Integration by parts (problem plus question)

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the integral ∫cos(√x)dx using integration by parts, with a focus on the correct application of constants during the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the substitution A = √x and the subsequent integration by parts, questioning the handling of constants in the integration process.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on the importance of distributing constants correctly during integration. There is an acknowledgment of errors in algebraic manipulation, and a few participants express confusion about the integration steps and the treatment of constants.

Contextual Notes

There is a recurring theme of missing factors and the need to express results in terms of the original variable, as well as a note that constants of integration should be addressed only at the final step.

dwdoyle8854
Messages
16
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I've run into this problem a few times, where I get the right answer, but multiplied by a constant where I would have it divided by the constant or vice versa.

"First make a substitution and then use integration by parts to evaluate the integral"

∫cos(√x)dx


Homework Equations



∫udv = uv - ∫vdu

The Attempt at a Solution



let A = √x
dA = dx/(2√x)
2(√x)dA = dx
A2 = x

2∫Acos(A)dA

let u=A
du=dA
dv= cos(A)
v = sin A + C

2∫Acos(A)dA = Asin(A) - ∫sin(A)
= Asin(A) + cos(A)
so, then

∫Acos(A)dA = (Asin(A) +cos(A))/2 +C

this is wrong, it should be 2Asin(A) + 2cos(A) + C and I am not sure where exactly I can remedy this.

I think my problem might be with 2∫Acos(A)dA = Asin(A) - ∫sin(A)
since I have an integral I am evaluating by parts multiplied by a constant, does
2∫Acos(A)dA = Asin(A) - ∫sin(A) => 2∫Acos(A)dA = 2(Asin(A) - ∫sin(A)) ?

or more generally c∫udv = c(uv - ∫vdu) ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
dwdoyle8854 said:

Homework Statement


I've run into this problem a few times, where I get the right answer, but multiplied by a constant where I would have it divided by the constant or vice versa.

"First make a substitution and then use integration by parts to evaluate the integral"

∫cos(√x)dx

Homework Equations



∫udv = uv - ∫vdu

The Attempt at a Solution



let A = √x
dA = dx/(2√x)
2(√x)dA = dx
A2 = x

2∫Acos(A)dA

let u=A
du=dA
dv= cos(A)
v = sin A + C

2∫Acos(A)dA = Asin(A) - ∫sin(A)
You missed out the "dA" there at the end. But most importantly, you missed out the factor of 2 on the right hand side.

$$\int A\cos A dA = A\sin A - \int \sin A dA$$

and when you multiply by 2, you should do it throughout.

= Asin(A) + cos(A)
so, then

∫Acos(A)dA = (Asin(A) +cos(A))/2 +C

What?! Why? Something is wrong with your algebra. See what I wrote above.

2∫Acos(A)dA = 2(Asin(A) - ∫sin(A)) ?

or more generally c∫udv = c(uv - ∫vdu) ?

Yes, these two statements are correct (except you've missed out a "dA" again).

You don't have to bother with constants of integration at all until the final answer step. Even writing dv = cos A, hence v = sin A + c is not necessary.

You should express everything in terms of the original variable (x) in the final answer.
 
Okay thank you. My problem was not distributing the constant from
2∫Acos(A)dA = Asin(A) - ∫sin(A)dA
this should be
2∫Acos(A)dA=2( Asin(A) - ∫sin(A)dA)
and in terms of x:

=2(√x)(sin(√x) + 2cos(√x )

yes.
Thanks bunches :approve:
 
dwdoyle8854 said:
Okay thank you. My problem was not distributing the constant from
2∫Acos(A)dA = Asin(A) - ∫sin(A)dA
this should be
2∫Acos(A)dA=2( Asin(A) - ∫sin(A)dA)
and in terms of x:

=2(√x)(sin(√x) + 2cos(√x )

yes.
Thanks bunches :approve:

Your brackets are off - it should be ##2(\sqrt x \sin \sqrt x + \cos \sqrt x) + c##. Be careful about things like this, and don't forget your constant at the end. :smile:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K