Is My Calculation for the Integral from -1 to 2 Correct?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an integration problem involving the integral of a square root function from -1 to 2, specifically focusing on the expression involving \(\sqrt{(6t)^2 + (10t)^2}\). Participants are examining the correct approach to evaluate this integral, particularly in relation to the absolute value of \(t\).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the original poster's calculation and whether there are mistakes in the integration process. There is a discussion about the implications of using \(\sqrt{t^2}\) and the necessity of considering absolute values in the integration limits.

Discussion Status

There is an active exploration of different approaches to the integral, with participants suggesting breaking the integral into segments based on the sign of \(t\). Some guidance has been offered regarding the treatment of absolute values in the context of the integral.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of correctly applying the absolute value function when integrating over negative and positive ranges, indicating a potential misunderstanding in the original calculation.

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[SOLVED]Integration Problem

Homework Statement



[tex]\int \sqrt{(6t)^2 + (10t)^2} = \int \sqrt{36t^2 100t^2} = \int \sqrt{136t^2} = \sqrt{136} \int \sqrt{t^2} = \sqrt{136} \int t[/tex]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Have I made a mistake anywhere? because its from -1 to 2, so I keep getting [tex]1.5\sqrt{136}[/tex] but it says it's wrong. Any ideas?
 
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This a lot like integrating sqrt(t^2) from -1 to 1. If you simplify that to t, integrate to t^2/2 and put in the limits, you get 0. That's wrong. sqrt(t^2)=|t| NOT t. It's best to do the positive and negative ranges separately.
 
So something like this:

[tex]\sqrt{136} ( \int t \ dt + \int -t \ dt)[/tex]

where the first integral is from -1 to 1 and the second one is 1 to 2?
 
-1 to 0 and from 0 to 2, since |t|=t, if t>0, and |t|=-t, if t<0
 
Got it, thank you.
 

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