Integrating substitution problem?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an integration problem involving the substitution method for the integral of a square root function. The integral in question is s = ∫√(2 + (3t)²) dt, with limits from t=0 to t=5. Participants are exploring how to approach this integral, particularly focusing on the appropriate substitutions and trigonometric identities to apply.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss transforming the integrand into a suitable form for integration, specifically aiming for a + bt² format. There is consideration of using trigonometric identities, particularly tangent and secant, to facilitate the integration process. Questions arise about the appropriateness of different substitution methods and the manipulation of the integral.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants providing guidance on how to manipulate the integral and suggesting trigonometric substitutions. There is recognition of the complexity of the integral, with some participants expressing frustration and uncertainty about the steps involved. Multiple interpretations and methods are being explored without a clear consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the challenges of integrating functions involving secant and tangent, with some expressing concerns about the length and complexity of the integration process. There is a shared understanding of the difficulties associated with these types of integrals, particularly when involving integration by parts and trigonometric identities.

  • #31
Integration of Powers of Secant is not so difficult if you use a recursive formula. there's also less chance of error until the last few lines, since we haven't substituted any numbers for the pro numerals yet. It's not difficult to derive the formula, it takes about 2 minutes.

I know rocophysics will like this challenge, so I the only hint I give to start is let to use integration by parts =]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
It's quite tedious to integrate the cube of sec theta. My suggestion is that you first try to figure out how to integrate that as an indefinite integral then apply the result to evaluate the definite integral in the question. You'll definitely need to use integration by parts here, and if you do it correctly, you notice a point where you'll need to bring an integral on the RHS of the equation to to the LHS. You'll need at least 2 substitutions on this problem (just to integrate (sec(theta))^3 )
 
  • #33
Once again someone ignores every other post in the thread >.<
 
  • #34
malty said:

Homework Statement


Sorry to hijack this thread sort of (as a similar named one already exists), but the title is aptly suited to my question.

I have integral to integrete and I don't really know how to do it tbh. . .

s=\int{\sqrt{2+(3t)^2}dt Limits are from t=0 to t=5 (how do I show this on latek?)

If it was 2-3t then I'd simply substitute the t for sin u, but what do I do when it positive?
I don't see why people bother with the tan substitution.

It is by far simplest to set:
t=\frac{\sqrt{2}}{3}Sinh(u)
whereby the integrand resolves itself to \frac{2}{3}Cosh^{2}(u)=\frac{3}{4}(Cosh(2u)+1)
 
  • #35
Minor correction: The coefficient on the right hand side should be 1/3.
 
  • #36
Gib Z said:
Integration of Powers of Secant is not so difficult if you use a recursive formula. there's also less chance of error until the last few lines, since we haven't substituted any numbers for the pro numerals yet. It's not difficult to derive the formula, it takes about 2 minutes.

I know rocophysics will like this challenge, so I the only hint I give to start is let to use integration by parts =]
I'll give it a try after my finals :-]

Gib Z said:
Once again someone ignores every other post in the thread >.<
Never!

arildno said:
I don't see why people bother with the tan substitution.

It is by far simplest to set:
t=\frac{\sqrt{2}}{3}Sinh(u)
whereby the integrand resolves itself to \frac{2}{3}Cosh^{2}(u)=\frac{3}{4}(Cosh(2u)+1)
I actually do hyperbolic substitutions when I'm integrating, but I think it was far more beneficial to do it the long way here to learn how important the constant is and the usefulness of trig substitution.
 
  • #37
Hyperbolic functions eh?

Well to be honest, I'd would never even have consider them, learn something new everyday I guess.

To be honest though I much preferred the Tan method because it was fun (and annoying when I think of my integration by parts loop and not spotting the obvious i.e. Integral of Sec ^2 x equal Tan x) and it was also my first time attempting a secant to the power of .. integral.

Will also give a derivation proposed by Gibz a go over the holidays, no idea where to start though, but hopefully between now and then some sort of idea will have occurred.
 
  • #38
If you really get bored and want to become a Integrating Master (lol), do some of the problems in this thread ... I've only completed 5 of them since I don't have much spare time. Some make you just want to JUMP! :-]

How Good Am I? - https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=149706
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
9K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K