Solve Algebra Problem: Integral of (10-x^.5)^2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral of the expression (10 - x^0.5)^2, focusing on the simplification of the resulting expression after integration. Participants are examining the algebraic manipulation and the inclusion of constants in the final result.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing the simplification of an integral result and questioning why a specific term appears in one version of the answer but not in another. There is an exploration of how constants are treated in integration.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been offered regarding the treatment of constants in integration, with one participant clarifying that the constant term can be included in the arbitrary constant of integration. There is an acknowledgment of a potential oversight in the original poster's simplification process.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes a procedural issue regarding the posting of calculus problems in the appropriate forum section, indicating a potential misunderstanding of forum guidelines.

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Homework Statement



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

Homework Equations





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
 
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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.
 
Simon Bridge said:
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.

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

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