How to calculate the arc length of a function using integration by parts?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the arc length of a curve defined by a specific function using integration techniques, particularly integration by parts. Participants explore different methods and expressions for the integral involved in the arc length formula.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants present the arc length formula and derive the expression for the derivative of the function, leading to an integral that needs to be evaluated.
  • Multiple participants propose different approaches to simplifying the integral, including rewriting it in terms of absolute values and questioning the treatment of constants in the integration process.
  • One participant expresses confusion about integrating with absolute values and whether certain terms can be canceled out in the process.
  • Another participant suggests integrating term by term, indicating a preference for a straightforward approach to the integral.
  • There are corrections and clarifications regarding the notation and the importance of including differentials in integral expressions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for calculating the arc length, with multiple competing views and approaches presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about specific mathematical steps, such as the treatment of constants and the integration of absolute values, indicating that there may be unresolved assumptions or misunderstandings regarding these concepts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in calculus, particularly in understanding different methods for calculating arc lengths and the nuances involved in integration techniques.

Petrus
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Calculate the length of the curve
1a53fc38d3d0ea39b31947e4b9dc841.png

We got the formula $$\int_a^b\sqrt{1+[f'(x)]^2}$$
and $$f'(x)=\frac{x}{36}-\frac{9}{x} <=> \frac{x^2-324}{36x}$$
so now we got $$\int_9^{9e}\sqrt{1+(\frac{x^2-324}{36x})^2}$$
we can rewrite that as $$\int_9^{9e}\sqrt{1+\frac{(x^2-324)^2}{1296x^2}}$$
then do integration by part on it well I simply rewrite the function more too $$\int_9^{9e}\sqrt{\frac{1298x^2+(x^2-324)^2}{1296x^2}}$$ and set $$u=1298x^2+(x^2-324)^2$$ so we got $$dv=1296x^{-2}$$ so our $$du=2592x+2x^2-648+x$$ and $$v=\frac{1296x^{-3}}{-3}$$Is this correct?
 
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Petrus said:
Calculate the length of the curve
1a53fc38d3d0ea39b31947e4b9dc841.png

We got the formula $$\int_a^b\sqrt{1+[f'(x)]^2}$$
and $$f'(x)=\frac{x}{36}-\frac{9}{x} <=> \frac{x^2-324}{36x}$$
so now we got $$\int_9^{9e}\sqrt{1+(\frac{x^2-324}{36x})^2}$$
we can rewrite that as $$\int_9^{9e}\sqrt{1+\frac{(x^2-324)^2}{1296x^2}}$$
then do integration by part on it well I simply rewrite the function more too $$\int_9^{9e}\sqrt{\frac{1298x^2+(x^2-324)^2}{1296x^2}}$$ and set $$u=1298x^2+(x^2-324)^2$$ so we got $$dv=1296x^{-2}$$ so our $$du=2592x+2x^2-648+x$$ and $$v=\frac{1296x^{-3}}{-3}$$Is this correct?

I would do these calculations a little bit different:

$$\sqrt{1+\left(\frac x{36} - \frac9x \right)^2} = $$
$$ \sqrt{1+\frac{x^2}{36^2} - \frac{1}{2} + \frac{81}{x^2} }= $$
$$\sqrt{\left(\frac {x}{36} + \frac{9}{x} \right)^2} = \left| \frac {x}{36} + \frac{9}{x} \right|$$
 
earboth said:
I would do these calculations a little bit different:

$$\sqrt{1+\left(\frac x{36} - \frac9x \right)^2} = $$
$$ \sqrt{1+\frac{x^2}{36^2} - \frac{1}{2} + \frac{81}{x^2} }= $$
$$\sqrt{\left(\frac {x}{36} + \frac{9}{x} \right)^2} = \left| \frac {x}{36} + \frac{9}{x} \right|$$
ehmm... Cant I do it my way?
edit: I have never done integrate with absolute value, how does that work?
 
Last edited:
Petrus said:
ehmm... Cant I do it my way?
edit: I have never done integrate with absolute value, how does that work?
With the given domain your integral becomes:

$$\int_9^{9e}\left(\frac x{36} + \frac9x \right) dx$$
 
earboth said:
I would do these calculations a little bit different:

$$\sqrt{1+\left(\frac x{36} - \frac9x \right)^2} = $$
$$ \sqrt{1+\frac{x^2}{36^2} - \frac{1}{2} + \frac{81}{x^2} }= $$
$$\sqrt{\left(\frac {x}{36} + \frac{9}{x} \right)^2} = \left| \frac {x}{36} + \frac{9}{x} \right|$$
How do you cancel out 1? should it not be $$-\frac{1}{4}$$ insted of $$-\frac{1}{2}$$. I don't understand this part with integrate with absolute value can just cancel out?
 
Petrus said:
How do you cancel out 1? should it not be $$-\frac{1}{4}$$ insted of $$-\frac{1}{2}$$. I don't understand this part with integrate with absolute value can just cancel out?

$$\left(\frac x{36} - \frac9x \right)^2 = \frac{x^2}{36^2} - \underbrace{2\cdot \frac x{36} \cdot \frac9x}_{\frac12} + \frac{9^2}{x^2}$$

... and $$1-\frac12 = +\frac12$$
 
Petrus said:
Calculate the length of the curve
1a53fc38d3d0ea39b31947e4b9dc841.png

We got the formula $$\int_a^b\sqrt{1+[f'(x)]^2}$$
and $$f'(x)=\frac{x}{36}-\frac{9}{x} <=> \frac{x^2-324}{36x}$$
so now we got $$\int_9^{9e}\sqrt{1+(\frac{x^2-324}{36x})^2}$$
we can rewrite that as $$\int_9^{9e}\sqrt{1+\frac{(x^2-324)^2}{1296x^2}}$$
then do integration by part on it well I simply rewrite the function more too $$\int_9^{9e}\sqrt{\frac{1298x^2+(x^2-324)^2}{1296x^2}}$$ and set $$u=1298x^2+(x^2-324)^2$$ so we got $$dv=1296x^{-2}$$ so our $$du=2592x+2x^2-648+x$$ and $$v=\frac{1296x^{-3}}{-3}$$Is this correct?

Petrus, just a minor quibble...when you write integrals, you should include the differential at the end that indicates with respect to what variable you are integrating. (Happy)
 
Hello,
I am still confused... Cant I just integrate with just subsitute?
 
I would just integrate term by term:

$$s=\frac{1}{36}\int_9^{9e}x\,dx+9\int_9^{9e}\frac{1}{x}\,dx$$
 
  • #10
Thanks for the help MarkFL and earboth!:)
 

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