Integrating sqrt(x) cos(sqrt(x)) dx

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function sqrt(x) cos(sqrt(x)) dx. Participants explore various approaches to solving the integral, including integration by parts and differentiation techniques. The conversation includes attempts to clarify the steps taken and to identify errors in reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using integration by parts, setting dv = cos(√x) and u = √x, leading to a series of transformations and integrals.
  • Another participant questions the correctness of the first participant's approach, suggesting that the differentiation of sin(√x) was not handled properly.
  • Several participants express confusion over the treatment of the √x term in the differentiation process, indicating a lack of clarity in the integration steps.
  • One participant asserts that their integration by parts approach yielded a different result, prompting further discussion on the validity of the steps taken.
  • There is a recurring theme of participants attempting to clarify the relationship between the terms involved in the integration process, particularly regarding the differentiation of sin(√x).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct method or result for the integral. Multiple competing views and interpretations of the integration steps remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the proper application of integration techniques and the handling of terms during differentiation. There are unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions that contribute to the confusion.

Phys12
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Question: sqrt(x) cos(sqrt(x)) dx
My try:

Let dv = cos(√x) => v = 2√xsin(√x) and u = √x => du = dx/(2√x)

Using integration by parts, we get

∫√x cos(√x) dx = 2√x√x sin(√x) - ∫(2√xsin(√x) dx)/(2√x)
= 2x sin(√x) - ∫sin(√x) dx

= 2x sin(√x) + 2 cos(√x) √x

However, the answer given in the book is: http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=integrate+sqrt(x)++cos(sqrt(x))

And a solution that I found says: http://www.slader.com/textbook/9780534465544-calculus-early-transcendentals/601/61-exercises/23/

Which one of us is correct? And if I am wrong, what am I doing wrong and how may I correct it?
 
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Phys12 said:
Question: sqrt(x) cos(sqrt(x)) dx
My try:

Let dv = cos(√x) => v = 2√xsin(√x)
This is not correct.
 
nrqed said:
This is not correct.
I differentiated sin(sqrt(x)) and figured it out that way, why does it not work?
 
Phys12 said:
I differentiated sin(sqrt(x)) and figured it out that way, why does it not work?
I realize this is what you did but why did you not differentiate also the ##\sqrt{x}## in front?
 
nrqed said:
I realize this is what you did but why did you not differentiate also the ##\sqrt{x}## in front?
Inside the sin()? I did do that
 
Phys12 said:
Inside the sin()? I did do that
No, the ##\sqrt{x}## in **front** of the sine.
 
nrqed said:
No, the ##\sqrt{x}## in **front** of the sine.
Well, this is what I did:

d(sin(sqrt(x)))/dx = cos(sqrt(x))/2(sqrt(x) => integral cos(sqrt(x)) = 2 sqrt(x) sin(sqrt(x))
 
Phys12 said:
Well, this is what I did:

d(sin(sqrt(x)))/dx = cos(sqrt(x))/2(sqrt(x) => integral cos(sqrt(x)) = 2 sqrt(x) sin(sqrt(x))
You cannot move the ##\sqrt{x}## on the other side like that (in your last step).
What you showed is that
$$ \frac{ d}{dx} \sin(\sqrt{x}) = \frac{\cos(\sqrt{x})}{2 \sqrt{x}} $$

which means the following

$$ \int \frac{\cos(\sqrt{x})}{2 \sqrt{x}} = \sin(\sqrt{x}) +C $$ This is all that one can conclude from your calculation. So your v is incorrect
 
nrqed said:
You cannot move the ##\sqrt{x}## on the other side like that (in your last step).
What you showed is that
$$ \frac{ d}{dx} \sin(\sqrt{x}) = \frac{\cos(\sqrt{x})}{2 \sqrt{x}} $$

which means the following

$$ \int \frac{\cos(\sqrt{x})}{2 \sqrt{x}} = \sin(\sqrt{x}) +C $$ This is all that one can conclude from your calculation. So your v is incorrect
So I used integration by parts and got the correct answer, however, now, for the original question, I got this:

sqrt(x) [2 sqrt(x) sin(sqrt(x)) + 2 cos(sqrt(x))] - int (sin(sqrt(x)) dx) - int(cos(sqrt(x)) dx/sqrt(x))
and when I solve further, I get:

int (sin(sqrt(x)) dx) = -2 cos(x) x + 2 sin(x)

and int(cos(sqrt) dx/sqrt(x)) = 2 sin(sqrt(x))

and end up getting the wrong answer. :/ What am I doing wrong?
 

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