Integration using sinh^2 substitution

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral \(\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x + x^2}} dx\) using the substitution \(x = \sinh^2{t}\). Participants are exploring the implications of this substitution and its application in the context of integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to proceed with the substitution, noting a lack of prior experience with \(x = \sinh^2{t}\). They mention difficulties in substituting and deriving related expressions. Other participants suggest completing the square in the denominator and discuss implicit differentiation related to the inverse function derived from the integration result.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering suggestions and clarifications. Some have proposed methods for differentiation and exploring the implications of the substitution, while others are still seeking guidance on how to apply these concepts effectively.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of needing to prove the fundamental theorem of calculus in relation to the derived function, indicating a requirement for understanding both integration and differentiation in this context.

vesu
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Homework Statement


[tex]\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x + x^2}} dx[/tex]
We have been told to use the substitution [itex]x = \sinh^2{t}[/itex].

Homework Equations


[tex]\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{a^2 + x^2}}dx = \sinh^{-1}(\frac{x}{a}) + C[/tex]
Maybe?

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not really sure where to start, we haven't done any questions involving letting [itex]x = \sinh^2{t}[/itex], only [itex]x = \sinh{t}[/itex]. Substituting x into the integral doesn't seem to get me anywhere. I feel like I might have to derive [itex]x[/itex] which gives [itex]\sinh{2t}[/itex] but I don't know what to do with that. :confused:
 
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Try completing the square in the denominator and see what you end up with.
 
Ah, I think I've got it. I ended up with [itex]2\sinh^{-1}(\sqrt{x}) + C[/itex].

Now we're supposed to let [itex]y = 2\sinh^{-1}(\sqrt{x}) + C[/itex], find the inverse, then "use implicit differentiation to prove that the fundamental theorem of calculus holds, i.e. prove that [itex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{(x+x^2)}}[/itex]". I can find the inverse but I'm not sure how I can use implicit differentiation to prove that. Anything just to get me started would be much appreciated. :confused:
 
I think they want you to find [itex]\frac{d}{dx}2sinh^{-1}\sqrt{x}[/itex] by saying that if [itex]y=2sinh^{-1}\sqrt{x}[/itex] then [itex]sinh\frac{y}{2}=\sqrt{x}[/itex], which you can differentiate implicitly.
 
HS-Scientist said:
I think they want you to find [itex]\frac{d}{dx}2sinh^{-1}\sqrt{x}[/itex] by saying that if [itex]y=2sinh^{-1}\sqrt{x}[/itex] then [itex]sinh\frac{y}{2}=\sqrt{x}[/itex], which you can differentiate implicitly.
Oh right, that makes sense. Thanks!
 

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