Integrating (9-x^2)^{5/2}: Solving Integration Frustration

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves integrating the expression \(\int (9-x^2)^{5/2} dx\), which falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically integration techniques. Participants are exploring various methods to approach this integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using a trigonometric substitution \(x=3\sin\theta\) and transforming the integral accordingly. There is uncertainty about the next steps, with questions about whether to combine terms algebraically or apply integration by parts. One participant suggests recognizing that \(1 - \sin^2 \theta = \cos^2 \theta\) to simplify the integrand further.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts and questioning the validity of certain steps. Some guidance has been offered regarding the simplification of the integrand, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach to proceed with the integration.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential pitfalls in their reasoning, particularly regarding the treatment of absolute values in trigonometric identities. There is an acknowledgment of the need for careful handling of expressions during integration.

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Homework Statement


[itex]\int (9-x^2)^{5/2} dx[/itex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Letting[tex]x=3sin\theta[/tex] and [tex]dx=3 cos \theta[/tex],

[itex]243\int(1-sin^2\theta)^{5/2}3 cos \theta d\theta[/tex]<br /> <br /> Taking the 3 out gets<br /> <br /> [tex]729 \int (1-sin^2 \theta)^{5/2} cos \theta d\theta[/tex]<br /> <br /> I'm not sure where to go from here. Do I combine everything algebraically and then do a u sub? Or do I integrate by parts here?[/itex]
 
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negatifzeo said:

Homework Statement


[itex]\int (9-x^2)^{5/2} dx[/itex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Letting[tex]x=3sin\theta[/tex] and [tex]dx=3 cos \theta[/tex],

[itex]243\int(1-sin^2\theta)^{5/2}3 cos \theta d\theta[/tex]<br /> <br /> Taking the 3 out gets<br /> <br /> [tex]729 \int (1-sin^2 \theta)^{5/2} cos \theta d\theta[/tex]<br /> <br /> I'm not sure where to go from here. Do I combine everything algebraically and then do a u sub? Or do I integrate by parts here?[/itex]
[itex] <br /> Well, you could remember that [tex](1 - sin^2 \theta) = cos^2 \theta[/tex] so that your integrand becomes [tex]cos^6 \theta[/tex] and then look that integral up in a table of integrals, or look up a reduction formula for [tex]cos^6 \theta[/tex]. You'll be able to integrate the expression that results from the reduction formula.[/itex]
 
AEM said:
Well, you could remember that [tex](1 - sin^2 \theta) = cos^2 \theta[/tex] so that your integrand becomes [tex]cos^6 \theta[/tex] and then look that integral up in a table of integrals, or look up a reduction formula for [tex]cos^6 \theta[/tex]. You'll be able to integrate the expression that results from the reduction formula.

Careful; [tex](\cos^2 \theta)^{5/2}=|\cos^5 \theta|\neq\cos^5 \theta[/tex] in general.
 
gabbagabbahey said:
Careful; [tex](\cos^2 \theta)^{5/2}=|\cos^5 \theta|\neq\cos^5 \theta[/tex] in general.

You are, of course, correct. I should have been more careful.
 

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