Integral involving hyperbolic functions

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral \(\int \frac{x}{\sqrt{2x^2-2x+1}}\,dx\), which includes hyperbolic functions and requires simplification of the integrand.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to complete the square in the integrand and uses a substitution involving hyperbolic functions. Some participants suggest alternative simplifications and provide identities related to hyperbolic functions. Questions arise regarding the simplification of expressions and the proof of certain identities.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different approaches to simplify the integral. Some have provided insights and suggestions, while others are seeking clarification on specific mathematical identities and their implications.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of limits in the original problem statement, which is later clarified. There is also mention of rewriting the numerator for simplification purposes.

DryRun
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Homework Statement
Find [tex]\int \frac{x}{\sqrt{2x^2-2x+1}}\,dx[/tex]

The attempt at a solution

First, i complete the square for the quadratic expression:
[tex]2x^2-2x+1=2((x-\frac{1}{2})^2+\frac{1}{4})[/tex]
[tex]\int \frac{x}{\sqrt{2x^2-2x+1}}\,dx=\int \frac{x}{\sqrt 2 \sqrt{(x-\frac{1}{2})^2+\frac{1}{4}}}\,dx[/tex]

Using substitution: Let [itex](x-\frac{1}{2})=\frac{1}{2}\sinh u[/itex]

I eventually get this expression, after integrating:
[tex]\frac{1}{2\sqrt 2}(\cosh (\sinh^{-1}(2x-1)+\sinh^{-1}(2x-1))[/tex]

But i don't know how to simplify this any further, without getting a complicated answer. The final answer is: [itex]\frac{\sinh^{-1}1}{\sqrt 2}[/itex]
 
Last edited:
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hi sharks! :smile:

(you haven't said what the limits are)
sharks said:
I eventually get this expression, after integrating:
[tex]\frac{1}{2\sqrt 2}(\cosh (\sinh^{-1}(2x-1)+\sinh^{-1}(2x-1))[/tex]

But i don't know how to simplify this any further

cosh(sinh-1x) = √(x2 + 1) :wink:

(btw, you could have simplified the original integrand by rewriting the numerator as x - 1/2 + 1/2 :wink:)
 
Hi tiny-tim! :smile:

Congratulations on your PF award!

Doh! I forgot to include the limits.

[tex]\int^1_0 \frac{x}{\sqrt{2x^2-2x+1}}\,dx[/tex]

If i evaluate over the limits:
[tex]\frac{1}{2\sqrt 2}(\cosh (\sinh^{-1}(2x-1)+\sinh^{-1}(2x-1))[/tex]
Indeed, i get the answer!

I am trying to understand your suggestion:
[tex]\cosh (\sinh^{-1}x) = \sqrt{(x^2 + 1)}[/tex]
It's too complicated to prove? I can't get the R.H.S. from the L.H.S.

Here is where I've reached...
[tex]\frac{x^2+x\sqrt{x^2+1}+1}{x+\sqrt{x^2+1}}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
sharks said:
I am trying to understand your suggestion:
[tex]\cosh (\sinh^{-1}x) = \sqrt{(x^2 + 1)}[/tex]

if y = sinh-1x

then x = sinhy,

so √(x2 + 1) = √(sinh2y + 1) = coshy = cosh(sinh-1x) :smile:

(if you think about it, this is obvious! :wink:)
 
I have also tried to solve this problem using your other suggestion - rewriting the numerator as x - 1/2 + 1/2, and i was able to get the answer.

Thank you for your insightful suggestions, tiny-tim. :smile:
 

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