Solving Integral of (9-4x^2)^1/2 with Substitution Method

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the integral of (9-4x^2)^(1/2) using substitution methods, specifically in the context of calculus studies at the Calc 3 level.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various substitution methods, including trigonometric substitutions like x=2sin(θ) and x=(3/2)sin(θ). There are questions about the correctness of these substitutions and the algebra involved in transforming the integral.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with participants providing suggestions and questioning the validity of certain substitutions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to correctly substitute for dx and change the limits of integration, though no consensus on a single approach has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the algebra involved and the need for clarity in the substitution process, particularly regarding the transformation of dx and the limits of integration.

Phil Frehz
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Hey everyone, I'm currently studying for Calc 3 and came across this integral that his been racking my brain beyond insanity. I know the solution is easier than it is. I have looked online and come across substituting to have x=2sin(theta).

I also came across a step where you substitute u for 2x leaving you with:

integral of (25-u2)1/2

I feel like there is a simpler way to solve it but I can't seem to see it

Any help will greatly be appreciated.
 
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This problem begs to be solved by trig substitution. Try ##x=\frac{3}{2}\sinθ##, and then see if you can figure out why it works so well.

Chet
 
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Substitute x= (3/2)×sin(θ) .
 
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Phil Frehz said:
View attachment 86106 Hey everyone, I'm currently studying for Calc 3 and came across this integral that his been racking my brain beyond insanity. I know the solution is easier than it is. I have looked online and come across substituting to have x=2sin(theta).

I also came across a step where you substitute u for 2x leaving you with:

integral of (25-u2)1/2

I feel like there is a simpler way to solve it but I can't seem to see it

Any help will greatly be appreciated.

It's not clear that making the substitution u = 2x into (9 - 4x2)1/2 leads to (25 - u2)1/2.

Have you tried this yourself and worked out the algebra to confirm?

In any event, dust off your trig identity knowledge. I'm not saying that the substitution x = 2 sin θ is correct here, but trig substitution is one way to go.
 
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Alright I posted some of the work but I'm having trouble with the dx and d(theta).
 

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You haven't substituted correctly for dx .
 
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Also you need to now change the limits of your integral .
 
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Forgot to change the limits but I think I correctly included dx as d(theta)
 

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You are supposed to substitute dx by (3/2)×cos(θ).dθ
 
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Sorry added the wrong pic
 

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  • #11
So now just change your limits and you will get the answer .
 
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  • #12
Alright great got it! Thanks for the help everyone.
 

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