Integral involving square root -

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves integrating the expression sqrt(1 - x^(-2/3)) and is situated within the context of calculus, specifically integral calculus. The original poster attempts to explore substitution methods for solving the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the potential use of u-substitution and question the feasibility of this approach due to the nature of the derivative. There is also mention of factoring the expression and considering trigonometric substitution as a possible method, although some express skepticism about its applicability in this case.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering hints and questioning the clarity of the original problem statement. There is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet, but suggestions for trigonometric substitution have been made alongside doubts about its effectiveness.

Contextual Notes

There is some ambiguity regarding the interpretation of the expression to be integrated, which has led to clarifying questions among participants. This uncertainty may affect the direction of the discussion.

winbacker
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



integrate sqrt(1-x^-2/3)^1/2.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



The only thing I can think of is u substitution with u = 1 - x^-2/3. Obviously this cannot work because du differs by more than just a constant.

I guess I need to somehow factor this equation but I do not know how. I think I can pull out an x^1/3 or something but I'm not sure. Any help would be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Whenever you see stuff like that in the square root, always think "Trig Substitution"!

Hint: 1-sin(x)^2 = cos(x)^2.
 
Do you mean

<br /> \sqrt{1-x^{-2/3}}<br />

or do you mean (as you've written)
<br /> \sqrt{(1-x^{-2/3})^{1/2}}<br />
 
the first one
 
maze said:
Whenever you see stuff like that in the square root, always think "Trig Substitution"!

Hint: 1-sin(x)^2 = cos(x)^2.

I'm not sure that trig substitution is the way to go in this problem. Trig substitution is a viable alternative for integrals that involve
\sqrt{a^2 + x^2}
\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}
\sqrt{x^2 - a^2}

Maybe it can be made to work in the OP's problem, but I don't see it.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
10K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K