Proving the Integral of sqrt(a^2-x^2) without a Prefix

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SUMMARY

The integral of \(\sqrt{9-x^2}\) can be proven using the substitution \(x=3\sin\Theta\). The correct approach involves rewriting the integral as \(\int 3\sqrt{1-\sin^2\Theta} \cdot 3\cos\Theta \, d\Theta\), leading to the result \(\frac{9\Theta}{2} + \frac{9\sin(2\Theta)}{4} + c\). Key mistakes in the initial attempts included misapplication of the power rule and incorrect integration of trigonometric functions. A thorough understanding of trigonometric substitutions is essential for solving such integrals.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, particularly \(\sin^2\Theta + \cos^2\Theta = 1\)
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, specifically trigonometric substitution
  • Knowledge of the integral calculus, including the power rule and integration of trigonometric functions
  • Ability to manipulate and simplify expressions involving square roots and trigonometric functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of trigonometric substitution in integral calculus
  • Practice integrating functions of the form \(\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}\) using various substitutions
  • Review integration techniques for \(\cos^2\Theta\) and \(\sin^2\Theta\)
  • Explore examples of integrals involving square roots and trigonometric identities in calculus textbooks
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on integration techniques, as well as educators seeking to clarify the application of trigonometric substitutions in solving integrals.

_wolfgang_
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Homework Statement


Prove that \int\sqrt{}9-x^2 dx

=\frac{9\Theta}{2}+\frac{9sin2\Theta}{4}+c

given that x=3sin\Theta

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


\int\sqrt{}9-x^2 dx

=\frac{(9-x^2)^{1.5}}{10x}

=\frac{(-x^2)(\sqrt{-x^2+9}+9\sqrt{(-x^2)+9}}{10x}

=\frac{-x(x^2\sqrt{(-x^2)+9}-9(\sqrt{(-x^2)+9}}{10}

=\frac{-3sin\Theta(9(sin^2)\Theta\sqrt{9(sin^2)\Theta-9}-9\sqrt{9(sin^2)+9}}{10}


Im not to sure if I am going in the right direction if i am not guidance would be appreciated
 
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_wolfgang_ said:

Homework Statement


Prove that

\int\sqrt{9-x^2}dx=\frac{9\Theta}{2}+\frac{9\sin2\Theta}{4}+c

given that x=3\sin\Theta.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


\int\sqrt{}9-x^2 dx

=\frac{(9-x^2)^{1.5}}{10x}

=\frac{(-x^2)(\sqrt{-x^2+9}+9\sqrt{(-x^2)+9}}{10x}

=\frac{-x(x^2\sqrt{(-x^2)+9}-9(\sqrt{(-x^2)+9}}{10}

=\frac{-3sin\Theta(9(sin^2)\Theta\sqrt{9(sin^2)\Theta-9}-9\sqrt{9(sin^2)+9}}{10}


I'm not to sure if I'm going in the right direction. If I am not, guidance would be appreciated.
You're not going in the right direction. Your very first step is wrong. The power rule only applies when the integrand is of the form xndx where n \ne -1. It doesn't apply when you have some function of x taken to a power, as you do in this case. Also, I have no idea where that 10x in the denominator came from.

Use the substitution given and rewrite the integral in terms of \theta first.
 
ok so if i do...

\int\sqrt{9-9sin^2\Theta}
=\int3-3sin\Theta
=3\Theta+3cos\Theta

is it going in the right direction now?? thanks for the help
 
Last edited:
Marginally better. First of all,

\sqrt{a^2-b^2} \ne a-b

Second, you forgot the dx and then didn't write it in terms of d\theta. Finally, not that it really matters, you didn't integrate the first term correctly.

I would suggest you review your textbook on the topic of trig substitutions. There's probably a similar example you could use as a template for solving this problem.
 
\sqrt{9- 9 sin^2(\theta)}= 3\sqrt{1- sin^2(\theta)}= 3\sqrt{cos^2(\theta)}
 
okay i was finally able to prove it!

\int\sqrt{a^2-x^2} dx
=\int a^2-a^2sin^2\Theta acos\Theta d\Theta
=\int\sqrt{a^2(1-sin^2\Theta} acos\Theta d\Theta
=\int\sqrt{a^2cos^2\Theta} acos\Theta d\Theta
=\int a^2cos^2\Theta d\Theta

=\frac{a^2}{2}(\Theta+sin\Thetacos\Theta)

i know i definatly skipped a couple of steps in integrating cos^2 :redface:
 
Last edited:

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