Integrating a square root function

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The discussion focuses on finding the arc length of the curve defined by x = √t and y = 3t - 1 over the interval 0 < t < 1. The attempted solution involves calculating derivatives and setting up an integral, but the user encounters difficulties with the integration process. Suggestions include performing a change of variables to simplify the integral and consulting textbooks or online resources for similar problems. Additionally, there is a side note about formatting preferences in forum posts. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clarity in both mathematical solutions and communication.
ande
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Problem statement:
Find the arc length of the curve defined by x = √t and y = 3t -1 on the interval 0 < t < 1attempted solution:
dx/dt = 1/2t-1/2 , dy/dt = 3 and dx = dt/ 2√t
dy/dx = 6√t
length = ∫01 √(1 + (6√t)2) .dt/ 2√t
= ∫01 √1 + 36t) dt/2√t
now I'm stuck with a product that is very difficult to solve using integration by parts or by trig substitution. Please shed some light.
 
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ande said:
Find the arc length of the curve defined by x = √t and y = 3t -1 on the interval 0 < t < 1attempted solution:
dx/dt = 1/2t-1/2 , dy/dt = 3 and dx = dt/ 2√t
dy/dx = 6√t
length = ∫01 √(1 + (6√t)2) .dt/ 2√t
= ∫01 √1 + 36t) dt/2√t
now I'm stuck with a product that is very difficult to solve using integration by parts or by trig substitution. Please shed some light.

If I was doing the problem I would first perform a simple change-of-variables to make the problem easier. However, PF rules forbid me from saying more, except to suggest you look in your textbook and/or course notes (or on-line) to find similar integrals.

And: please stop using bold fonts in your posts. It is annoying and a bit intimidating.
 
ande said:
Find the arc length of the curve defined by x = √t and y = 3t -1 on the interval 0 < t < 1
Looking at the equation. I can see that y = 3x2-1. Furthermore t=0⇒x=0 and t=1⇒x=1.
 
Ray Vickson said:
And: please stop using bold fonts in your posts. It is annoying and a bit intimidating.
Fixed in original post...
The excess bolding comes from deleting the template boilerplate, but missing the bold tags.
 
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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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