How Do You Evaluate an Integral with a Function Transformation?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral \(\int^{1}_{0} xf(1-x^{2})dx\) given that \(\int^{1}_{0} f(x)dx=k\). The context is centered around integral calculus and function transformations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss potential substitutions, particularly \(u=1-x^2\), and explore how this transformation affects the integral. There are questions about how to express the transformed integral in terms of \(k\) and concerns about correctly applying limits and differential changes.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering various substitution methods and questioning the implications of their transformations. Some guidance has been provided regarding the substitution process, but there is no explicit consensus on the final expression or value.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of changing limits when performing substitutions and express uncertainty about how to relate the transformed integral back to the original integral involving \(k\).

armolinasf
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Homework Statement



suppose [tex]\int^{1}_{0}[/tex] f(x)dx=k. Evaluate [tex]\int^{1}_{0}[/tex] xf(1-x[tex]^{2}[/tex). Give your answer in terms of k.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <h2>The Attempt at a Solution</h2> <br /> <br /> I'm not too sure how to go about solving this one. I think there's some substitution involved but like I said I'm not sure. Thanks for the help[/tex]
 
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u=1-x^2 looks like a good bet. Try it.
 
That would give me
[tex]\int^{1}_{0}[/tex][tex]\sqrt{1-u}[/tex]f(u)

But where would I go from there?
 
By the way, I think your question is to calculate: ∫(from 0 to 1)xf(1-x^2)dx.
just let u=1-x^2, so xdx=d(0.5x^2)=-0.5du
so the integral is solved.
 
How would I express that in terms of k?
 
armolinasf said:
That would give me
[tex]\int^{1}_{0}[/tex][tex]\sqrt{1-u}[/tex]f(u)

But where would I go from there?
You forgot the du.

[tex]u=1-x^2\quad\to\quad du=-2x\,dx[/tex]

So, [tex]xf(1-x^2)\,dx=-(1/2)f(1-x^2)\,(-2x)\,dx=f(u)\,du[/tex]
 
How about this: since Int (from 0 to 1) f(x)dx=k and Int (from 0 to 1) xf(1-x^2) when we let u=1-x^2 becomes Int (from 0 to 1) sqrt(1-u)f(u), wouldn't that be saying sqrt(1-u)*Int (from 0 to 1) f(u), which is no different then Int (from 0 to 1) f(x)dx=k. So the answer would be sqrt(1-u)*k, or sqrt(1-(1-x^2))*k= sqrt(x^2)*k = xk?
 
So then including the -1/2 it would be -xk/2

Edit: I understand this now: I got (-1/2)k as an answer
 
Last edited:
armolinasf said:
So then including the -1/2 it would be -xk/2

Edit: I understand this now: I got (-1/2)k as an answer

You've maybe partially got it. But that's not quite right. Don't forget to change the limits on the u integral.
 

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