Solve Integral: $\sqrt{\frac{1}{u-1} - \frac{1}{u}}$

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral of the expression $\sqrt{\frac{1}{u-1} - \frac{1}{u}}$, with participants exploring various methods and substitutions to approach the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest using trigonometric substitutions and combining fractions to simplify the integral. There are discussions about completing the square and transforming the integral into different forms. Some participants express uncertainty about the original problem and whether it was stated correctly.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes multiple attempts to manipulate the integral, with some participants questioning the validity of the original expression. There is a mix of suggestions and attempts to clarify the problem, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive method or solution.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes their educational background, indicating they are in high school and have been assigned a similar integral. There are references to transformations and substitutions that may not be fully explored or resolved in the discussion.

footmath
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please solve this integral : \[Integral]Sqrt[1/(u - 1) - 1/u] du
 
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have you tried a trig substitution or anything.
after looking at it a little bit combine the 2 factors under the root
and you get 1/(u(u-1))
now rewrite the bottom [itex]u^2-u[/itex]
now complete the square to rewrite the bottom as (u-.5)(u-.5)-.25
now we have something of the form x^2-a^2 . now do a u substitution first .
then do a trig substitution.
 
Last edited:
yes . this integral at first was : $ A=\int\sqrt{1+\sin^{2}x}\,dx $
 
so then that just equals cos(x)
 
cragar said:
so then that just equals cos(x)

sqrt{1-\sin^{2}x} equal cosx not sqrt{1+\sin^{2}x}
 
whoops , I edited my first post and I think it works combine that fraction then complete the square on the bottom. then do a trig substitution .
 
cragar said:
whoops , I edited my first post and I think it works combine that fraction then complete the square on the bottom. then do a trig substitution .

you forget radical ? [Integral]Sqrt[1/(u - 1) - 1/u] du
 
right but when you do the trig substitution it should help with that.
 
cragar said:
right but when you do the trig substitution it should help with that.

would you do it?
 
  • #10
This is your problem. So far you have not shown any attempt yourself.
 
  • #11
HallsofIvy said:
This is your problem. So far you have not shown any attempt yourself.

I work this integral during one mouth . I am in grade two high school and my teacher gave me this integral : $ \int\sqrt{sin(u)}du $ and I transformed to : (sinx)^1/2=t => sinx=t^2 => x= arc sint^2
dx=2t/(1-t^4)^1/2
so $ \int\sqrt{sin(u)}du $=int (2t^2/(1-t^4)^1/2) if t=cosx we have : $ A=\int\sqrt{1+\sin^{2}t}\,dt $ if sqrt{1+\sin^{2}t}=f we have :$ \int\sqrt{\frac{1}{f^{2}-f}}\,dt $
 
  • #12
$ \int\sqrt{\frac{1}{t^{2}-t}}dt =\int\frac{dt}{\sqrt{(t-\frac{1}{2})^{2}-\frac{1}{4}}}=ln\mid{t-\frac{1}{2}+\sqrt{t^{2}-t}}\mid+c $
 
  • #13
footmath said:
yes . this integral at first was : $ A=\int\sqrt{1+\sin^{2}x}\,dx $

This integral cannot be done in terms of elementary functions. It can, however, be expressed in terms of a so-called "incomplete elliptic integral of the second kind". Are you sure you did not make an error in writing down the problem?

RGV
 
  • #14
Ray Vickson said:
This integral cannot be done in terms of elementary functions. It can, however, be expressed in terms of a so-called "incomplete elliptic integral of the second kind". Are you sure you did not make an error in writing down the problem?

RGV

no sorry.I transformed$A=\int\sqrt{1+\sin^{2}x}\,dx$to$ \int\sqrt{\frac{t+1}{t^{2}-t}}\,dt$
but how can I solve it ?
 

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