How Do You Calculate the Length of the Curve from $x=\ln{4}$ to $x=\ln{5}$?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the length of the curve defined by the function \(y=\ln(e^x-1)-\ln(e^x+1)\) from \(x=\ln{4}\) to \(x=\ln{5}\). Participants explore different methods for deriving the length, including parametric equations and integral formulas.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the formula \(s=\int_a^b \sqrt{1+\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^2}\,dx\) for calculating the curve length.
  • Another participant proposes a parametrization of the curve with \(x(t)=e^t\) and \(y(t)=\ln(x(t)-1)-\ln(x(t)+1)\), recommending the use of a different integral formula for length.
  • Multiple participants express confusion regarding the derivative \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) and its application in the length formula.
  • One participant provides a specific expression for \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) and attempts to simplify the integral for the curve length.
  • There is a discussion about the equivalence of two different expressions for the radicand in the integral, with one participant questioning the validity of an alternative approach involving \(\csch^2(x)\).
  • Another participant suggests using Wolfram Alpha to verify the algebraic manipulation of the radicand.
  • Concerns are raised about whether the expressions being compared are indeed equivalent, leading to further clarification attempts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the equivalence of the two radicands discussed, and there remains uncertainty regarding the correct approach to simplify the integral for the curve length.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion over the derivative calculations and the manipulation of the integral's radicand, indicating potential limitations in their understanding of the algebra involved.

karush
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$\textsf{12 Find the length of the curve $y=\ln(e^x-1)-\ln( e^x+1 )$
from $x=\ln{4}$ to $x=\ln{5}$}$

ok I thot that curve lengths were done with parametric equations
but didn't know how to convert this
 
Last edited:
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I would use the formula:

$$s=\int_a^b \sqrt{1+\left(\d{y}{x}\right)^2}\,dx$$
 
You could parametrize the curve like so:

$$x(t)=e^t$$

$$y(t)=\ln(x(t)-1)-\ln(x(t)+1)$$

And then use the formula:

$$s=\int_{x(a)}^{x(b)} \sqrt{\left(\d{x}{t}\right)^2+\left(\d{y}{t}\right)^2}\,dt$$
 
MarkFL said:
I would use the formula:

$$s=\int_a^b \sqrt{1+\left(\d{y}{x}\right)^2}\,dx$$

$\displaystyle
\frac{dx}{dy}(\ln(e^x-1)-\ln(e^x+1))
=\frac{2e^x}{e^{2x}-1}$

$\displaystyle s=\int_{\ln 4}^{\ln 5}
\sqrt{1+\left(\frac{2e^x}{e^{2x}-1}\right)^2}\,dx$

this??
got confused on dy/dx
 
karush said:
$\displaystyle
\frac{dx}{dy}(\ln(e^x-1)-\ln(e^x+1))
=\frac{2e^x}{e^{2x}-1}$

$\displaystyle s=\int_{\ln 4}^{\ln 5}
\sqrt{1+\left(\frac{2e^x}{e^{2x}-1}\right)^2}\,dx$

this??
got confused on dy/dx

What you have so far looks good...now combine the terms in the radicand...:)
 
$\displaystyle s=\int_{\ln 4}^{\ln 5}
\sqrt{1+\left(\frac{2e^x}{e^{2x}-1}\right)^2}\,dx
= \int_{\ln 4}^{\ln 5}
\sqrt{1-\csch^2(x)} \,dx $

not sure if this was a good alt choice
 
karush said:
$\displaystyle s=\int_{\ln 4}^{\ln 5}
\sqrt{1+\left(\frac{2e^x}{e^{2x}-1}\right)^2}\,dx
= \int_{\ln 4}^{\ln 5}
\sqrt{1-\csch^2(x)} \,dx $

not sure if this was a good alt choice

I don't think those two radicands are equivalent. Can you show you work to justify it?
 
I used W|A
this was the input

1+-(\frac{2e^x}{e^{2x}-1})^2
 
  • #10
but isn't that just squaring the second term?
there still is a +1
 
  • #11
karush said:
but isn't that just squaring the second term?
there still is a +1

No, that's the entire radicand...observe:

$$1+\left(\frac{2e^x}{e^{2x}-1}\right)^2=\frac{\left(e^{2x}-1\right)^2+4e^{2x}}{\left(e^{2x}-1\right)^2}=\left(\frac{e^{2x}+1}{e^{2x}-1}\right)^2=\coth^2(x)$$
 

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