Integral solve by using trig. substitution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral $\int x^3\sqrt{9-x^2}\,dx$ using trigonometric substitution, specifically the substitution $x=3\sin{\theta}$. Participants explore various steps and methods related to this integral, including potential alternative substitutions and the implications of using trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant begins by substituting $x=3\sin{\theta}$ and expresses uncertainty about the next steps after transforming the integral.
  • Another participant suggests an alternative substitution $u=\sin(\theta)$ at a certain point in the process.
  • A different approach is proposed, indicating that the integral can be solved without trigonometric substitution by using $t=9-x^2$.
  • Several participants discuss the implications of using a right triangle to relate $\sin(\theta)$ and $\cos(\theta)$, with one participant questioning how to use these relationships later in the integration process.
  • Corrections are made regarding the expression of the integral, particularly the powers of cosine involved in the transformation.
  • One participant expresses the complexity of the problem and the need for further assistance, indicating that the discussion is ongoing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best approach to solving the integral, with some advocating for trigonometric substitution while others suggest alternative methods. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views present.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of correctly applying trigonometric identities and relationships, as well as the necessity of returning to the original variable after integration. There are also indications of confusion regarding the steps involved in the substitution process.

karush
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Evaluate integral by using $x=3\sin{\theta}$
$\int{x^3\sqrt{9-x^2}}\ dx$

substituting

$\int{27\sin^3{\theta}}\sqrt{9-9\sin^2{\theta}}\Rightarrow
81\int\sin^3\theta\cos\theta\ dx$

since the power of sine is odd then

$81\int\sin^2{\theta}\cos{\theta}\sin{\theta}\ dx$

$81\int\left(1-\cos^2{\theta}\right)\cos{\theta}\sin{\theta}\ dx$

hope ok so far but next steps?:confused:
 
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Re: Integral solve by using trig substiturion

karush said:
Evaluate integral by using $x=3\sin{\theta}$
$\int{x^3\sqrt{9-x^2}}\ dx$

substituting

$\int{27\sin^3{\theta}}\sqrt{9-9\sin^2{\theta}}\Rightarrow
81\int\sin^3\theta\cos\theta\ dx$

At this point, why not just do $u=\sin(\theta)$?

[EDIT] See MarkFL's post for a correction.
 
you mean this??
$81\int u^3 du$
 
You can solve it without tri-substitution using $$t=9-x^2$$
 
karush said:
you mean this??
$81\int u^3 du$

Yep, that's it.
 
ok but the exercise wants us to: "Evaluate the integral using the indicated trigonometric substitution. Sketch and label the associated right triangle" W|F steps completely left me in dense fog...
 
We are given:

$$\int x^3\sqrt{9-x^2}\,dx$$

and told to use the substitution:

$$x=3\sin(\theta)\,\therefore\, dx=3\cos(\theta)\,d\theta$$

And so the integral becomes:

$$\int \left(3\sin(\theta) \right)^3\sqrt{9-\left(3\sin(\theta) \right)^2}3\cos(\theta)\,d\theta$$

So we obtain:

$$3^5\int\sin^3(\theta)\cos^2(\theta)\,d \theta$$

Using a Pythagorean identity, we may then write:

$$3^5\int\left(\cos^2(\theta)-\cos^4(\theta) \right)\sin(\theta)\,d\theta$$

Using a right triangle where $$\sin(\theta)=\frac{x}{3}$$, what then is $$\cos(\theta)$$?
 
MarkFL said:
We are given:

$$\int x^3\sqrt{9-x^2}\,dx$$

and told to use the substitution:

$$x=3\sin(\theta)\,\therefore\, dx=3\cos(\theta)\,d\theta$$

And so the integral becomes:

$$\int \left(3\sin(\theta) \right)^3\sqrt{9-\left(3\sin(\theta) \right)^2}3\cos(\theta)\,d\theta$$

So we obtain:

$$3^5\int\sin^3(\theta)\cos^2(\theta)\,d \theta$$

Ah, very good. Didn't catch that error in the OP. It's $\cos^{2}(\theta)$, not $\cos(\theta)$.
 
MarkFL said:
Using a right triangle where $$\sin(\theta)=\frac{x}{3}$$, what then is $$\cos(\theta)$$?

$\cos\theta=\frac{\sqrt{9-x^2}}{3}$

I think anyway. but don't we plug this later?
 
  • #10
I will return to this later have to go now... but all these is very helpful... to tough to do by myself..
...to be continued...
 
  • #11
karush said:
$\cos\theta=\frac{\sqrt{9-x^2}}{3}$

I think anyway. but don't we plug this later?

Yes, I just saw you asking about it when I was alerted that reponses had been post while I was composing my reply. You will want to use that after you integrate, to get the anti-derivative in terms of $x$.
 
  • #12
$\displaystyle
3^5\int\left(\cos^2(\theta)-\cos^4(\theta) \right)\sin(\theta)\,d\theta$

well from this if $u=\cos{\theta}$ and $du = -\sin{\theta}$ and $\cos{\theta} = \frac{\sqrt{9-x^2}}{3}$ then

$\displaystyle
-3^5\int\left(u^2-u^4\right)\sin(\theta)\,d\theta
\Rightarrow
-3^5\left[\frac{u^3}{3}-\frac{u^5}{5}\right]+C
\Rightarrow
\frac{-(x^2+6)\cdot(9-x^2)^{3/2}}{5}+C
$
 
Last edited:

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