Solving Exponential Integral with Pathlengths for Solids

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral of the form \(\int x \exp(-C \sqrt{1 - x^2/A^2}) \, dx\), where \(C\) and \(A\) are constants. Participants are exploring different methods for solving this integral, particularly in the context of calculating pathlengths for solids.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants have attempted substitution methods and integration by parts. One participant expresses concern over the complexity of their approach, suggesting they may be overlooking a simpler method. Another participant questions the correctness of a derived expression and seeks confirmation of their solution.

Discussion Status

There are multiple approaches being discussed, including substitution and integration by parts. Some participants have provided alternative substitutions and expressed differing results from computational tools, indicating an ongoing exploration of the problem without a clear consensus on the correct method or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the extent of guidance provided. There is also a noted discrepancy between participant-derived solutions and those obtained from computational tools, highlighting potential assumptions or interpretations in the problem setup.

k_c
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Homework Statement



I'm working out different pathlengths for different solids but I'm stuck on the following integral:

Homework Equations



[tex]\int[/tex] x*exp(-C*sqrt[1-x2/A2]) dx

exp = exponential func
sqrt = square root
C and A are constants

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to work it out with the substitution method, where u = -C*sqrt[1-x2/A2] and du = C/A2x(1-x2/A2)-1/2.

But it seems to be getting really complex afterwards, so I was wondering if I'm overlooking the simple approach for this integral?
 
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try integration by parts.
 
I tried it this way now:

u^2 = (1-x^2/a^2)
so du = -2x/a^2 dx and therefore x dx = -a^2/2 du

So the integral becomes: [tex]\int[/tex] -a^2/2 exp^(-cu) du
And then i find the solution: a^2/(2c) exp^(-cu)

Which is a^2/(2c) exp^[-c sqrt(1-x^2/a^2)]


I think this should be correct but the wolfram mathematica integrator gives me a different solution, so if somebody could confirm my method/solution, that would be great..
 
k_c said:
I tried it this way now:

u^2 = (1-x^2/a^2)
so du = -2x/a^2 dx and therefore x dx = -a^2/2 du

Check du.

ehild
 
For the integral:
[tex] \int x\exp (-c\sqrt{1-x^{2}/a^{2}})dx[/tex]
I use the substitute:
[tex] u^{2}=1-\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}}[/tex]
Then:
[tex] xdx=a^{2}udu[/tex]
This makes the integral become:
[tex] a^{2}\int ue^{-u}du[/tex]
This I think is easy to compute, so I will leave that part to you.
 

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