Trigonometric Substitution for Evaluating Integrals: Using t=atan(theta) Model

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral \(\int_{-}^{\ln(4)} \frac{e^{t}dt}{\sqrt{e^{2t}+9}}\) using appropriate substitutions, specifically focusing on the trigonometric substitution model \(t=\tan(\theta)\). Participants are exploring how to apply substitutions effectively in the context of integral calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial substitution \(u=e^t\) and its implications for rewriting the integral. Questions arise regarding the necessity of changing the limits of integration after the substitution. There is also consideration of how to express the integral in terms of the new variable.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants providing guidance on the substitution process and the handling of integration limits. There is an acknowledgment of the need to rewrite limits when changing variables, and some participants suggest alternative approaches to avoid this issue.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of the problem, including the requirement to evaluate the integral with specific limits and the implications of using different substitution methods. There is an emphasis on maintaining clarity in variable representation throughout the process.

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Homework Statement



Use an appropriate substitution and then a trigonometric substitution to evaluate the integral:
\int_-^{ln(4)} \frac{e^{t}dt}{\sqrt{e^{2t}+9}}

Homework Equations


Seems to be close to the t=atan(\theta) model
\int \frac{e^{t}}{\sqrt{a^{2}+x^{2}}}dt

The Attempt at a Solution



I've rewritten it to reflect the relevant model:
\int \frac{e^{t}}{\sqrt{3^{2}+(??)}}dt

Not sure how to rewrite the e in my attempt...
 
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It's probably easiest to think of this in two steps. First substitute u=e^t. What's the integral in terms of u?
 
Thanks, that really helped...

When do that u substitution, however, do I need to rewrite my limits?

because once I integrate, I will be witting everything in terms of t...

so which limits do I use in the end? the originals? or the ones from the u substitution?
 
You will have to rewrite the integration limits yes. It is not so hard to see why, however. You know that your upper limit is t=\ln 4 and you have made the substitution u=e^t. So what value will u become?

because once I integrate, I will be witting everything in terms of t...

If you rewrite everything in terms of t you can of course use the old limits. You are however not allowed to put the original limits below and above the integral sign of the du integral. So if you do not want to change the limits calculate the indefinite integral first in terms of t then fill in the limits.
 
If you don't want to rewrite the limits, just note that e^{2t} = {(e^{t})}^2 and \frac{d}{dt} [e^{t}] = e^{t} and go directly to trig substitution.
 

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