤e

Reference the table number formula used

Then approx. your answer and compare that to the approx. "straight line distance" between 2 points

coordinates of two points (1,0) (e,1)

Homework Equations


∫sqrt(1+(f'(x))^2)

distance formula I'm guessing?


The Attempt at a Solution


y = ln(x)
y' = (1/x)

L = ∫ (1 to e) [ sqrt(1 + (1/x)^2) ] dx
L = ∫ (1 to e) [ sqrt(1 + (1/x)^2) ] dx

= ∫(1 to e) [ sqrt(1 + (1/x^2)) ] dx
= ∫ (1 to e) [ sqrt( (x^2 + 1) / x^2) ) ] dx
=∫ (1 to e) [(1/x)*sqrt(x^2 + 1) ] dx

Integral # 28
∫ [(1/u)sqrt(a^2 + u^2)] du
= sqrt(a^2 + u^2) - a*ln | [a + sqrt(a^2 + u^2)] / u] | + C

In this integral, a = 1 and u = x

Int (1 to e) [(1/x)*sqrt(x^2 + 1) ] dx =
sqrt(1 + x^2) - ln | [1 + sqrt(1 + x^2)] / x] | (1 to e)

=
sqrt(1 + e^2) - ln | [1 + sqrt(1 + e^2)] / e] |
=
sqrt(2) - ln | [1 + sqrt(2)]] |

0.53

straight line =1.98

Is this right?
 
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Dylan6866 said:

Homework Statement



Use the integration tables to find the exact arc length of the curve
f(x)=ln x 1≤x≤e

Reference the table number formula used

Then approx. your answer and compare that to the approx. "straight line distance" between 2 points

coordinates of two points (1,0) (e,1)

Homework Equations


∫sqrt(1+(f'(x))^2) dx

distance formula I'm guessing?


The Attempt at a Solution


y = ln(x)
y' = (1/x)

L = ∫ (1 to e) [ sqrt(1 + (1/x)^2) ] dx
L = ∫ (1 to e) [ sqrt(1 + (1/x)^2) ] dx

= ∫(1 to e) [ sqrt(1 + (1/x^2)) ] dx
= ∫ (1 to e) [ sqrt( (x^2 + 1) / x^2) ) ] dx
=∫ (1 to e) [(1/x)*sqrt(x^2 + 1) ] dx

Integral # 28
∫ [(1/u)sqrt(a^2 + u^2)] du
= sqrt(a^2 + u^2) - a*ln | [a + sqrt(a^2 + u^2)] / u] | + C

In this integral, a = 1 and u = x

Int (1 to e) [(1/x)*sqrt(x^2 + 1) ] dx =
sqrt(1 + x^2) - ln | [1 + sqrt(1 + x^2)] / x] | (1 to e)

=
sqrt(1 + e^2) - ln | [1 + sqrt(1 + e^2)] / e] |
=
sqrt(2) - ln | [1 + sqrt(2)]] |

0.53

straight line =1.98

Is this right?
Isn't a straight line the shortest distance between two pints?

You only evaluated the anti-derivative at x = e, not at x = 1.
 
SammyS said:
Isn't a straight line the shortest distance between two pints?

You only evaluated the anti-derivative at x = e, not at x = 1.

Yes, so the distance formula would be right?

And I evauluated it again, the answer should be ≈ 2.

But, is the integration correct?
 
Dylan6866 said:
Yes, so the distance formula would be right?

And I evaluated it again, the answer should be ≈ 2.

But, is the integration correct?
It is if the integral table is correct. You appear to have used it correctly.
 

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