Length of Curve $y^2=4(x+4)^3$: 13.5429

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the length of the curve defined by the equation $y^2=4(x+4)^3$ over the interval $0 \le x \le 2$. Participants explore the setup of the integral for arc length and the correctness of their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation and the integral $\int_{0}^{2} \sqrt{1+9(x+4)}\,dx = 13.5429$, questioning its correctness.
  • Another participant initially expresses uncertainty about the question but later confirms that the integral setup is indeed correct.
  • A third participant reiterates the integral and suggests that while the setup is correct, an exact answer may be obtainable.
  • Further elaboration on the integral transformation is provided, detailing the substitution process and the steps to simplify the integral.
  • One participant acknowledges that they posted the decimal form for convenience, indicating they arrived at the same result.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the correctness of the integral setup, but there is no consensus on the final evaluation of the integral or whether the decimal approximation is sufficient.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding the connection between the integral setup and the earlier steps, indicating potential gaps in understanding the process.

ineedhelpnow
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$y^2=4(x+4)^3$
$0 \le x \le 2$

$y=2(x+4)^{3/2}$

$y'=3(x+4)^{1/2}$

$\int_{0}^{2} \ \sqrt{1+9(x+4)},dx = 13.5429$

is that right?
 
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wait, no one respond yet. i wrote the question down wrong. i have to back and redo it.

actually that is the right question. did i do it right?
 
Last edited:
ineedhelpnow said:
$y^2=4(x+4)^3$
$0 \le x \le 2$

$y=2(x+4)^{3/2}$

$y'=3(x+4)^{1/2}$

$\int_{0}^{2} \ \sqrt{1+9(x+4)}\,dx = 13.5429$

is that right?

What you wrote is all correct (assuming $y\ge 0$).

What has your final integral got to do with what came before it?
 
$\int_{a}^{b} \ \sqrt{1+[f'(x)]^2},dx$

the steps i showed was solving for my y' and then i squared it and plugged it in.
 
ineedhelpnow said:
$y^2=4(x+4)^3$
$0 \le x \le 2$

$y=2(x+4)^{3/2}$

$y'=3(x+4)^{1/2}$

$\int_{0}^{2} \ \sqrt{1+9(x+4)},dx = 13.5429$

is that right?

Your setup of the integral is correct. You can probably get an exact answer though.

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \int_0^2{ \sqrt{ 1 + 9 \left( x + 4 \right) } \,\mathrm{d}x } &= \int_0^2{ \sqrt{ 1 + 9x + 36 }\,\mathrm{d}x } \\ &= \int_0^2{ \sqrt{ 9x + 37 } \, \mathrm{d}x } \\ &= \frac{1}{9} \int_0^2{ 9\,\sqrt{ 9x + 37 } \, \mathrm{d}x } \end{align*}$

and now make the substitution $\displaystyle \begin{align*} u = 9x + 37 \implies \mathrm{d}u = 9\,\mathrm{d}x \end{align*}$ and noting that $\displaystyle \begin{align*} u(0) = 37 \end{align*}$ and $\displaystyle \begin{align*} u(2) = 55 \end{align*}$, the integral becomes

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{1}{9} \int_0^2{ 9\,\sqrt{ 9x + 37} \, \mathrm{d}x } &= \frac{1}{9} \int_{37}^{55}{ \sqrt{u}\,\mathrm{d}u } \\ &= \frac{1}{9} \int_{37}^{55}{ u^{\frac{1}{2}}\,\mathrm{d}u } \\ &= \frac{1}{9} \left[ \frac{u^{\frac{3}{2}}}{\frac{3}{2}} \right] _{37}^{55} \\ &= \frac{1}{9} \left[ \frac{2}{3} u\,\sqrt{u} \right] _{37}^{55} \\ &= \frac{2}{27} \left( 55\,\sqrt{55} - 37\,\sqrt{37} \right) \end{align*}$
 
thats what i got but i just posted the decimal form because it was easier. thanks for working it out though :)
 

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