Integrating the Square Root of a Fraction with a Radical

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter karush
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Radical
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral of the square root of a fraction involving a radical, specifically the expression $\int \sqrt{\frac{x^2-4}{x}} \, dx$. Participants explore methods for solving the integral and address potential issues with the expression.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding a suitable substitution for the integral, indicating that it does not appear straightforward.
  • Another participant notes that Wolfram Alpha provides a non-elementary result for the integral, suggesting complexity in the solution.
  • A participant questions the behavior of the function at $x=0$, presuming it to be undefined.
  • Another participant proposes an alternative interpretation of the integral, suggesting it may be intended as $\int \frac{\sqrt{x^2-4}}{x}\,\mathrm{d}x$ instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to evaluate the integral, and multiple interpretations of the integral expression are presented.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the correct formulation of the integral and the implications of evaluating it at specific points, such as $x=0$.

karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
$\tiny{10.08.06}\\$
$\textsf{Evaluate the function}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
I_5&=\int \sqrt{\frac{x^2-4}{x}} \, dx
\end{align*}

ok, I thought this would be a simple U subst, but nothing looks convienent
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
W|A gives a non-elementary result.
 
I presume when $x=0$ it is undefined:cool:
 
Are you sure you did not mean $\int \frac{\sqrt{x^2-4}}{x}\,\mathrm{d}x$?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K