Lower Level integration problem (Find the centroid)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the centroid of a region bounded by the x-axis and the curve defined by the equation \(\sqrt{9-x^2}\). This problem falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically focusing on integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the mass and centroid using integration but encounters difficulties with the integration process. They express confusion regarding the application of integration techniques, particularly substitution. Other participants suggest methods and clarify concepts related to integration rules and constants.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's questions, providing insights into integration techniques and addressing specific points of confusion. There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to the problem, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a specific constant (p) that must be considered in their calculations, indicating a potential complexity in the integration process. There is also a reference to the use of inverse and hyperbolic trigonometric functions, suggesting that the problem may involve multiple layers of understanding.

J-villa
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EDIT - Solved. Thank you.

Homework Statement


Find the Centroid of the region bounded by the x-axis and [tex]\sqrt{9-x^2}[/tex]

Homework Equations


So far, I found my Mx which ended up being 27p after applying this forumula:
p[tex]\int[/tex]([tex]\frac{\sqrt{9-x^2}+0}{2}[/tex]) ([tex]\sqrt{9-x^2}[/tex]-0)dx​
*My interval was [-3,3]

The Attempt at a Solution



My problem is when I go to find the mass so I can find the centroid and get my final answer. The equation to find the mass is:

m=p[tex]\int[/tex][f(x)-g(x)]dx

so when applying the formula to my problem, I get this:

m=p[tex]\int[/tex][tex]\sqrt{9-x^2}[/tex]

So really, it ends up being a simple integration stumble. I just can't figure out how to integrate this. I tried the substitution rule, but it didn't work out.

Can someone point me in the right direction please?
 
Last edited:
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I'm guessing you have probably gone wrong somewhere unfortunately i don't know where. But the solution to your integral:

http://www5a.wolframalpha.com/Calculate/MSP/MSP8641961aa713bih43db00000ebbd4gc0a51fd4i?MSPStoreType=image/gif&s=15
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thank you greatly for the reply. I'm in Calc. II, learning all this integration as fast as I can and I stumble here and there in my theorems.

I was looking at my inverse and hyperbolic trig. functions to try and make a connection, but never thought of double substituting regular sine.

However, I'm not the kinda person to write an answer/work down and claim it as my own, especially since I won't be able to do it when the test comes, so using your reply I have a few questions.
  • #1 - I notice you didn't see the constant (p) I have to have prior to the integral. I'm guessing that the p would just go along for the ride with the all the other constants.
  • #2 - speaking of constants, how did you get that 9 outside the integral (Step:1/2)? I was thinking you just pulled the 9 out from the integrand; but wouldn't that leave a 1-sin^2?
Once again, thanks for the responses. I'm going to be lurking on these forums a lot more often now.
 
Last edited:
We are using the constant multiple rule for integration and 1-sin^2=cos^2.
 
elliotician said:
We are using the constant multiple rule for integration and 1-sin^2=cos^2.

oh, duh'. I appreciate the help. I'll respond soon w/ my answer.
 
substitute x=3sin(t)..and the answer comes by itself...
 

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