How to Evaluate ∫(z²+x²)^(-3/2)dx by Hand?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter y33t
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integral
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral ∫(z²+x²)^(-3/2)dx by hand. Participants explore various substitution methods and express differing opinions on the complexity of the integral, including hyperbolic and trigonometric substitutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for a method to evaluate the integral by hand, expressing a desire to understand the process rather than just the result.
  • Another suggests using the substitution x=z*Sinh(u), indicating it as a potential approach.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the simplicity of the integral, suggesting that it is lengthy and complex, which may explain why textbooks skip the evaluation.
  • Another participant proposes using the substitution x=z*tan(t), noting that both hyperbolic and trigonometric substitutions take a similar amount of time and space to work through.
  • A detailed derivation is provided using the hyperbolic substitution, leading to a simplified integral form.
  • One participant shares a preference for trigonometric substitutions, detailing the steps and transformations involved in that approach.
  • A later reply questions whether z is a real number, introducing a consideration of non-holomorphic points in the context of the integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the complexity of the integral and the preferred methods for evaluation. While some suggest hyperbolic functions, others advocate for trigonometric substitutions. There is no consensus on the easiest or most effective approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the integral's evaluation may depend on the choice of substitution and that the complexity may vary based on the method used. There are also considerations regarding the nature of z, which could affect the evaluation.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and practitioners interested in integral calculus, particularly those exploring different substitution techniques and the complexities involved in evaluating integrals by hand.

y33t
Messages
107
Reaction score
0
As the title obviously states, how can I evaluate this integral by hand ? I know the result of it, I need to learn how to do it.

∫(z2+x2)-3/2dx

Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Letting "x" be the variable to integrate first, set x=z*Sinh(u), where Sinh(u) is the hyperbolic sine function.
 
arildno said:
Letting "x" be the variable to integrate first, set x=z*Sinh(u), where Sinh(u) is the hyperbolic sine function.

I didn't get it, it's from a simple example from a textbook. There should be a simpler way of doing this because it just skips the evaluation of this integral and directly passes to the result as if it's "that" easy to do. Any simpler solutions ?
 
y33t said:
I didn't get it, it's from a simple example from a textbook. There should be a simpler way of doing this because it just skips the evaluation of this integral and directly passes to the result as if it's "that" easy to do. Any simpler solutions ?
No.

it is NOT a particularly easy integral to evaluate, in that it is rather lengthy to do so.
That is probably why your book skipped it.
 
dextercioby said:
x=z tan t can also do the trick.

Sure enough.
Scribbling out the solution with tan(t) or Sinh(t) takes about the same amount of time and space, though..
 
The actual derivation is rather lengthy, but here it is:
1. x=zSinh(t).
Thus, we have:
[tex]dx=z\cosh(t)dt[/tex]
[tex]z^{2}+x^{2}=z^{2}(1+\sinh^{2}(t))=z^{2}\cosh^{2}(t)[/tex]
Thus, the integral can be simplified to:
[tex]\int\frac{dt}{z|z|\cosh^{2}(t)}[/tex]
2. This is readily integrated to:
[tex]\frac{\tanh(t)}{z|z|}=\frac{x}{z^{2}\sqrt{z^{2}+x^{2}}}[/tex]
 
Arildno really likes the hyperbolic function substitutions. Personally, I prefer trig substitutions, perhaps only because they were the first ones I learned.

We know, of course, that [itex]sin^2(\theta)+ cos^2(\theta)= 1[/itex] and, dividing through by [itex]cos^2(\theta)[/itex], [itex]tan^2(\theta)+ 1= sec^2(\theta)[/itex].

So if we let [itex]x= z tan(\theta)[/itex], [itex]z^2+ x^2= z^2+ z^2tan^2(\theta)= z^2(1+ tan^2(\theta)_= z^2sec^2(\theta)[/itex]. Of course, [itex]dx= z sec^2(\theta)d\theta[/itex] so the integral becomes
[tex]\int\frac{z sec^2(\theta)}{z^3 sec^3(\theta)}d\theta= \int \frac{1}{sec(\theta)}d\theta[/tex]
[tex]= \int cos(\theta) d\theta[/tex]
which is easy.

Since [itex]\theta= arctan(x/z)[/itex], the integral will eventually give [itex]sin(arctan(x/z))[/itex]. You can imagine that as describing a right triangle with legs x and z (x opposite the angle) so that the hypotenuse has length [itex]\sqrt{x^2+ z^2}[/itex] and [itex]sin(arctan(x/z))= \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2+ z^2}}[/itex].
 
Sorry that this is a bit late, but is Z a real number?
If not then you could use Cauchy: non-holomorphic points will be at z^2 = - x^2 ( e.g. x =1, z = i).
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
5K