How Can I Integrate 1/sqrt(4x-x^2) in My Homework?

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To integrate 1/sqrt(4x-x^2), completing the square is essential, transforming the expression into the form (x-2)^2 - 4. This allows for a trigonometric substitution, specifically using the inverse sine function. The user initially struggled with the integration process and sought clarification on the method and relevant chapter. After guidance, they realized the need to factor out constants from the square root, leading to a clearer path toward the solution. The discussion highlights the importance of completing the square and applying trigonometric identities in integration problems.
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Homework Statement


hi guys ,, how are you all ,,
i got another problem -_-

integral(1/sqrt(4 x-x^2), x)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


i have no idea , i tried and lift it up and make it (4x-x^2)^-0.5 and i even took x as common factor x^-0.5 * (4-x)^-0.5 but still couldn't do anything next ,, any ideas ??
 
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You need to complete the square under the radical sign.
 
Tom Mattson said:
You need to complete the square under the radical sign.

i don't think they taught us how to change it to radicals ,, can you tell me what's the name of the chapter that teach this thing ? or at least give me the name of the method so i can look up for it
 
Lord dark, complete the square. That will get you to the next step

Edit: tom beat me to it

edit2: dark, he did not say change it radicals, but to complete the square
 
lol ,, got the idea ,, thanks guys ,, i'll try then i'll give you the results
 
i tried to solve and i reached here ,, 1/sqrt(4x-x^2) = 1/abs(x)*sqrt(4-x^2) and i know it has something with inv(sec x) but the problem now is 4 ,, i don't know how to make an equation that differentiable and give 1/sqrt(4x-x^2) from inv (sec x),, so i read in wikipedia (http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/6/3/f/63ff35f597f9092362ae154641cfe48a.png)
so i think i get this answer: 0.5*inv(sec (x/2))+c ,, is it right ??
 
No that is wrong

When completing the square, you make it in the form \left( x \pm a\left)^2 - b

So you will be looking at \int{\frac{dx}{\sqrt{\left( x \pm a\left)^2 - b}}} which becomes an easy trig substitution
 
Last edited:
ok ,, i think i did it right this time : integral[1/sqrt(4-(x-2)^2)] and i know its like the inverse of sin(x) [http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/2/e/8/2e805e2888bd24e7f61e54a002462204.png] but , i have 4 in square root instead of 1 what should i do ?? i tried and applied the previous way i learn from Wikipedia [0.5*inv(sin((x-2)/2))] but when i check i get wrong answer
 
Last edited:
\frac{1}{\sqrt{4- (x-2)^2}}= \frac{1}{\sqrt{4(1-\frac{(x-2)^2}{4}}}= \frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{\sqrt{1- \frac{(x-2)^2}{4}}}
 
  • #10
HallsofIvy said:
\frac{1}{\sqrt{4- (x-2)^2}}= \frac{1}{\sqrt{4(1-\frac{(x-2)^2}{4}}}= \frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{\sqrt{1- \frac{(x-2)^2}{4}}}

Lol ,, i think am stupid now -_- ,, i got it until the second phase but i didn't think of getting 4 out of square root ,, thanks very much guys for the help
 
Last edited:

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