Simple? Integration Problem (Trig Sub?)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a trigonometric substitution integration problem involving the integral of x² divided by the square root of (1 - x²). Participants explore methods for solving the integral, share their understanding of trigonometric substitution, and clarify their conceptual grasp of calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that trigonometric substitution is the appropriate method, proposing x = sin(t) and deriving dx = cos(t) dt.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about their calculus skills and seeks clarification on the substitution process, attempting to apply u-substitution with u = sin(x) and questioning if their approach is correct.
  • A later reply critiques the previous participant's understanding, reiterating the substitution method and correcting the integration steps while emphasizing the need to evaluate the integral of sin²(t).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to the integral, with some expressing confusion and others providing corrections. The discussion reflects differing levels of understanding and varying interpretations of the substitution process.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying degrees of familiarity with calculus concepts, and there are unresolved steps in the integration process. The discussion includes assumptions about the applicability of trigonometric substitution and the correctness of the proposed methods.

PitchBlack
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I can't get it! I'm pretty sure it's trig substition

[tex]\int[/tex][tex]x^{2}/\sqrt{1-x^{2}}[/tex]

Its a practice problem, if someone could show me the light (or steps) that would be wonderful
 
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well, yeah a trig substitution would work, try to let x=sin(t) , so you will get dx=cos(t)dt
after you substitute it back you willl end up with something like this

integ of (sin(t))^2dt

Is this a homework problem by the way?

Can you go from here, anyway??
 
No its not a homework problem...its a conceptual problem ...but i don't get it, and I'm not that great with calculus to tell you the truth I am not a math major i just want to get it! So is this what you mean...

[tex]\int(sinx)^{2}[/tex][tex]/[/tex][tex]\sqrt{1-sinx^{2}}[/tex]

so using u subtitution ( or whatever letter you use)...
u=sinx
du= cosx
and since there is no cos in the original then 1/cos(du)

(1/cos)[tex]\int du(u)^{2}[/tex][tex]/[/tex][tex]\sqrt{1-u^{2}}[/tex]

and go from there? did i do it right?
 
PitchBlack said:
No its not a homework problem...its a conceptual problem ...but i don't get it, and I'm not that great with calculus to tell you the truth I am not a math major i just want to get it! So is this what you mean...

[tex]\int(sinx)^{2}[/tex][tex]/[/tex][tex]\sqrt{1-sinx^{2}}[/tex]

so using u subtitution ( or whatever letter you use)...
u=sinx
du= cosx
and since there is no cos in the original then 1/cos(du)

(1/cos)[tex]\int du(u)^{2}[/tex][tex]/[/tex][tex]\sqrt{1-u^{2}}[/tex]

and go from there? did i do it right?
Well You did not get it right, to be honest. Look, [tex]\int\frac{x^{2}}{\sqrt{1-x^{2}}}dx[/tex] now let sin(t)=x, from here after defferentiating we get cos(t)dt=dx, now let us substitute this back to the integral, so the integral will take this form:
[tex]\int\frac{(sin(t))^{2}}{\sqrt{1-(sin(t))^{2}}}cos(t)dt[/tex], now remember that (sin(t))^2= 1-(cos(t))^2, so afer we substitute the integral becomes:
[tex]\int\frac{(sin(t))^{2}}{\sqrt{(cos(t))^{2}}}cos(t)dt[/tex]= [tex]\int\frac{(sin(t))^{2}}{cos(t)}cos(t)dt[/tex]= [tex]\int (sin(t))^{2}dt[/tex], now do u know how to evaluate this one?
 
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