How do I use substitution to solve a differential equation with a square root?

In summary: The integral becomes \int -2du/u^(1/2)+ du/u^(1/2)which is the same as \int -2du/u^(1/2)+ \int du/u^(1/2)The first integral is a constant of -2 times u^(1/2)= -2\sqrt{u}+ C. In summary, the given differential equation can be solved using the substitution u = 16-x^2 and integrating with respect to u. The final answer is -2√(16-x^2) + C.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



Solve the differential equation.

dy/dx = 4x + 4x/square root of (16-x^2)

Homework Equations



Substituting using U...

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure if that's what I am supposed to do, but I tried using the U substitution...

4x + 4x/square root of (16-x^2)
u = 16 - x^2
du = -2x
-2du = 4x (I multiplied both sides by 2 and brought the negative over)

-2 (integration sign [the S]) du + du/square root of u

Take the anti-derivative...

-2 x (u)^(-1/2) + C (changed square root into a power)

-2 x (16-x^2) + C

Unfortunately, that is not the answer they give me. I'm kinda stuck.. am I going in the right direction?
 
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  • #2
Everything fell apart right after you made the substitution. Stating that "du = -2x" is incorrect. Rather, du = -2x dx. Then, you find an expression for "dx", sub that in, and integrate with respect to u.

Edit: It's easier to split the integral into a sum of two integrals, so it's the integral of 4x + the other integral.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
dy/dx = 4x + 4x/square root of (16-x^2)

I'd imagine that partial fractions would help here.

It would be a lot easier, I'll have a play with it later. Time for work. Just a thought though.

[tex]\int 4x+=>[/tex]

[tex]2x^2+C[/tex]

[tex]\int \frac {4x}{\sqrt(16-x^2)}=>[/tex]

Actually from here just substitute du from here.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
No, not partial fractions with that "x" in the numerator.

Let u= 16- x2. Then du= -2x dx so that -2du= 4xdx.
 

1. What is integration by substitution?

Integration by substitution is a technique used in calculus to simplify integrals by substituting a variable with a new expression. This allows for easier integration and often leads to a solution that is more easily evaluated.

2. When should I use integration by substitution?

Integration by substitution is useful when the integrand contains a complicated function or when the limits of integration are difficult to work with. It can also be used to transform integrals that are in a different form, such as trigonometric or exponential, into a more manageable form.

3. How do I choose the substitution variable?

The substitution variable should be chosen so that the integral is simplified. It is often helpful to choose a variable that appears in the integrand or that can be easily solved for in terms of another variable. The goal is to transform the integral into a simpler form that can be evaluated more easily.

4. What are the steps for integration by substitution?

The general steps for integration by substitution are as follows:

  1. Choose an appropriate substitution variable.
  2. Rewrite the integral in terms of the substitution variable.
  3. Calculate the derivative of the substitution variable and substitute it into the integral.
  4. Simplify the integral and solve for the new variable.
  5. Substitute the original variable back into the solution.

5. Are there any special cases for integration by substitution?

Yes, there are a few special cases for integration by substitution, such as when the integrand is a rational function or when the integral involves trigonometric functions. In these cases, it may be necessary to use a specific substitution or trigonometric identity to simplify the integral.

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