Integration of linear functions

Click For Summary
Integrating the function (2x+5) using two different methods yields different expressions, but the constant of integration remains arbitrary. The first method results in x^2 + 5x + c, while the second method simplifies to x^2 + 5x + 25/4 + c. Despite the differing constants, they can be merged since both represent arbitrary constants. When applying initial conditions, the constants can be adjusted accordingly to maintain consistency in the final expression. Ultimately, the choice of integration method does not affect the overall solution when constants are appropriately combined.
sgstudent
Messages
726
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement


If i integrate (2x+5) using the simplest rule, i get x2+5x+c, however if i use the linear function method, i would get (2x+5)^2/4 +c so simplifying it i get (4x^2+20x+25)/4 +c=x^2+5x+25/4+c. So does it mean when i use the two different methods my constant,c is different?


Homework Equations


linear integration rule

The Attempt at a Solution


So does it mean when i use the two different methods my constant,c is different?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes, there's no meaningful difference there.
 
thanks!
 
sgstudent said:

Homework Statement


If i integrate (2x+5) using the simplest rule, i get x2+5x+c, however if i use the linear function method, i would get (2x+5)^2/4 +c so simplifying it i get (4x^2+20x+25)/4 +c=x^2+5x+25/4+c. So does it mean when i use the two different methods my constant,c is different?


Homework Equations


linear integration rule

The Attempt at a Solution


So does it mean when i use the two different methods my constant,c is different?
C is an arbitrary constant. It doesn't matter whether you use "c" or "25/4+ c" it still represents some arbitrary constant.

Suppose you were given that dy/dx= 2x+ 5 and that y(0)= 1. Clearly y is the integral of 2x+ 5 so, integrating the first way, you would get y(x)= x2+ 5x+ c and then the addtional condition, that y(0)= 1, becomes y(0)= 02+ 5(0)+ c= c= 1 so you answer is y(x)= x2+ 5x+ 1.

Integrating the second way, y(x)= x2+ 5x+ 25/4+ c so that y(0)= 02+ 5(0)+ 25/4+ c= 25/4+ x= 1 so that c= 1- 25/4= -21/4. But that means that y(x)= x2+ 5x+ 25/4- 21/4= x2+ 5x+ 4/4= x2+ 5x+ 1 just as before.
 
sgstudent said:

Homework Statement


If i integrate (2x+5) using the simplest rule, i get x2+5x+c, however if i use the linear function method, i would get (2x+5)^2/4 +c so simplifying it i get (4x^2+20x+25)/4 +c=x^2+5x+25/4+c. So does it mean when i use the two different methods my constant,c is different?


Homework Equations


linear integration rule

The Attempt at a Solution


So does it mean when i use the two different methods my constant,c is different?

If I ever use a method of integration that gives me some constant such as +1 but then I also have a +c added on the end, I just merge them together to make it +c2 or +k or if the teacher isn't strict / doesn't care I'll just get rid of the 1.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K