Integral of root(-x^2+10x-16)dx

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

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral of the expression involving the square root of a quadratic function, specifically root(-x^2 + 10x - 16). Participants explore various methods for solving the integral, including factoring, completing the square, and trigonometric substitution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest factoring the quadratic, completing the square, and using trigonometric substitution. There are questions about the effectiveness of these methods and the implications of certain transformations, such as pulling out constants from the integral.

Discussion Status

There is an active exploration of different approaches, with some participants providing guidance on completing the square and discussing the implications of trigonometric substitutions. However, there is no explicit consensus on the best method to proceed, and some participants express confusion about specific steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential issues with integrating certain forms and question the necessity of specific substitutions. There is mention of a complex constant arising from the square root, as well as the need to clarify the setup for the integral.

jason_r
Messages
26
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



integral of root(-x^2+10x-16)dx

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


i can factor the thing inside the root to (x-8)(x-2) if i pull out the negative sign
no idea what to do after that
 
Physics news on Phys.org


could you try completing the square, then a trig substitution?
 


which root the square root? that factorization won't help you get anywhere good, but if you complete the square I think you'll find yourself with something you can work with.
 


scratch the trig sub, first step should help
 


Try rewriting the quadratic expression under the square root symbol in vertex form

sqrt[a]*sqrt[(x-h)^2 + k^2)] , as follows:

sqrt[-1]*sqrt[(x-5)^2 - 9], then let u = x - 5, and use the formula from a table of integrals for an integral of the form

sqrt[u^2 - a^2], for a > 0, and then make the appropriate back substitutions.


Note: the sqrt[-1] is just a constant, albeit a complex constant, so it can be pulled out side of the integral. The integral will turn out to be real-valued none-the-less.

I hope this helps.
 


no need or use to pull -1 outside the squareroot

complete the square make the substitution, then integrate
 


hmm I am having trouble integrating sqrt(u^2 - 9)
would i need to use integration by parts?
 


That makes sense, then it would just be an integral of the form

sqrt[a^2 - u^2], for a > 0.
 


no, trig substituion
 
  • #10


Try the triq substitution of

u = 3*sin(v) for

sqrt[9 - u^2], here we just didn't factor out the -1.
 
  • #11


im lost...this is as far as i get

-(integral) sqrt(u^2 - 9)

i don't understand how i can use a trig identity to simplify that
 
Last edited:
  • #12


where the heck did you get a cube from?
 
  • #13


typo lol
 
  • #14


Hmm, not sure how well trig sub works here

have a look at the derivative of arcsin...
 
  • #15


lanedance said:
Hmm, not sure how well trig sub works here

have a look at the derivative of arcsin...
The trig substitution x= 3 sin t will give the same thing as the arcsine integral.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
17K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K