Trigonometric definite integral of 1/(4-sqrt(x))

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The discussion revolves around solving the trigonometric definite integral of 1/(4-sqrt(x)), with an initial substitution of u=sqrt(x) proposed. A participant attempts to solve it using trigonometric methods but encounters errors in their calculations, particularly when switching back to x. The conversation highlights the importance of clear mathematical notation, with several comments emphasizing the need for LaTeX formatting for better readability. Participants also discuss specific integral manipulations and the challenges of working within the complex range. Ultimately, the focus remains on identifying and correcting mistakes in the integration process.
archaic
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Homework Statement
$$\int_0^1\frac{dx}{4-\sqrt x}$$
Relevant Equations
N/A
This could be solved by the substitution ##u=\sqrt x##, but I wanted to do it using a trigonometric one. The answer is false, but I don't see the wrong step. Thank you for your time!

[Poster has been reminded to learn to post their work using LaTeX]

20200211_184317.jpg
 
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Challenge to decipher someones photographed scribbles. ##\LaTeX## is soooo much more legible.

Do I discern a ##\ \ 1-\sin^2u\quad## (
1581437911676.png
) in the denominator and on the next line a simple ##v## (
1581438005429.png
)?
 
BvU said:
Challenge to decipher someones photographed scribbles. ##\LaTeX## is soooo much more legible.

Do I discern a ##\ \ 1-\sin^2u\quad## ( View attachment 256961 ) in the denominator and on the next line a simple ##v## ( View attachment 256962 )?
I mad the change of variable ##v=\cos u##, changed the sine to cosine squared and canceled one power, since there is another cosine in the nominator.
I am sorry for not formatting the math, but it would've been a bit tedious (more than having to decipher someone else's scribbles. thank you very much!).
 
My bad I missed that one. Let me try another:
how much is $$16 \int_1^\sqrt{3\over 4} v\, dv$$

:smile:
 
BvU said:
My bad I missed that one. Let me try another:
how much is $$16 \int_1^\sqrt{3\over 4} v\, dv$$

:smile:
Oh, I have doubly squared the ##3##, thank you.
My original concern was about the indefinite integral, though, as that manipulation is getting me a wrong one.
$$-16\int \frac{dv}{v}+16\int v\,dv=-16\ln|v|+8v^2+C$$
I have that ##x=16\sin^4u \Leftrightarrow u=\arcsin\frac{\sqrt[4] x}{2}##, and ##v=\cos u=\cos\left(\arcsin\frac{\sqrt[4] x}{2}\right)## [which I have calculated wrongly as ##\frac{4-\sqrt x}{2}## and just figured it out writing this response, thank you very much!].
 
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And nicely typeset in ##\LaTeX## too !

archaic said:
My original concern was about the indefinite integral
Intriguing. Needs checking because we move into the complex range. Haven't got it sorted out, but I do notice a difference between the original and the one you derived from it.
 
BvU said:
And nicely typeset in ##\LaTeX## too !Intriguing. Needs checking because we move into the complex range. Haven't got it sorted out, but I do notice a difference between the original and the one you derived from it.
How it is in the picture is correct, I meant that I have made a mistake when switching back to ##x##.
 

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