Integrating a non-elementary function

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The discussion revolves around the integration of a double integral involving the function sin(y²), which is not elementary in its original form. The user attempted to rearrange the integral parameters and switch the order of integration to simplify the problem. They integrated sin(y²) with respect to x first, obtaining a result that led to confusion in the final integration step. Another participant clarified that treating sin(y²) as a constant during the x integration simplifies the process, allowing for an easier u-substitution afterward. The conversation highlights the challenges of integrating non-elementary functions and the importance of rearranging integrals for easier computation.
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Homework Statement



Integral (pi1/2, 0) of Integral (pi1/2, y) sin(y2) dxdy

Homework Equations



This one is interesting because it can't be integrated as is (at least not at the level of my course) but I think with some rearranging it can be done. I was wondering if anyone could verify my method.

BTW, I'm kinda new, so I don't know exactly how to make the little integral symbol. If that's too hard to read, it's a double integral defined on the inside between "y" and the square root of pi, and defined on the outside between 0 and the square root of pi. The function is sin(y2), with dx, then dy. That is, I believe 0 < y < pi1/2 and y < x < pi1/2.

The Attempt at a Solution



Alright so as is, it's not an elementary function and cannot be worked with, I believe. I rearranged the "parameters" to define x as 0 < x < pi1/2 and 0 < y < x. Then, "dx" and "dy" switch positions in the original equation, and I integrated sin(y2) with respect to "x" first. Simply put, I got xsin(y2). Then, integrating with respect to "y" by parts, I got xsin(y2) - [(1/2)(x2) * -(2y)(cos(y2))]. Without doing all the math here, I'll tell you I ended up with pi2.

I feel I got the problem right all the way until the final integration. I'm mostly afraid I messed up the final step in integration. If anyone would like to look at my process, that would be great.

PS -- if anyone knows how to directly integrate a non-elementary function, that would be cool to see.
 
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Is your integral:


\int_{0}^{\sqrt\pi}\int_{y}^{\sqrt\pi}sin(y^2)dxdy


?

If this is the integral you are working with then, notice that you are first integrating with respect to x, so you can treat

sin(y^2) merely as a constant. And after you have integrated with respect to x, you will end up with an integral that can be easily integrated with a u-substitution.
 
Last edited:
Sorry! Good point.

The integral I put was not the original. I rearranged the original to get to that point, so ignore my "process" as that's how I got to the formula above. 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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