Integrate the following equations using U-Substitution

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The integral of √(x²(x+3)) from -3 to 0 was attempted using u-substitution, with u=x+3 and changing the bounds accordingly. The calculation led to an incorrect result of -4.15, while the expected answer is positive 4.15. The confusion arose from not accounting for the fact that √(x²) equals -x for negative x values. Acknowledging this correction clarified the mistake, confirming that the integral's value should indeed be positive. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly applying the properties of square roots in integrals.
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Homework Statement


Integrate √(x2(x+3)) from -3 to 0.

0
∫√(x2(x+3)) dx
-32. The attempt at a solution
Here is what I did:
√(x2(x+3))
= x√(x+3)

Let u=x+3, du=dx, x=u-3
Insert the bounds and change the bounds to: 0 to 3.

x√(x+3)=
(u-3)√(u)
= u3/2-3u1/2

Thus we have:
3
∫(u3/2-3u1/2) du
0

Finally:

(2u5/2)/5-(2u3/2) from 0 to 3.
Thus I get: -4.15.

However the correct answer is positive 4.15.
I know the answer should be positive but what I don't understand is why I'm getting a negative answer. Please help.
Thanks in advance.
 
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Xetman said:

Homework Statement


Integrate √(x2(x+3)) from -3 to 0.

0
∫√(x2(x+3)) dx
-3

2. The attempt at a solution
Here is what I did:
√(x2(x+3))
= x√(x+3)

Let u=x+3, du=dx, x=u-3
Insert the bounds and change the bounds to: 0 to 3.

x√(x+3)=
(u-3)√(u)
= u3/2-3u1/2

Thus we have:
3
∫(u3/2-3u1/2) du
0

Finally:

(2u5/2)/5-(2u3/2) from 0 to 3.
Thus I get: -4.15.

However the correct answer is positive 4.15.
I know the answer should be positive but what I don't understand is why I'm getting a negative answer. Please help.
Thanks in advance.
Be careful.

\displaystyle \sqrt{x^2} = |x|

In fact, for x<0, \displaystyle\ \sqrt{x^2} = -x\ .
 
Xetman said:

Homework Statement


Integrate √(x2(x+3)) from -3 to 0.

0
∫√(x2(x+3)) dx
-3


2. The attempt at a solution
Here is what I did:
√(x2(x+3))
= x√(x+3)

Let u=x+3, du=dx, x=u-3
Insert the bounds and change the bounds to: 0 to 3.

x√(x+3)=
(u-3)√(u)
= u3/2-3u1/2

Thus we have:
3
∫(u3/2-3u1/2) du
0

Finally:

(2u5/2)/5-(2u3/2) from 0 to 3.
Thus I get: -4.15.

However the correct answer is positive 4.15.
I know the answer should be positive but what I don't understand is why I'm getting a negative answer. Please help.
Thanks in advance.

It's positive because if x is negative then sqrt(x^2)=(-x). Right?
 
Oh yeah. Silly mistake XD thanks.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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