Integral - I can't get the right answer

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sane
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integral
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the volume of a solid obtained by rotating the region under the curve \(y = (\sin{x})^{\frac{3}{2}}\) from 0 to \(\pi\) about the x-axis. Participants are exploring the integration process and addressing misconceptions related to the integral of \((\sin{x})^{3}\).

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the integral for volume and question the original poster's integration method. There is a suggestion to split \((\sin{x})^{3}\) for easier integration and to reconsider the application of the quotient rule in differentiation.

Discussion Status

There is an active exchange of ideas regarding the correct approach to the integral. Some participants provide hints and corrections, while others express relief upon realizing the need for substitution in their calculations. The discussion remains open with various perspectives being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of correctly applying integration techniques and the potential confusion arising from improper differentiation of integrals. There is an acknowledgment of the need for clarity in the mathematical processes involved.

Sane
Messages
220
Reaction score
0
Find the volume of the solid obtained when the given region is rotated about the x-axis.

Under [itex]y = (\sin{x})^{\frac{3}{2}}[/itex] between 0 and pi.


The radius is... [itex]r = (\sin{x})^{\frac{3}{2}}[/itex]

Then the area for any sample is... [itex]A (x) = \pi((\sin{x})^{\frac{3}{2}})^{2}[/itex]

Simplifying to... [itex]A (x) = \pi(\sin{x})^{3}[/itex]

Integrate between 0 and pi to get the volume...

[tex]V = \pi \int_{0}^{\pi} (\sin{x})^{3}[/tex]

[tex]V = \pi [ \frac{(\sin{x})^{4}}{4\cos{x}} ]_{0}^{\pi}[/tex]

But... sin(pi) and sin(0) both equal 0, making the volume 0. But it's actually (4/3)(pi). What am I missing?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sane said:
Integrate between 0 and pi to get the volume...

[tex]V = \pi \int_{0}^{\pi} (\sin{x})^{3}[/tex]

[tex]V = \pi [ \frac{(\sin{x})^{4}}{4\cos{x}} ]_{0}^{\pi}[/tex]

That's not the right way to integrate...

hint: Split (sin(x))^3 as (sin(x))^2.sin(x)
 
You are missing the fact that
[tex]\int(\sin{x})^{3}dx[/tex]
is NOT
[tex]\frac{(\sin{x})^{4}}{4\cos{x}}[/tex]
Since there was not a cosine in the original integrand, you can't simply put one in. In particular,if you try to differentiate
[tex]\frac{(\sin{x})^{4}}{4\cos{x}}[/tex]
you do not get [itex]sin^3(x)[/itex] because you have to use the quotient rule and differentiate that new "cos(x)" also.

You surely learned how to do integrals of odd powers of sine and cosine long ago: separate out one "sin x" to use with the derivative:
[tex]\int sin^2(x) sin(x)dx= \int (1- cos^2(x)) sin(x)dx[/itex]<br /> and let u= cos(x).<br /> <br /> (Blast you, neutrino, you beat me again!)[/tex]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I think you got confused doing the integral.

It's true that Integral sin^3x cos x dx = 1/4 sin^4 x

But you can't just "divide by cos x" and say Integral sin^3 x = 1/4 sin^4 x / cos x. Check out the ways you have learned to do integrals like sin^3 x.
 
Ahhh shoot! It didn't even strike me to use substitution. I was being ignorant to the fact that it would require the quotient rule to derivate what I thought was the integral... Thank-you very much! I'm so relieved! :smile:
 
Sane said:
it would require the quotient rule to derivate what I thought was the integral

The word is 'differentiate'. :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K