Solve Impossible Integral: Guide to \int dx [0,1]

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster attempts to find the definite integral of the expression \(\int\left(\sqrt[3]{1-x^{7}}-\sqrt[7]{1-x^{3}}\right)dx\) with bounds [0,1]. They mention the potential use of hypergeometric functions but are constrained to "everyday" integration techniques due to their current curriculum. The discussion revolves around finding a suitable substitution and the possibility of using integration by parts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants inquire about the substitutions the original poster has attempted, including \(u = x^7\), \(x^3\), \(1-x^3\), and \(1-x^7\). There is also mention of a "neat trick" for evaluating the integral, although the specifics of this trick are not detailed.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants engaging in clarifying the problem and exploring various substitution strategies. Some guidance has been offered regarding the evaluation of the integral, but no consensus or resolution has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses a desire for a starting point rather than a complete solution, indicating a focus on learning and understanding the process. There is a note of confusion regarding the inclusion of bounds in the integral, which has been clarified in the thread.

Sebobas
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Homework Statement



I have to find the definite integral of: \int\left(\sqrt[3]{1-x^{7}}-\sqrt[7]{1-x^{3}}\right)dx with bounds [0,1]

2. The attempt at a solution

I know that this can be done with hypergeometric functions, but I ca't use them because "we haven't seem them yet", so I have to do this with "everyday" integration tools. The only thing I was told was that I have to start with a substitution and the last part would be a cyclical integral, which tells me that I probably have to also use integration by parts in the middle.

I'm not asking for someone to give me the answer right away, I just need a starting point/mini-guide to help me get to the answer on my own, although I'm grateful with any kind of help (: Thanks!
 
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Which substitutions have you tried so far?
 
clamtrox said:
Which substitutions have you tried so far?

u= x7, x3, 1-x3, 1-x7
 
Sebobas said:

Homework Statement



I have to find the integral of: \int\left(\sqrt[3]{1-x^{7}}-\sqrt[7]{1-x^{3}}\right)dx

2. The attempt at a solution

I know that this can be done with hypergeometric functions, but I ca't use them because "we haven't seem them yet", so I have to do this with "everyday" integration tools. The only thing I was told was that I have to start with a substitution and the last part would be a cyclical integral, which tells me that I probably have to also use integration by parts in the middle.

I'm not asking for someone to give me the answer right away, I just need a starting point/mini-guide to help me get to the answer on my own, although I'm grateful with any kind of help (: Thanks!

Sure that's not a definite integral with bounds of [0,1]?

Because there's a neat trick to immediately and trivially evaluate it in that case. See my earlier post in this thread: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=571323
 
Curious3141 said:
Sure that's not a definite integral with bounds of [0,1]?

Because there's a neat trick to immediately and trivially evaluate it in that case. See my earlier post in this thread: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=571323

Wow, that's a really nice trick. :approve:
 
Curious3141 said:
Sure that's not a definite integral with bounds of [0,1]?

Because there's a neat trick to immediately and trivially evaluate it in that case. See my earlier post in this thread: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=571323


It is! Sorry, I thought I put the bounds on the integral. I'm new here so I probably didn't do it right...fixed the post (: and thanks for that trick!
 

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