Integrating substitution problem?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion revolves around solving the integral \( s = \int_{0}^{5} \sqrt{2 + 9t^2} \, dt \) using trigonometric substitution. Participants suggest transforming the integral into a more manageable form by letting \( t = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{3} \tan{\theta} \), which leads to the expression \( s = \frac{2}{3} \int_{0}^{5} \sec^3{\theta} \, d\theta \). The discussion emphasizes the importance of using integration by parts and correctly applying trigonometric identities to simplify the integral. Ultimately, the participants arrive at a solution for the arc length, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaboration in tackling complex calculus problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of definite integrals and limits
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities, specifically \( \tan^2{\theta} + 1 = \sec^2{\theta} \)
  • Knowledge of integration techniques, including integration by parts
  • Experience with trigonometric substitution in integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study trigonometric substitution methods in calculus
  • Learn about integration by parts and its applications
  • Explore advanced techniques for solving integrals involving square roots
  • Practice problems involving arc length calculations in calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on integral calculus and trigonometric methods. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their problem-solving skills in integration.

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