Solve Definite Integral: Invalid Answer Error

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of a definite integral, specifically the integral $\displaystyle \int_{-3}^{-2}\frac{y+2}{y^2+4y}dy$. Participants are examining the steps taken to solve the integral and identifying potential errors in the calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines their approach to solving the integral using substitution, defining $u = y^2 + 4y$ and deriving the corresponding differential.
  • Another participant confirms that the initial steps taken by the first participant are correct and prompts for the final answer.
  • A participant attempts to compute the definite integral but encounters an error when evaluating the logarithmic expressions, specifically $\frac{1}{2}\ln|-4| - \frac{1}{2}\ln|-3|$.
  • Another participant suggests using the absolute values of the logarithmic terms, indicating that $|-4|=4$ and $|-3|=3$ to clarify the evaluation process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the correctness of the initial steps in the integration process, but there is uncertainty regarding the evaluation of the definite integral and the handling of absolute values in logarithmic expressions.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity on how to properly evaluate the logarithmic expressions due to the presence of negative values inside the absolute value functions, which may lead to confusion in the calculations.

paulmdrdo1
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i tried to solve this definite integral but i keep on getting an invalid answer. please check my error.

$\displaystyle \int_{-3}^{-2}\frac{y+2}{y^2+4y}dy$

$\displaystyle u=y^2+4y$
$\displaystyle du=2y+4dy$
$\displaystyle dy=\frac{du}{2y+4}$

$\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}\int\frac{y+2}{u}\times \frac{du}{2(y+2)}=\frac{1}{2}\int\frac{du}{u}= \frac{1}{2}\ln|u|+c= \frac{1}{2}\ln|y^2+4y|+c$

when i calculate the definite integral i always get an error.

$\displaystyle\frac{1}{2}\ln|(-2)^2+4(-2)|-\frac{1}{2}\ln|(-3)^2+4(-3)| = ?$
 
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What you have done so far is correct...what is your final answer?
 
$\displaystyle\frac{1}{2}\ln|(-2)^2+4(-2)|-\frac{1}{2}\ln|(-3)^2+4(-3)| = \frac{1}{2}\ln|-4|-\frac{1}{2}\ln|-3|= ?$ i punch this in the calculator it gives me an error.
 
Use:

$$|-4|=4,\,|-3|=3$$

to write your solution.
 

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