Problem with algebra

1. Jan 15, 2013

doctordiddy

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=integral+of+(10-x^.5)^2

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

so at the bottom of the page, it ends up converting

(1/6)(√x-10)3(3√x+10)

to

(x/6)(3x-80√x+600)

The problem is, when I try the simplification by myself, i always end up with 3x^2-80x^1.5+600x-10000. I realize I can simplify by x giving me

x(3x-80x^.5+600-10000/x)

Why does the answer given not have this extra 10000/x at the end?

Thanks

2. Jan 15, 2013

Simon Bridge

That's not quite correct:$$\frac{(\sqrt{x}-10)^3(3\sqrt{x}+10)}{6}+c$$ ... gets simplified to: $$\frac{x(3x-80\sqrt{x}+600)}{6}+c$$ ... where $c$ is an arbitrary constant.

When you try the simplification by yourself, you get: $$3x^2-80x^{1.5}+600x-10000$$. Notice that the last 10000 is a constant? It just gets included in the c. (note - I think you left a 1/6 off the front.)

It's easy to miss - wolfram writes "+ arbitrary constant" in pale grey.

3. Jan 15, 2013

doctordiddy

ok i see, i kind of assumed that you had to integrate the 10000 first which wouldn't leave it as the C, but i understand now. Thanks!

4. Jan 15, 2013

Staff: Mentor

Please post calculus problems in the Calculus & Beyond section, not in the Precalc Math section. I am moving this thread.