Using Integral Substitution to Solve a Challenging Integration Problem

In summary, the problem involves transforming the given integrals using the substitution x = e^-z and then using the expression for the denominator given in the hint. This allows for the transformation of the limits of integration from infinity to 0 to 1 to 0, ultimately leading to the solution of pi/2.
  • #1
chemphys1
27
0

Homework Statement



sorry if question is unclear can't draw the integal sign out

Show that
Integral infinity-0 dz/((e^2z) - 1)^1/2 = integral 1- 0 dx/(1-x^2)^1/2 = pi/2



The Attempt at a Solution



I can get from the second integral to pi/2, as the second integral is sin^1(1) = pi/2

However, I do not understand how to go between these two integrals

infinity-0 dz/((e^2z) - 1)^1/2 = 1- 0 dx/(1-x^2)^1/2

I tried substituing things like x = z, but doesn't work. Can't see how you would change the limits from infinity to 0, to 1 to 0?

Maths is not my strong point so this could well be quite simple

any help much appreciated
 
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  • #2
Hint: the denominator can be expressed as ##\displaystyle (e^z + 1)^{\frac{1}{2}}.(e^z - 1)^{\frac{1}{2}} = e^z.(1 + e^{-z})^{\frac{1}{2}}.(1 - e^{-z})^{\frac{1}{2}}##

Does that help?
 
  • #3
Curious3141 said:
Hint: the denominator can be expressed as ##\displaystyle (e^z + 1)^{\frac{1}{2}}.(e^z - 1)^{\frac{1}{2}} = e^z.(1 + e^{-z})^{\frac{1}{2}}.(1 - e^{-z})^{\frac{1}{2}}##

Does that help?

Thank you for the help!

I've subsituted x = e^-z

so dz = dx/-e^-z

integral becomes

1/e^z(1+x)^1/2 (1-x^1/2) * dx/-e^-z

e^z*-e^-z = 1

so 1/(1+x)^1/2 (1-x^1/2) dx = 1/(1-x^2)^1/2

and then e^-z = x e^-infinity = 1 hence new limits 1 to 0

I think that works?
 
  • #4
chemphys1 said:
Thank you for the help!

I've subsituted x = e^-z

so dz = dx/-e^-z

integral becomes

1/e^z(1+x)^1/2 (1-x^1/2) * dx/-e^-z

e^z*-e^-z = 1

so 1/(1+x)^1/2 (1-x^1/2) dx = 1/(1-x^2)^1/2

and then e^-z = x e^-infinity = 1 hence new limits 1 to 0

I think that works?

Very difficult to read your post without LaTex.

But this: "e^z*-e^-z = 1" is an error, because the result should be negative one.

And that negative sign is important when you transform the bounds.
 
Question 1:

What is integral substitution?

Integral substitution, also known as u-substitution, is a method used to simplify and solve integrals by substituting a complex expression with a simpler one.

Question 2:

When should I use integral substitution?

Integral substitution is used when the integrand (the expression being integrated) contains a subexpression that can be simplified by substitution. It is also helpful when the integrand contains a product, quotient, or power of functions.

Question 3:

How do I choose the substitution variable?

The substitution variable, u, should be chosen in a way that simplifies the integrand and makes it easier to integrate. It is helpful to choose u as a function that is inside a parenthesis, or as a term that appears in both the numerator and denominator.

Question 4:

What is the process for using integral substitution?

The general process for using integral substitution is:

  1. Identify a subexpression in the integrand that can be simplified by substitution.
  2. Choose a substitution variable and find its derivative.
  3. Replace the subexpression in the integrand with the substitution variable and its derivative.
  4. Simplify the integrand and rewrite it in terms of the substitution variable.
  5. Integrate the new expression with respect to the substitution variable.
  6. Substitute back the original variable and simplify the final result.

Question 5:

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when using integral substitution?

Some common mistakes to avoid when using integral substitution include:

  • Forgetting to replace the limits of integration when substituting back the original variable.
  • Not choosing the substitution variable carefully, which can lead to a more complex expression.
  • Forgetting to include the derivative of the substitution variable when simplifying the integrand.
  • Not checking the final result by differentiating it to ensure it matches the original integrand.

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