Integrating a square root function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the arc length of a curve defined by the parametric equations x = √t and y = 3t - 1, specifically over the interval 0 < t < 1. Participants are exploring the integration of a square root function as part of this problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the arc length using parametric equations and expresses difficulty with the resulting integral. Some participants suggest considering a change of variables to simplify the integration process, while others note the relationship between x and y in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some offering guidance on potential approaches, such as a change of variables. There is an acknowledgment of the challenges presented by the integral, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are reminded of forum rules regarding the sharing of direct solutions, which influences the nature of the guidance provided. There is also a note regarding formatting preferences in posts that reflects community norms.

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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