Integration Questions: Check Answers and Simplify Solutions | Homework Help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integration problems in calculus, specifically focusing on checking and simplifying integration solutions. The original poster presents three integrals for review.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correctness of the original poster's integration attempts, with some suggesting simplifications and corrections. There is a focus on the proper handling of products in integrals and the importance of maintaining the original expressions.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided feedback on the original poster's attempts, with some guidance on simplifying integrals and correcting misunderstandings. There is an ongoing exploration of integration techniques and the necessity of proper notation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the omission of differential notation (dx) in the integrals, which is a common requirement in integration problems. The discussion reflects a learning environment where assumptions and methods are being questioned and clarified.

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Homework Statement



I'm wondering if anyone can check these integrations for me, or suggest alternative answers if they're not quite right, or can be simplified?

1) \int x^{\sqrt{2}}

2) \int x . \sqrt{x}

3) \int \frac{1}{x^\pi}

Homework Equations



--

The Attempt at a Solution



1) \int x^{1.4} = \frac{x^{2.4}}{2.4} + C

2) \int x . x^{\frac{1}{2}} = \frac{x^2}{2} . \frac{x^{\frac{3}{2}}}{\frac{3}{2}} = \frac{x^{\frac{3}{2}}}{3} . x^2 + C

3) \int \frac{1}{x^\pi} = \int x^{-\pi} = \frac{x^{-\pi+1}}{-\pi+1} + C
 
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The first and the third look okay to me, although in the first one I would leave the \sqrt{2} rather than putting 2.4.

In the second your almost there. When doing this sort of integral it is often easier if you simplify the integrand. By combining x*\sqrt{x} into \sqrt{x*x^2} to get {x^{3/2}} it should be easier to integrate.
 
roadworx said:

Homework Statement



I'm wondering if anyone can check these integrations for me, or suggest alternative answers if they're not quite right, or can be simplified?

1) \int x^{\sqrt{2}}

2) \int x . \sqrt{x}

3) \int \frac{1}{x^\pi}

Homework Equations



--

The Attempt at a Solution



1) \int x^{1.4} = \frac{x^{2.4}}{2.4} + C
\sqrt{2} is NOT equal to 1.4! There is no reason to change x^{\sqrt{2}} to x^{1.4}.

2) \int x . x^{\frac{1}{2}} = \frac{x^2}{2} . \frac{x^{\frac{3}{2}}}{\frac{3}{2}} = \frac{x^{\frac{3}{2}}}{3} . x^2 + C
An unfortunately common mistake: just as you cannot differentiate a product by just differentiating each part, you cannot integrate a product that way either. As Vuldoraq said, x\sqrt{x}= x(x^{1/2})= x^{3/2}. Integrate that.

3) \int \frac{1}{x^\pi} = \int x^{-\pi} = \frac{x^{-\pi+1}}{-\pi+1} + C
Yes, this is correct.
 
Thanks for the replies Vuldoraq, HallsofIvy.

So, my answer should be \int x^{\frac{3}{2}} = \frac{2x^{\frac{3}{2}}}{3}
 
You forgot to increase the exponent by one before dividing!
 
Are you aware of the fact that you're leaving out the dx in the integrals?
 
alright..

Second attempt.

\int x^{\frac{3}{2}} = \frac{2x^{\frac{5}{2}}}{5}
 
Thats it, much better. :smile:

To repeat what HallsofIvy said: you can't integrate products of the function being integrated in the usual manner. So you have to simplify and when you can't simplify you have to use a different method (like integration by parts or substitution, you'll come across these later on).

May your Math prosper
 

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