Integration of a function of x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function involving a polynomial expression, specifically the integral of \( \frac{45.1}{3} x^2 (4-2x)^3 \). Participants are exploring various methods for solving this integral, including integration by parts and polynomial expansion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the clarity of the integral's expression and whether integration by parts is the most efficient method. Some suggest expanding the polynomial instead of using integration by parts, while others question the correctness of the integration steps provided.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing different perspectives on the approach to take. Some have offered alternative methods, such as substitution, and there is acknowledgment of potential errors in the original integration attempt. There is no clear consensus on the best method yet.

Contextual Notes

There is a note regarding the appropriate section for posting calculus-related questions, indicating a potential misplacement of the thread in the forum.

chwala
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Homework Statement


##∫45.1/3x^2 (4-2x)^3dx##[/B]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



##45/3∫x^2(4-2x)^3dx = let u = x^2 du= 2x, dv= (4-2x)^3 v=(2-x)/-4 ##

using intergration by parts is this right[/B]
 
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It's not obvious whether you mean ##\frac{45.1}{3x^2 (4 - 2x) ^3}## or ##\frac{45.1}{3}x^2 (4-2x)^3##.
 
If you want to integrate ##\int \frac{45}{3} x^2(4-2x)^3dx=15 \int x^2(4-2x)^3dx## by parts, you will have to apply it three times and in the end, the polynomial has to be of degree ##6##, for you started with a degree ##5## polynomial. I'm rather sure that performing the multiplication ##x^2(4-2x)^3## and integrating term by term is almost faster.

The formula by parts goes ##\int u'v = uv - \int uv'##
 
chwala said:

Homework Statement


##∫45.1/3x^2 (4-2x)^3dx##[/B]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



##45/3∫x^2(4-2x)^3dx = let u = x^2 du= 2x, dv= (4-2x)^3 v=(2-x)/-4 ##

using intergration by parts is this right[/B]
If you are solving ##\int x^2 (4-2x)^3 dx## then integration by parts is perhaps overkill. You could simply expand out all terms or first make the substitution ##u = 4-2x## which means you no longer have to deal with expanding out a cubic power. If you have to use integration by parts, your integration of v is incorrect.
 
hilbert2 said:
It's not obvious whether you mean ##\frac{45.1}{3x^2 (4 - 2x) ^3}## or ##\frac{45.1}{3}x^2 (4-2x)^3##.
sorry i mean the latter...
 
I expanded and multiplied out the factors...and got it as follows,

##45/3∫x^2(16-16x+4x^2)(4-2x) = 45/3∫x^2(64-32x-64x+32x^2+16x^2-8x^3)dx = 45/3∫(-8x^5+48x^4-96x^3+64x^2)dx##

this is an easy integral i was just tired, i will try use the substitution method and see what comes out.
now on using substitution
let ##u=4-2x, →dx=du/-2, x= (4-u)/2 ⇒x^2=(16-8u+u^2)/4,

⇒45/3∫((u^2-8u+16)/4)). (u^3) (du/-2) = 45/-24∫(u^5-8u^4+16u^3)du ##

which will give correct solution as the other long method.
Thank you guys, greetings from Africa.
 
Last edited:
@chwala, please post questions on calculus in the Calculus & Beyond section, not the Precalculus section, where you originally posted this thread.
 
Mark44 said:
@chwala, please post questions on calculus in the Calculus & Beyond section, not the Precalculus section, where you originally posted this thread.
OK sir
 

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