Integration by substitution (I think)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of expressions involving trigonometric functions and substitutions. The original poster presents an integral involving a constant and seeks guidance on the approach to take, particularly regarding substitution methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore substitution methods, questioning the appropriateness of symbols used in the context of calculus. There is a discussion about the Riemann–Stieltjes integral and its implications. The original poster also reflects on potential mistakes made in earlier attempts at integration.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various attempts to clarify the integration process and the use of substitutions. Some participants provide insights into the implications of their approaches, while others express uncertainty about their previous steps. The original poster indicates progress in their understanding by noting a resolution to their issue.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of potential confusion arising from the use of the symbol 'd' as a constant and the complexity of the integral expressions being discussed. The original poster also notes challenges related to formatting mathematical expressions on their device.

tomwilliam
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Homework Statement



Integral of d.cos j with regard to d.sin j

Where d is a constant.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know how to approach this. I can substitute u=d.sin j
Then I have
Integral of dz/dj with regard to dz, but not sure where to go from here.
Any help appreciated.
 
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do you mean a Riemann–Stieltjes integral?
[tex]\int f(j) dg(j)[/tex]

with
[tex]\int f(j) = sin(u)[/tex]
[tex]\int f(j) dg(j) = cos(u)[/tex]

First its probably a bad idea to use d as a symbol for constant in this context, based on its calculus context

Now if f and g has a continuous bounded derivative in a Riemann–Stieltjes integral the following equality holds
[tex]\int_a^b f(j) dg(j) = \int_a^b f(j) g'(j) dj[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Thanks,
Ok, the complexity of your answer tells me I've made an earlier mistake. I was trying to integrate the expression

sqrt(a^2 - b^2)

With regard to b. I used the substitution b=a sin theta so that

Sqrt(a^2(1-sin^2 theta) = sqrt(a^2 cos^2 theta) = a cos theta

Now I have to integrate

a cos theta

With regard to a sin theta. I've changed the variables, but I think that's equivalent to my original post. Did I make a mistake?
Thanks again for your time.
 
ahh ok so you mean
[tex]\int \sqrt{a^2-b^2}db[/tex]

now let b = a.sin(t)
[tex]b = a.sin(t)[/tex]
[tex]db = a.cos(t).dt[/tex]

subbing in
[tex]\int \sqrt{a^2-a^2 sin^2(t)}a.cos(t).dt[/tex]
[tex]\int \sqrt{a^2(1- sin^2(t))}a.cos(t).dt[/tex]
[tex]\int \sqrt{a^2cos^2(t)}a.cos(t).dt[/tex]

so the integral should be with respect to t (short for theta)
 
i always do those steps with b & db to keep it clear, similar with limits if the integral has limits
 
by the way if you ever want to write tex, you can right click on the expression to show source and see how its written
 
Thanks, that's exactly it.
I'm writing on an iPad, which makes it difficult (impossible?) to type tex without putting it into a separate application first.
Thanks for your time.
 
yeah know the feeling
 
EDIT: It's ok, I've solved it now!
 
Last edited:

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