Solve Special Integral Homework Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral \(\int^{3}_{0} \frac{t^3}{\sqrt{3-t}}dt\), which is situated within the context of special functions, including gamma and beta functions, as part of a course on advanced mathematical methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the beta function and consider substitutions to simplify the integral. There is an exploration of limits and the impact of constants within the integral, as well as corrections to earlier attempts.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing corrections and alternative approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of substitutions and the potential for evaluating the integral through different methods, though no consensus has been reached on a final solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the course emphasizes special methods, suggesting that standard integral calculus approaches may not be acceptable for grading purposes.

Mechdude
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Homework Statement



im taking a course on methods including gamma beta ,bessel functions and related stuff, i met this question in the library on old exam papers for the course, [tex]\int^{3}_{0} \frac{t^3}{\sqrt{3-t}}dt[/tex]




Homework Equations



im not sure how to do it but did think of the beta function
[tex]B(m,n)= \int^{1}_{0} t^{m-1}(1-t)^{n-1} dt[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\int^{3}_{0} t^{4-1}(1-t)^{\frac{1}{2} -1}} dt[/tex]
but the limits are wrong and I am probably heading in the wrong direction
 
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Good try. You're going in the right direction, but you need to be a little more careful. What happened to the three in the radical?
 
vela said:
Good try. You're going in the right direction, but you need to be a little more careful. What happened to the three in the radical?

thanks vela it should have remained since i did not do anything special to it, let me edit that.
 
Correction: this is what the attempt at a solution should be
[tex]\int^{3}_{0} t^{4-1}(3-t)^{\frac{1}{2} -1}} dt[/tex]
 
Now if i make substitution [itex]u= \frac{t}{3}[/itex] at t=3, u=1
and t=0, u = 0. [tex]du=\frac {dt}{3}[/tex]
now [tex]\int ^{1}_{0} 3^{4-1} u^{4-1} (1-u)^{\frac{1}{2}-1} 3 du[/tex]
which is, [itex]3^4 B(4, \frac{1}{2})[/itex]
im i ok?
And finaly [tex] = 3^4 \frac{gamma (4) gamma(\frac{1}{2} ) } {gamma(4+\frac{1}{2} ) }[/tex]
 
Oops i fogot to take 1/sqrt(3) out when i divided throug the stuff in the radical by 3
correction
Now if i make substitution [itex]u= \frac{t}{3}[/itex] at t=3, u=1
and t=0, u = 0. [tex]du=\frac {dt}{3}[/tex]
now [tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \int ^{1}_{0} 3^{4-1} u^{4-1} (1-u)^{\frac{1}{2}-1} 3 du[/tex]
which is, [itex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} 3^4 B(4, \frac{1}{2})[/itex]
im i ok?
And finaly [tex] = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} 3^4 \frac{gamma (4) gamma(\frac{1}{2} ) } {gamma(4+\frac{1}{2} ) }[/tex]
 
Mechdude said:
Oops i fogot to take 1/sqrt(3) out when i divided throug the stuff in the radical by 3
correction
Now if i make substitution [itex]u= \frac{t}{3}[/itex] at t=3, u=1
and t=0, u = 0. [tex]du=\frac {dt}{3}[/tex]
now [tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \int ^{1}_{0} 3^{4-1} u^{4-1} (1-u)^{\frac{1}{2}-1} 3 du[/tex]
which is, [itex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} 3^4 B(4, \frac{1}{2})[/itex]
im i ok?
And finaly [tex] = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} 3^4 \frac{gamma (4) gamma(\frac{1}{2} ) } {gamma(4+\frac{1}{2} ) }[/tex]

You're ok. You can also evaluate it without the beta functions. Substitute u=3-t and expand t^3 in terms of u. You'll get the same thing.
 
Dick said:
You're ok. You can also evaluate it without the beta functions. Substitute u=3-t and expand t^3 in terms of u. You'll get the same thing.

thanks, it would work(i tried it) but since its a course on special methods, odinary integral calculus would not earn a mark.
 
Mechdude said:
thanks, it would work(i tried it) but since its a course on special methods, odinary integral calculus would not earn a mark.

Sure. But it's an easy way to check your solution.
 
  • #10
Dick said:
Sure. But it's an easy way to check your solution.

:blushing: thanks, il keep that in mind.
 

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