Simplify definite integral formula

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying a definite integral from Zienkiewicz's "FEM its basis & fundamentals." The integral involves terms related to finite element methods, specifically focusing on the expressions for N1, σ_x, and τ_y.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to simplify the integral and expresses confusion regarding the factorization of the numerator. Some participants suggest that the numerator can be factored to match the book's result, while others question the methods used for simplification.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering hints and guidance on factoring techniques. The original poster acknowledges the assistance received and expresses a desire to improve their factoring skills.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to self-study and the original poster's efforts to understand the material without it being formal homework. There are also mentions of external resources for factoring polynomials.

jvo
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Homework Statement


Working my way through Zienkiewicz's "FEM its basis & fundamentals" I am stuck on the following example:
[itex] - \int_{y_1}^{y_2} t N1 \left\{ \begin{array}{c} \sigma_x \\ \tau_y \end{array} \right\} dy =<br /> -\left\{ \begin{array}{c} k_x t (2 y_1 + y_2) (y_2 - y_1) / 6 \\ 0 \end{array} \right\} [/itex]

with values:
[itex]N1 = \frac{ y_2 - y }{ y_2 - y_1 }[/itex]
[itex]\sigma_x = k_x y[/itex]
and [itex]\tau_y = 0[/itex]

Homework Equations


n/a

The Attempt at a Solution


My result for the above integral is: [itex]k_x t \frac{ y_2^3 - 3 y_2 y_1^2 + 2 y_1^3 }{6 (y_2 - y_1)}[/itex]

Tried to simplify the formula by dividing by (y2 - y1) and (y2-y1)^2 but I don't see how to get to the same result as in the book. What am I doing wrong here?
For more detail, see the attachments with the page from the book and my results.
Thanks in advance.
Jo
 

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jvo said:

Homework Statement


Working my way through Zienkiewicz's "FEM its basis & fundamentals" I am stuck on the following example:
[itex] - \int_{y_1}^{y_2} t N1 \left\{ \begin{array}{c} \sigma_x \\ \tau_y \end{array} \right\} dy =<br /> -\left\{ \begin{array}{c} k_x t (2 y_1 + y_2) (y_2 - y_1) / 6 \\ 0 \end{array} \right\} [/itex]

with values:
[itex]N1 = \frac{ y_2 - y }{ y_2 - y_1 }[/itex]
[itex]\sigma_x = k_x y[/itex]
and [itex]\tau_y = 0[/itex]

Homework Equations


n/a

The Attempt at a Solution


My result for the above integral is: [itex]k_x t \frac{ y_2^3 - 3 y_2 y_1^2 + 2 y_1^3 }{6 (y_2 - y_1)}[/itex]

Tried to simplify the formula by dividing by (y2 - y1) and (y2-y1)^2 but I don't see how to get to the same result as in the book. What am I doing wrong here?
For more detail, see the attachments with the page from the book and my results.
Thanks in advance.
Jo

It is the same thing as in the book. [itex]y_2^3 - 3 y_2 y_1^2 + 2 y_1^3=(2 y_1 + y_2) (y_2 - y_1)^2[/itex]. You just have to figure out how to factor the numerator.
 
Thanks for your reply but I still don't see how to get there. Can you give a hint on how to approach this? As said in my post I tried long division by [itex](y_2 - y_1)[/itex] and [itex](y_2 - y_1)^2[/itex] but don't get even near your factored result.
I know factoring quadratics and checked 'recipes' as given here: http://www.analyzemath.com/polynomials/factor_polynomials.html
It's selfstudy, not homework. I realize missing something essential here, but what is it?
Tia,
Jo

PS this is a scan of some long division trials: http://utopia.knoware.nl/~jovo/images/Scan_img_026.jpg
 
Last edited:
jvo said:
Thanks for your reply but I still don't see how to get there. Can you give a hint on how to approach this? As said in my post I tried long division by [itex](y_2 - y_1)[/itex] and [itex](y_2 - y_1)^2[/itex] but don't get even near your factored result.
I know factoring quadratics and checked 'recipes' as given here: http://www.analyzemath.com/polynomials/factor_polynomials.html
It's selfstudy, not homework. I realize missing something essential here, but what is it?
Tia,
Jo

PS this is a scan of some long division trials: http://utopia.knoware.nl/~jovo/images/Scan_img_026.jpg

You started off ok on the first trial. [itex]y_2^2[/itex] is good for the first term. Now keep the rest ordered in decending powers of [itex]y_2[/itex]. So what you bring down after the first subtraction is [itex]y_2^2 y_1 - 3 y_2 y_1^2[/itex]. Your next term in the quotient should be dividing [itex]y_2[/itex] into [itex]y_2^2 y_1[/itex] (the higher [itex]y_2[/itex] power term). Or [itex]y_2 y_1[/itex]. Try it that way. It does divide evenly.
 
Last edited:
I got it! Thank you for your excellent help.
My new year's resolution is to practice factoring more :-)
Regards,
Jo
 

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