Integrate (x^3)sqrt(x^2 + 8) dx - Homework Solution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function (x^3)sqrt(x^2 + 8) dx, focusing on the methods and substitutions used to approach the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore trigonometric substitution and integration by parts as potential methods for solving the integral. There is a comparison of different approaches and attempts to clarify the correctness of the original poster's work versus the professor's solution.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on the validity of the original poster's approach, while others suggest alternative methods. There is an ongoing examination of the effectiveness of various substitutions and whether they lead to simpler forms of the integral.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the exercise may impose specific requirements for using trigonometric substitution, and there is a mention of a potential mistake in the handling of constant factors during the integration process.

mk200789
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Homework Statement



integrate (x^3)sqrt(x^2 + 8) dx

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



let x = 2sqrt(2)tan(t) ==> dx= 2sqrt(2)sec^2(t) dt

=int (x^3)sqrt(x^2 + 8) dx
=int (16sqrt(2)tan^3(t)) sqrt(8tan^2(t) + 8) (2sqrt(2)sec^2(t)) dt
=int (32 sqrt(2)) (tan^3(t)) sec^3(t) dt

my problem is till this point i compared it with the the prof. working
and he had this instead : int (16sqrt(2)tan^3(t))(2sqrt(2)sec(t)) dt

help~
 
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mk200789 said:

Homework Statement



integrate (x^3)sqrt(x^2 + 8) dx

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



let x = 2sqrt(2)tan(t) ==> dx= 2sqrt(2)sec^2(t) dt

=int (x^3)sqrt(x^2 + 8) dx
=int (16sqrt(2)tan^3(t)) sqrt(8tan^2(t) + 8) (2sqrt(2)sec^2(t)) dt
=int (32 sqrt(2)) (tan^3(t)) sec^3(t) dt

my problem is till this point i compared it with the the prof. working
and he had this instead : int (16sqrt(2)tan^3(t))(2sqrt(2)sec(t)) dt
Your work is fine. It looks like your professor didn't substitute for dt.
 
I didn't really take a look at your solution

But in order to solve the integral ,, just substitute >>> u = 8 + x^2

it's straight forward ;)
 
I didn't really take a look at your solution

But in order to solve the integral ,, just substitute >>> u = 8 + x^2

it's straight forward ;)

It may be straightforward but this substitution is pretty useless.

Integration by parts is the way to go here and you only have to do it once.
 
Cyosis said:
It may be straightforward but this substitution is pretty useless.

Integration by parts is the way to go here and you only have to do it once.

The solution comes out almost straight away with the substitution actually.
 
The solution comes out almost straight away with the substitution actually.

While useless may have been a bit strong I still feel you don't gain much by doing that substitution. You will have to do integration by parts after wards, which you may as well do right away.
 
Gib Z said:
The solution comes out almost straight away with the substitution actually.

How exactly? du does not equal x^3, it equals 2x. Rather useless.
 
Char.Limit said:
How exactly? du does not equal x^3, it equals 2x. Rather useless.

The idea is that x^2=u-8 and we can write x^3 as x^2*x. You can then combine them. However in my eyes that just sends you back to the original problem. We may be going a bit off topic here.
 
SO...my working so far is correct? or the prof's correct?:|
 
  • #10
try the substitution

<br /> t = \sqrt{x^{2} + 8}<br />
 
  • #11
mk200789 said:
SO...my working so far is correct? or the prof's correct?:|

You are correct. However unless the exercise asks you to specifically use a trigonometric substitution you should really use integration by parts.
 
  • #12
thanks. yeh i was told to use trig sub:)
 
  • #13
I just noticed that you made a minor mistake regarding the constant factors.

=int (16sqrt(2)tan^3(t)) sqrt(8tan^2(t) + 8) (2sqrt(2)sec^2(t)) dt

This is correct.

=int (32 sqrt(2)) (tan^3(t)) sec^3(t) dt

Here you made a mistake when it comes to multiplying the constant roots.
 
  • #14
Cyosis said:
While useless may have been a bit strong I still feel you don't gain much by doing that substitution. You will have to do integration by parts after wards, which you may as well do right away.
No integration by parts is needed with the substitution. You just multiply it out to get two terms of the form u^n.
 

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