How can we use trigonometric substitution to integrate square root expressions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of trigonometric substitution for integrating square root expressions, specifically focusing on integrals like 1/sqrt(1-v^2) and sqrt[1+(2y)^2]. Participants explore various methods and substitutions, questioning the validity of certain approaches and seeking clarification on integration techniques.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using trigonometric substitution for the integral 1/sqrt(1-v^2) and questions the validity of a proposed method involving raising the power of the expression.
  • Another participant proposes the substitution v = sin(θ) for integrating 1/sqrt(1-v^2) and provides steps leading to arcsin(v) + C.
  • There is a suggestion to use the substitution 2y = sinh(a) for integrating sqrt[1+(2y)^2], with some participants expressing uncertainty about hyperbolic functions.
  • Multiple participants express confusion about the correctness of various integration methods and the application of the chain rule.
  • One participant attempts to integrate sqrt[1+(2y)^2] using a substitution involving cosh and sinh, but is unsure about the correctness of their approach.
  • Another participant provides a detailed approach for the definite integral of sqrt[1+(2y)^2] using hyperbolic functions, but acknowledges the complexity of the integration limits.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that trigonometric substitution is a valid method for these types of integrals, but there are multiple competing views on the specific techniques and substitutions to use. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correctness of certain methods and the application of integration rules.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion about the chain rule and the validity of their integration methods, indicating potential misunderstandings in the application of calculus principles. The discussion includes various substitutions and approaches, but not all methods are fully validated or agreed upon.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in integration techniques, particularly those involving trigonometric and hyperbolic substitutions, as well as those seeking clarification on common pitfalls in calculus.

makeAwish
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To integrate 1/sq rt(1-v^2) with respect to v, we need to use trigo substitution to integrate rite?

Why we can't do it this way:

1/sq rt(1-v^2) = (1-v^2)^(-1/2)

Then integrate and it becomes (-1/3v)(1-v^2)^(3/2) ??


And how do we integrate sq rt[1+(2y)^2] with respect to y?


Can someone help me pls? Thanks!
 
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Yeah, use trig substitution.

Differentiate the integrated function in the second part. I don't think it checks out.

Let 2y = sinh(a).
 
makeAwish said:
1/sq rt(1-v^2) = (1-v^2)^(-1/2)

Then integrate and it becomes (-1/3v)(1-v^2)^(3/2) ??

I don't know what you have done exactly there, I think it is wrong though.

The way I would integrate it:

\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-v^2}} dv

v = sin(\vartheta)

\vartheta = arcsin(v)

\frac{dv}{d\vartheta}=cos(\vartheta)

dv=cos(\vartheta)d\vartheta
so...

\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-v^2}} dv = \int\frac{1}{cos(\vartheta)}}cos(\vartheta) dv = \vartheta + C = arcsin(v) + C

makeAwish said:
And how do we integrate sq rt[1+(2y)^2] with respect to y?

how about:

y = \frac{cos(\vartheta)}{2}

edit: I meant sin(theta)/2
edit2: very sorry, I missread the question :redface: you should do what derek e said: let 2y = sinh(a).
 
Last edited:
Is it when integrating sq rt with more than one terms inside, we always need to use trigo to solve?
 
what i meant was:

\int 1/\sqrt{1-v^{2}} dv

= \int (1-v^{2})^{-1/2} dv

= \ (2/3)*(1/2v)(1-v^{2})^{3/2} + C
 
er.. i know this mtd is wrong, but i don't rly understand why. can someone explain to me pls? Thanks :)
 
derek e said:
Yeah, use trig substitution.

Differentiate the integrated function in the second part. I don't think it checks out.

Let 2y = sinh(a).

hmm. what is sinh(a)?
sorry i have not learned that yet..
 
makeAwish said:
hmm. what is sinh(a)?
sorry i have not learned that yet..

It is a hyperbolic function, more info is in the link.
http://www.sosmath.com/trig/hyper/hyper01/hyper01.html
To stick with the functions you already know you could use the substitution I mentioned in my last post. If you use this substitution then later in your working you will need to use the identity

cos^2(\vartheta)=\frac{cos(2\vartheta)+1}{2}

edit: I misread the question, you won't need that identity and my substitution doesn't help.
 
