Integral completing the square, next steps?

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    Integral Square
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function $\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{16+4x-2{x}^{2}}}dx$, focusing on the technique of completing the square and subsequent steps involving trigonometric substitution. Participants explore the mathematical reasoning and transformations necessary to solve the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant completed the square to rewrite the integral as $\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{2\left[9-{(x-1)}^{2}\right]}}dx$.
  • Another participant suggested using the substitution $x-1=3\sin(\theta)$ and expressed the integral in terms of $\theta$.
  • A later reply questioned the expression for $dx$ and prompted clarification on differentiating the substitution.
  • Participants discussed the resulting integrand and the process of reducing it, leading to an expression involving $\theta$.
  • One participant noted a discrepancy with the output from a TI calculator, suggesting a potential error in transcription or input.
  • Another participant pointed out a sign error in the input that may have contributed to the confusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the steps to take for the integration process, including the use of trigonometric substitution. However, there is disagreement regarding the final expression and the output from the calculator, indicating unresolved issues related to the correctness of the integration steps.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the clarity of the initial problem statement and the potential for transcription errors, which may affect the discussion's progression.

karush
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$\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{16+4x-2{x}^{2}}}dx$
factored out 2 then completed the square
$\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{2\left[9-{(x-1)}^{2}\right]}}dx$
next?
 
Last edited:
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I would then write:

$$I=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{3^2-(x-1)^2}}\,dx$$

I would then consider the trigonometric substitution:

$$x-1=3\sin(\theta)$$

Can you proceed?
 
$$I=\frac{1}{3\sqrt{2}}\int \frac{1}{\cos\left({x}\right)}dx $$
What about dx?
 
Your denominator should have $\cos(\theta)$ (as long as it is non-negative), to express $dx$ as a function of $\theta$, implicitly differentiate the substitution and leave in differential form...:D
 
as a function of θ, implicitly differentiate the substitution and leave in differential form...

How do you do this?
 
Since we have:

$$x-1=3\sin(\theta)$$

We may then state:

$$dx=3\cos(\theta)\,d\theta$$
 
$\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\int \frac{\cos\left({\theta}\right)}{\cos\left({\theta}\right)}d\theta $

I got to this but can't be right
 
Yes, now reduce the integrand, compute the anti-derivative and then back-substitute for $\theta$. :D
 
Reducing the $\int$ is $\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\theta$
From $x-1=3\sin\left({\theta}\right)$ and$\theta=\sin^{-1}\left({\frac{x-1}{3}}\right)$
So $\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\sin^{-1}\left({\frac{x-1}{3}}\right)+C$
However the TI gave $x+1$ in the numerator
 
Last edited:
  • #10
karush said:
Reducing the $\int$ is $\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\theta$
From $x-1=3\sin\left({\theta}\right)$ and$\theta=\sin^{-1}\left({\frac{x-1}{3}}\right)$
So $\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\sin^{-1}\left({\frac{x-1}{3}}\right)+C$
However the TI gave $x+1$ in the numerator

Then you must have either written the question down incorrectly or input it incorrectly into the calculator, because what you have given is the correct answer to the problem as written.
 
  • #11
Your right had sign error on input
 

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