Integration Using Trigonometric Substitution Help Needed

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function $$ x^3\sqrt{x^2+16}dx $$, with participants exploring trigonometric substitution methods to arrive at a specific answer. The problem is situated within the context of integral calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of trigonometric substitution, specifically suggesting substitutions like $$ x=4\sin\Theta $$ and $$ x=\tan\Theta $$, while questioning the accuracy of intermediate steps in the integration process. Some express confusion regarding the application of trigonometric identities and the correct handling of square roots in the context of the integral.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on correcting mistakes related to trigonometric identities and substitution techniques. There is a recognition of minor errors impacting the overall solution, but no consensus has been reached on the final approach or answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants note challenges with LaTeX formatting, which has affected the clarity of the integral representation. There is also mention of alternative methods for solving the integral that do not involve trigonometric substitution.

Airp
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Homework Statement


Integral of $$ x^3\sqrt{x^2+16}dx $$
answer should give
$$ 1/5(x^2+16)^{5/2} -16/3(x^2+16)^{1/2}+C $$

Homework Equations


x=atanθ

The Attempt at a Solution



IMG_20150222_141431.jpg

Mod note: The integral is ##\int x^3 \sqrt{x^2 + 16} dx##
The published answer is ##1/5(x^2+16)^{5/2} -16/3(x^2+16)^{1/2}+C##

To the OP: Using $ $ (i.e., with a space between the $ symbols) causes the browser to not render what's between the $ pairs. For inline LaTeX, you can use # # (no space) at the beginning and end.
 

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Please explain what you are trying to do
 
I'm trying to find the integral of the equation, but it doesn't give the same answer as the one I'm supposed to get, and I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I'm using trigonometric substitution which let's x=4sinΘ.
 
In the second step after you did the substitution, the whole things becomes,
4*((tan0^2)+1)^(1/2)=4sec0 and not 4sec0^2
 
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can you post the question? Like the integral you are trying to find the answer for?
 
IMG_20150222_143359~2.jpg


No problem! I tried using Latex, but it doesn't work...It's #6
 

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I might be able to help you...I love integration...but I don't understand anything from the picture you posted
 
Faris Shajahan said:
can you post the question? Like the integral you are trying to find the answer for?
See my previous post. It's fairly clear which integral the OP is trying to find.
 
Airp said:
No problem! I tried using Latex, but it doesn't work...It's #6
See my edit to post #1.
 
  • #10
Thank You Mark! I'm still learning to use Latex... I changed it and it should appear ok, now!
 
  • #11
Got it!
 
  • #12
Ok, I'm currently trying, correcting the mistake I made with my sec^2. It looks good!
 
  • #13
I can officially say that it works now! Thank you Faris! Such a "minor" mistake that really changed everything in the problem!
 
  • #14
Faris Shajahan said:
I might be able to help you...I love integration...but I don't understand anything from the picture you posted

He meant Question 6 from the picture
 
  • #15
Your trig substitution is correct. When you square root, you should get 4sec(x) (I'll use x instead of theta for simplicity)
That will leave you with,
64tan3(x) * 4sec(x)

or simply
256tan3(x)*sec(x)

Break the tan3(x) up, you get
256tan2(x)*sec(x)*tan(x)

I won't do the rest for you but I'll give you a clue. It involves a trig identity and a u substitution
 
  • #16
Thank you! It works now, my mistake was simply that I forgot to take the sqrt of sec^2
 
  • #17
hey, if trigonometric substitution is not necessary, it is much easier to put x^2+16=t...=>x^2=t-16...dx=dt/2x...x^3=x*x2...
then integral is ##\int { x*(t-16)*\sqrt(t)*dt/2x} ## => ##\int {(t-16)\sqrt(t) dt/2} ## ...now expand normally...
 

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