Integral of hyperbolic function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral of a hyperbolic function, specifically the integral \(\int^4_3 \frac{1}{\sqrt{3x^2-6x+1}}\,dx\). Participants are exploring the manipulation of the integrand through techniques such as completing the square and using the inverse hyperbolic cosine function.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss completing the square for the quadratic expression in the integrand and transforming it into a form suitable for integration. There is also exploration of the properties of the inverse hyperbolic cosine function and its logarithmic representation. Questions arise regarding discrepancies between calculated values and reference answers, prompting discussions on the validity of the original problem or the provided solutions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their calculations and questioning the accuracy of their results compared to known answers. Some participants suggest that there may be an error in the reference answer or the problem setup itself, indicating a productive exploration of potential misunderstandings.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of differing results from personal notes and the calculations performed in the thread, leading to uncertainty about the correctness of the original problem or the answers provided. Participants are navigating these discrepancies without reaching a consensus.

DryRun
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Homework Statement
[tex]\int^4_3 \frac{1}{\sqrt{3x^2-6x+1}}\,.dx[/tex]

The attempt at a solution
I complete the square for the quadratic:
[tex]\sqrt{3x^2-6x+1}<br /> \\=\sqrt{3(x^2-2x+\frac{1}{3})}<br /> \\=\sqrt 3 \times \sqrt{(x-1)^2-\frac{2}{3}}[/tex]
[tex]\int^4_3 \frac{1}{\sqrt{3x^2-6x+1}}\,.dx<br /> \\=\frac{1}{\sqrt 3}\int^4_3 \frac{1}{\sqrt{(x-1)^2-\frac{2}{3}}}\,.dx<br /> \\=\frac{1}{\sqrt 3} \left[\cosh^{-1}\frac{\sqrt 3(x-1)}{\sqrt 2}\right]^{x=4}_{x=3}<br /> \\=\frac{1}{\sqrt 3} \left[\cosh^{-1}\frac{3\sqrt 3}{\sqrt 2}-\cosh^{-1}\sqrt 6\right][/tex]
I already simplified it but it doesn't agree with the final answer:
[tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt 3}\ln \left(\frac{15+\sqrt {219}}{12+\sqrt {138}}\right)[/tex]
 
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hi sharks! :smile:

cosh-1x = ln(ecosh-1x)

= ln(cosh(cosh-1x) + sinh(cosh-1x))

= ln (x + √(x2 - 1)) :wink:
 
Hi tiny-tim :smile:

The above expression is what i used to expand:
[tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt 3} \left [\cosh^{-1}\frac{3\sqrt 3}{\sqrt 2}-\cosh^{-1}\sqrt 6\right]<br /> \\=\frac{1}{\sqrt 3} \ln \left[\frac {3\sqrt 3+5}{\sqrt{12}+\sqrt{10}}\right]=0.4625025064[/tex]
But if i evaluate the answer from my notes, i get:
[tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt 3}\ln \left (\frac{15+\sqrt {219}}{12+\sqrt {138}}\right)=0.1310541888[/tex]
Since the answers are not the same, I'm thinking that maybe the answer in my notes is wrong?
 
Last edited:
well that's obviously …
[tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt 3} \left[\cosh^{-1}\frac{\sqrt 3(x+1)}{\sqrt 2}\right]^{x=4}_{x=3}[/tex]

… either the question or the answer is wrong
 

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