Lower level algebra Question Concerning the Solution to a Calculus Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter Asphyxiated
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Algebra Calculus
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the definite integral of the function (x+1)^(1/2) from 0 to 2. The correct antiderivative is identified as (2/3)(x+1)^(3/2) + C. The user initially misapplied the antiderivative by incorrectly evaluating it at the endpoints, leading to confusion about the exact form of the solution. The final correct expression for the definite integral is (2/3)(3√3 - 1), which is equivalent to (2/3)(2)^(3/2) when simplified.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of definite integrals and antiderivatives
  • Familiarity with calculus concepts, specifically integration techniques
  • Knowledge of algebraic manipulation and simplification
  • Ability to evaluate expressions involving square roots and powers
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus for deeper insights into integration
  • Practice evaluating definite integrals with various functions
  • Learn about different forms of expressing integral solutions
  • Explore algebraic techniques for simplifying expressions involving radicals
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, educators teaching integration techniques, and anyone seeking to improve their algebraic manipulation skills.

Asphyxiated
Messages
263
Reaction score
0
Nevermind I totally got it now, sorry to waste anyones time!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Asphyxiated said:

Homework Statement



[tex]\int^{2}_{0} (x+1)^{1/2} dx[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



This problem is very easy to solve, I have no problem with that, but I will list my solution anyway. The problem I am having is finding the solution to the problem that is in the book. Our solutions are the same when approximated to decimals but I have no idea how they got the exact form of the solution, so I am hoping someone can help me here, the problem is solved like so:

[tex]\frac {2}{3}(x+1)^{3/2} +C[/tex]

well that's the indefinite integral anyway, so the solution looks something like this for the definite integral:

[tex]\frac {2}{3}(2)^{3/2} - \frac {2}{3}(0)^{3/2}[/tex]
Your mistake is in the line above. The expression raised to the 3/2 power in your antiderivative is x + 1, not x so both your terms above are incorrect. After evaluating the antiderivative at the two endpoints you should have (2/3)[(2 + 1)^(3/2) - 1^(3/2)].
Asphyxiated said:
and the last portion is going to be zero, so the solution is just:

[tex]\frac {2}{3}(2)^{3/2}[/tex]

right? For exact form anyway? Which could be written this way:

[tex]\frac {2}{3} \sqrt{2^{3}}[/tex]

but what they want is:

[tex]\frac {2}{3} (3\sqrt{3}-1)[/tex]

I know they are the same answers so I just want to know how to get to that answer from the answer I have.

Thanks greatly! And I am sorry if this is really obvious but I can't for the life of me remember this.
 
yeah I seen that, I just did a lot of correcting to that post, so please take a look at it again because it has changed
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K