What is the Length of a Curve with Integrals?

  • Thread starter ypatia
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Length
In summary, to find the length of the curve f(x) = \frac {1}{12}(x - 48)\sqrt x where x\ge0 and the vertical line x=48, you can use the formula L=\int^{48}_{0}\sqrt {1 + \ [f'(x)]^2} dx. However, there may be an issue at x=0 because the first derivative, f'(x) = \frac {(x - 16) \sqrt {x}}{8x}, has x in the denominator. You can try performing the integral and using the improper integral method to determine if it converges or diverges at that point.
  • #1
ypatia
6
0

Homework Statement



How can we found the length of the curve:
[tex]f(x) = \frac {1}{12}(x - 48)\sqrt x[/tex]

where [tex]x\ge0[/tex] and the vertical line x=48.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to use the formula [tex]L=\int^{48}_{0}\sqrt {1 + \ [f'(x)]^2} dx[/tex]
But I think that there is a problem where x=0 because the first derivative is:
[tex]f'(x) = \frac {(x - 16) \sqrt {x}}{8x}[/tex] and because x is in the denominator cannot take the value 0.

How can solve this issue??
Any ideas??
Thanks anyone in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What is the final integral? Do you know what the function looks like after the integral has been performed?
 
  • #3
djeitnstine said:
What is the final integral? Do you know what the function looks like after the integral has been performed?

No I don't
 
  • #4
You should try performing the integral before you ask whether or not there is division by zero. Perhaps there may be division by zero, in that case you will have to use the improper integral method (limit) to find out whether it converges or diverges at that point.
 

What is the definition of "length of a curve"?

The length of a curve is the distance between two points along the curve.

How is the length of a curve calculated using integrals?

The length of a curve can be calculated using a definite integral, where the integral represents the sum of infinitesimally small distances along the curve.

What is the difference between arc length and length of a curve?

Arc length is the distance along a portion of a curve, while length of a curve refers to the distance along the entire curve.

Why is it important to calculate the length of a curve?

Calculating the length of a curve is important in many fields of science and engineering, as it allows for accurate measurement and analysis of various physical phenomena.

What are some real-world applications of calculating the length of a curve?

The calculation of the length of a curve has many practical applications, such as determining the distance traveled by a moving object, finding the perimeter of irregular shapes, and calculating the surface area of 3D objects.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
444
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
693
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
848
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
733
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
840
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
460
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
991
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
620
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
1K
Back
Top