I with an integral 2x dx /(x^2+y^2)^3/2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an integral involving the expression \( \frac{2x \, dx}{(x^{2} + y^{2})^{3/2}} \). The original poster expresses difficulty with calculus and seeks assistance in transforming the integral into a simpler form.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster considers using substitution and reflects on the structure of the integral, noting the presence of two functions to integrate. Some participants suggest treating \( y^2 \) as a constant and propose specific substitutions to simplify the integral.

Discussion Status

The discussion has progressed with participants providing suggestions for substitution methods. The original poster later indicates they successfully solved the integral using the recommended approach, although the specifics of the solution are not detailed.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions challenges with formatting limits in TeX and expresses uncertainty about the integration process, which may reflect constraints in their understanding of calculus concepts.

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Homework Statement



I need help with an integral, since my calculus skills aren't the greatest. I need help with getting from this

\pik\sigmay\int \frac{2x dx}{(x^{2} + y ^{2})^{3/2}} (i)

to this

\pik\sigmay\frac{-2}{(x^{2} + y ^{2})^{1/2}} (ii)

I integrate from 0 to a (didn't know how to get the limits into TeX in (i) and the gargantuan brackets going on either side in (ii).

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Am I supposed to do a substitution here or? In my physics textbook I saw the numerator of (i) written as d(x^2) and the denumerator unchanged as the following step. Now, I believe I have two functions here that i need to integrate 2x and 1/(x^2+y^2)^3/2.
 
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From the looks of it, I think they have y2 as constant. So all you need to do is make a substitution like u=x2+y2.
 
This is straightforward when u notice that (x^2+y^2)'=2x. So just substitute z=x^2+y^2 and u ll have dz=2xdx and the integral becomes

\int z^{-3/2} dz
 
Thank you for your replies. I actually managed to solve the integral, but haven't been able to log on to the forum earlier. I did the u substitution and it worked fine fine. Thank you all again for your help!
 

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