Last edited:
makeAwish said:
er.. i know this mtd is wrong, but i don't rly understand why. can someone explain to me pls? Thanks :)

I am not sure what exactly your method is.

1. you raised the power by 2 rather than 1. -1/2 + 1 = 1/2 not 3/2.
2. you divided by the derivative of the brackets, which would usually work, BUT the derivative has a variable in it so you cannot use this method. If you try to differentiate the answer that you got using your method, this 1/2v gets in the way because you have to differentiate that as well.

But as I said, I don't know what method you mean because you didn't raise the power by just one.
 
  • #10
Georgepowell said:
I am not sure what exactly your method is.

1. you raised the power by 2 rather than 1. -1/2 + 1 = 1/2 not 3/2.
2. you divided by the derivative of the brackets, which would usually work, BUT the derivative has a variable in it so you cannot use this method. If you try to differentiate the answer that you got using your method, this 1/2v gets in the way because you have to differentiate that as well.

But as I said, I don't know what method you mean because you didn't raise the power by just one.

Sorry sorry, careless mistake, yah i actually meant the raising power that mtd.

Hmm.. So can i say like whenever we integrate sqrt of more than one terms, we always need to use trigo to solve? No matter is inverse sqrt or sqrt..
 
  • #11
Georgepowell said:
how about:

y = \frac{cos(\vartheta)}{2}

Okay. I tried and i get
(say deter is x, for simplicity)

\int cos^{2}x dx

= \int (1/2)(cos 2x +1) dx

= (1/2)[(1/2)sin 2x +x]

But i can't find my intergation limits in terms of x.

Cos initially it is from 0 to 1,
at y=0, deter(which i call it x for simplicity) = 0

but at y= 1,
x= sin^(-1) 2

and sin^(-1) 2 is not valid? as in i typed in calculator, but error.
 
  • #12
Actually for the integration of sq rt[1+(2y)^2] with respect to y, the integral limits are from 0 to 1. Sorry i realized i din mention the limits previously.
 
  • #13
makeAwish said:
er.. i know this mtd is wrong, but i don't rly understand why. can someone explain to me pls? Thanks :)

You were falling into the trap of forgetting the chain rule. You need to differentiate your final expression to see if it even makes sense. Once you do, you should realize that some of the expressions you got above are ridiculous.
 
  • #14
hmm.. but i still can't solve that integration..

integrate sq rt[1+(2y)^2] with respect to y.
 
  • #15
Use the relation \cosh^2 x - \sinh^2 x=1 and the substitution 2y=\sinh x.
 
  • #16
makeAwish said:
hmm.. but i still can't solve that integration..

integrate sq rt[1+(2y)^2] with respect to y.

Under normal circumstances I would go through each step of the integration to show you how to do it, but I am worried that I would make a mistake and all of the maths professors that browse these forums would punish me with there huge brains.
 
  • #17
OK, I tried but I am pretty sure it is wrong. Is it wrong? If it is then why?:

y = \frac{cosh(a)}{2}

\frac{dy}{da}=\frac{sinh(a)}{2}

\int\sqrt{1+4y^2}dy=\int\sqrt{1+4(\frac{cosh(a)}{2})^2}\frac{sinh(a)}{2}da

= \int \frac{1}{2}sinh^2(a)da

=\frac{1}{4}sinh(2a)-\frac{a}{2}+C

a = arccosh(2y)

(I can't be bothered to put it back in terms of y)
 
  • #18
Let 2y = sinh(a). Let \alpha=sinh^{-1}(0) and \beta=sinh^{-1}(2). Then
<br /> \begin{equation*}\begin{split}<br /> \int_0^1 \sqrt{1 + (2y)^2}dy &amp;= \frac{1}{2}\int_\alpha^\beta cosh^2(a)da \\<br /> &amp;= \frac{1}{2}\int_\alpha^\beta \frac{1 + cosh(2a)}{2} da \\<br /> &amp;= \frac{1}{4}\left[a + \frac{1}{2}sinh(2a)\right]_\alpha^\beta<br /> \end{split}\end{equation*}<br />
Since it is a definite integral, this is a straightforward way of getting an answer.
 

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