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

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a trigonometric definite integral involving the expression 1/(4-sqrt(x)). Participants are exploring different substitution methods, particularly focusing on trigonometric substitutions.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts a trigonometric substitution but expresses uncertainty about a mistake in their reasoning. Some participants question the clarity of the original work due to its presentation, while others suggest alternative variable substitutions and transformations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing insights into their thought processes and variable changes. There is recognition of errors in calculations, and a few participants are checking the validity of derived expressions, indicating a collaborative effort to clarify the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of formatting issues with mathematical expressions, which may impact the clarity of the discussion. Some participants note the complexity of the integral as it transitions into the complex range, raising further questions about the original setup and assumptions.

archaic
Messages
688
Reaction score
214
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
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
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!].
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: BvU
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##.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K