Integration by trigonometric change of variable

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the integral ##\int\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}dx## using the substitution ##x = a \sin \theta##. The user initially makes several algebraic errors in their calculations, leading to confusion about the correct steps. After receiving feedback, they correct their approach and arrive at the correct answer, which is ##(a^2/2) * \arcsin(x/a) + (x/2) * \sqrt{a^2 - x^2} + C##. This highlights the importance of clear and accurate algebraic manipulation in calculus.

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  • Understanding of integral calculus
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities
  • Knowledge of substitution methods in integration
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions accurately
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  • Study the method of trigonometric substitution in integrals
  • Learn about the properties of definite and indefinite integrals
  • Explore common trigonometric identities and their applications in calculus
  • Practice solving integrals involving square roots and trigonometric functions
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Students studying calculus, particularly those preparing for exams or tests in integral calculus, as well as educators looking for examples of common mistakes in integration techniques.

MMM
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Homework Statement


I'm trying to solve ##\int\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}##
by using the substitution ##x = asin\theta##

Homework Equations



##x = asin\theta

The Attempt at a Solution


##y = \int\sqrt{a^2 - a^2cos^2\theta}##
##y = a\int\cos\theta##
##y = a^2\int\cos(\theta)^2##
##y = (a^2)/2 * \int1+cos2\theta##
##y = a^2/2 + a^2/4 * sin2\theta\ + C##
##\theta = arcsin(x/a)##
##a^2/2 * arcsin(x/a) + a^2/2 * sin\theta\cos\theta\ + C## Any help would greatly be appreciated.

The answer in the book is ##(a^2/2) * arcsin(x/a) + (x/2) * \sqrt{a^2 - x^2} + C##

EDIT: I figured it out.
 
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MMM said:

Homework Statement


I'm trying to solve ##\int\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}##
by using the substitution ##x = asin\theta##

Homework Equations



##x = asin\theta

The Attempt at a Solution


##y = \int\sqrt{a^2 - a^2cos^2\theta}##
##y = a\int\cos\theta##
##y = a^2\int\cos(\theta)^2##
##y = (a^2)/2 * \int1+cos2\theta##
##y = a^2/2 + a^2/4 * sin2\theta\ + C##
##\theta = arcsin(x/a)##
##a^2/2 * arcsin(x/a) + a^2/2 * sin\theta\cos\theta\ + C## Any help would greatly be appreciated.

The answer in the book is ##(a^2/2) * arcsin(x/a) + (x/2) * \sqrt{a^2 - x^2} + C##

EDIT: I figured it out.

You have some crazy algebra happening there. You are not ready for tests or exams yet because your working out is incorrect. It must be neat and each statement must follow from the previous one. For example, this is meaningless: ##y = a \int cos\theta##, that is not how an integral is written.
 
MMM said:

Homework Statement


I'm trying to solve ##\int\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}##
You have started off by copying the problem wrong. It should be ##\int\sqrt{a^2- x^2}dx##
Do you see the difference?

by using the substitution ##x = asin\theta##

Homework Equations



##x = asin\theta

The Attempt at a Solution


##y = \int\sqrt{a^2 - a^2cos^2\theta}##
Same mistake as before.

##y = a\int\cos\theta##
I have not idea where you got this, [tex]\sqrt{a^2- a^2 cos(\theta)} is NOT equal to "[itex]a cos(\theta)[/itex]"<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> ##y = a^2\int\cos(\theta)^2## </div> </div> </blockquote> And this is definitely not equal to the previous line!<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> ##y = (a^2)/2 * \int1+cos2\theta##<br /> ##y = a^2/2 + a^2/4 * sin2\theta\ + C##<br /> ##\theta = arcsin(x/a)##<br /> ##a^2/2 * arcsin(x/a) + a^2/2 * sin\theta\cos\theta\ + C## Any help would greatly be appreciated.<br /> <br /> The answer in the book is ##(a^2/2) * arcsin(x/a) + (x/2) * \sqrt{a^2 - x^2} + C##<br /> <br /> EDIT: I figured it out. </div> </div> </blockquote>[/tex]
 

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