Integration Problem Homework Statement Solutions

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In summary, the conversation discusses two calculus problems, with the first one involving rewriting an integral using trigonometric identities and the second one using u-substitution. The expert suggests using simpler methods to solve the problems and provides guidance on how to integrate the fractions separately. They also provide helpful tips on how to use LaTeX for math symbols.
  • #1
FallingMan
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Homework Statement



Problem 1:
[PLAIN]http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/3852/problem1m.jpg

Problem 2:
[PLAIN]http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/3862/problem3i.jpg


2. The attempt at a solution

Prob. 1:

Well for this one I rewrote the integral first.

[tex]\int sec(x)(1-sin^2(x))dx[/tex]

Then I distributed the sec(x) term.

[tex]\int sec(x)-sec(x)sin^2(x)dx[/tex]

I'm stuck here :(

Prob. 2:

I think I'm supposed to use u-sub here.

Let [tex]u = \sqrt{x}[/tex]
[tex]du = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}dx[/tex]
Then solve for [tex]dx = 2\sqrt{x}du[/tex]

Plug in for dx and you get:

[tex]\int (8x^2+2)(2\sqrt{x})(du)[/tex]

I'm really not sure if this is what's supposed to happen...

Thanks,
fm
 
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  • #2
FallingMan said:
Prob. 1:

Well for this one I rewrote the integral first.

∫sec(x) * (1-sin^2(x)) dx

Then I distributed the sec(x) term.

∫sec(x) - sec(x)*sin^2(x) dx

I'm stuck here :(
You're thinking too hard. Do you remember your trig identities? What does
[tex]1 - \sin^2 x[/tex] equal?

FallingMan said:
Prob. 2:

I think I'm supposed to use u-sub here.

Let u = sqrt(x), du = 1/2sqrt(x)dx
Then solve for dx = 2sqrt*du

Plug in for dx and you get:

∫(8x^2+2)*(2sqrt)*du

I'm really not sure if this is what's supposed to happen...

Thanks,
fm
Instead of doing that, write the fraction as a sum of two fractions:
[tex]\int \frac{8x^2 + 2}{\sqrt{x}} dx = \int \left( \frac{8x^2}{\sqrt{x}} + \frac{2}{\sqrt{x}} \right) dx = \int \frac{8x^2}{\sqrt{x}} dx + \int \frac{2}{\sqrt{x}} dx[/tex]
... and integrate the fractions separately.
 
  • #3
eumyang said:
You're thinking too hard. Do you remember your trig identities? What does
[tex]1 - \sin^2 x[/tex] equal?

Okay, I just looked it up. 1-sin^2(x) is equivalent to cos^2(x), right? That makes it easier then..

[tex] \int \frac{cos^2(x)}{cos(x)}dx = \int cos(x)dx = sin(x) + C[/tex]

:)?

Instead of doing that, write the fraction as a sum of two fractions:
[tex]\int \frac{8x^2 + 2}{\sqrt{x}} dx = \int \frac{8x^2}{\sqrt{x}}[ + \frac{2}{\sqrt{x}} dx[/tex]
... and integrate the fractions separately.

Okay so first part would be...

[tex] \frac{16}{5}x^\frac{5}{2} [/tex]

and second part would be...

[tex] 4\sqrt{x} [/tex]

So, adding them gives [tex]\frac{16}{5}x^\frac{5}{2}+4x^\frac{1}{2} + C[/tex]

Thank for for the help (I hope I did them right o_O)

By the way, how do you make the nice math symbols in your post? Any guide to how to do that?

EDIT: I think I got how to do it by viewing the edit options..
 
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  • #4
#1 is right.

#2 is also right, but to nitpick, I personally don't like seeing an expression with fractional exponents and radicals mixed together. I would state the answer as
[tex]\frac{16}{5}x^{5/2} + 4x^{1/2} + C[/tex]
(and don't forget the C! :wink:)

EDIT: It's good that you're trying LaTex, but you got some errors. Check the code I used. As for a guide, you could look "ftp://ftp.ams.org/pub/tex/doc/amsmath/short-math-guide.pdf"[/URL].
 
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  • #5
eumyang said:
#1 is right.

#2 is also right, but to nitpick, I personally don't like seeing an expression with fractional exponents and radicals mixed together. I would state the answer as
[tex]\frac{16}{5}x^{5/2} + 4x^{1/2} + C[/tex]
(and don't forget the C! :wink:)

EDIT: It's good that you're trying LaTex, but you got some errors. Check the code I used. As for a guide, you could look "ftp://ftp.ams.org/pub/tex/doc/amsmath/short-math-guide.pdf"[/URL].[/QUOTE]

Thank for your help - I'm a real math noob so I might make another thread b/c I may have some more questions, lol.

I might also edit this post to try some equations and things out. :)
 
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What is an integration problem?

An integration problem is a mathematical exercise that involves finding the area under a curve or the total value of a function. It requires the use of integration techniques, such as integration by parts or substitution, to find a solution.

Why are integration problems important?

Integration problems are important because they have numerous applications in physics, engineering, and economics. They allow us to find the total change or accumulation of a quantity over a period of time, which is crucial for understanding real-world scenarios.

What are some common strategies for solving integration problems?

Some common strategies for solving integration problems include using basic integration rules, such as the power rule or the product rule, and applying integration techniques, such as u-substitution or trigonometric substitution. Visualizing the problem with a graph and breaking it into smaller, more manageable parts can also be helpful.

Can integration problems be solved analytically or numerically?

Integration problems can be solved both analytically and numerically. Analytical solutions involve using algebraic methods to find an exact solution, while numerical solutions involve using computer algorithms to approximate the solution. Both methods have their advantages and are often used in combination.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving integration problems?

Some common mistakes to avoid when solving integration problems include forgetting to add the constant of integration, using incorrect integration techniques, and making mistakes in algebraic manipulation. It is also important to carefully check the limits of integration and to simplify the problem as much as possible before attempting to integrate.

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