Integration Problem: Can't 'See' How It's Done

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an integration problem involving the expression \(\int \frac{m}{mgsin\alpha-kv} dv\) and its relationship to logarithmic functions. Participants are trying to understand the steps leading to the provided solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate the integral to a known logarithmic form but expresses confusion about the application. Some participants suggest a substitution involving a new variable \(u\) to simplify the integral, while others question the correctness of the transformations being applied.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the substitution method. Some guidance has been offered regarding the transformation of variables, but there is still confusion among participants about the steps involved and the correctness of the expressions used.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential errors in the transformations, and participants are questioning the assumptions made in the setup of the problem. The original poster's understanding appears to be hindered by the similarity of the variables involved.

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Homework Statement



I was given that [tex]\int \frac{m}{mgsin\alpha-kv} dv = -\frac{m}{k}ln(mgsin\alpha-kv) + C[/tex]

..but I can't 'see' how this was done.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



My first thought is that this is somehow related to the fact that:

[tex]\int \frac{g'(x)}{g(x)}=ln \left|(g(x)) \right|[/tex]

but I am still missing something to make this work.

All help appreciated.
 
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[tex]\left\{\begin{array}{rcl}u&=&mg\sin \alpha -kv\\<br /> <br /> {\rm d}v&=&-\frac{{\rm d}u}{k}\end{array}\right.[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow \int \frac{m}{mg\sin \alpha -kv}{\rm d}v=\int -\frac{m}{k}\frac{{\rm d}u}{u}[/tex]
 
Donaldos said:
[tex]\left\{\begin{array}{rcl}u&=&mg\sin \alpha -kv\\<br /> <br /> {\rm d}v&=&-\frac{{\rm d}u}{k}\end{array}\right.[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow \int \frac{m}{mg\sin \alpha -kv}{\rm d}v=\int -\frac{m}{k}\frac{{\rm d}u}{u}[/tex]
Make that [tex]u&=&mg\sin \alpha -kv[/tex]
and
[tex]}du&=&-\frac{{\rm d}u}{k}[/tex]

You had dv.
 
Mark44 said:
Make that [tex]u&=&mg\sin \alpha -kv[/tex]
and
[tex]}du&=&-\frac{{\rm d}u}{k}[/tex]

You had dv.

I'm sorry, what?
 
Mark44 said:
Make that [tex]u&=&mg\sin \alpha -kv[/tex]
and
[tex]}du&=&-\frac{{\rm d}u}{k}[/tex]

You had dv.


Now I'm more confused... How can [tex]}du&=&-\frac{{\rm d}u}{k}[/tex] ?
 
Ignore Mark's statement. Donaldos' approach is correct.
 
Donaldos said:
I'm sorry, what?
Apparently you had two errors and I caught only one.
If
[tex]u&=&mg\sin \alpha -kv[/tex]
then
du = -kdv
 
Mark44 said:
Apparently you had two errors and I caught only one.
If
[tex]u&=&mg\sin \alpha -kv[/tex]
then
du = -kdv

Look again at his post. His answer is the same as what you have ;)
 
OK, I got it now. With variables that look so much alike, it would have been nice to have the intervening step.
 

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