Trigonometric Substitution for Integrating Radical Expressions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of trigonometric substitution for integrating radical expressions, specifically focusing on two integrals: \(\int^3_0 x^2\sqrt{9-x^2} \, dx\) and \(\int\frac{dx}{\sqrt{2x^2+2x+5}}\). Participants are exploring methods to approach these integrals using trigonometric identities and substitutions.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of trigonometric substitution, including transforming limits of integration and evaluating integrals after substitution. There is mention of using identities and integration by parts, as well as concerns about correctly applying these methods.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various attempts at solving the integrals, with some participants providing alternative methods and suggestions for addressing specific challenges. There is acknowledgment of different approaches, but no explicit consensus on the best method has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential errors in factoring and the importance of ensuring the leading term is positive in the second integral. There is also a focus on the correct application of trigonometric identities and the implications of the chain rule in the context of integration.

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Homework Statement


Hey, it's me again. This method is giving me some trouble. This is the first problem: \int^3_0\ x^2\sqrt{9-x^2} \ dx

The second problem is:
\int\frac{dx}{\sqrt{2x^2+2x+5}}. How do I use a trig. substitution to start on this one?

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


http://www.mcp-server.com/~lush/shillmud/int2.4a.JPG
I know I need to apply an identity here and then maybe integrate by parts. Also, what's the proper way to transform the limits of integration in this type of substitution? Thank you for your input.
 
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Evaluate for your new limits upon substitution.

x=3\sin\theta

\int_0^3\rightarrow\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2}

81\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2}\sin^{2}\theta\cos^{2}\theta d\theta

81\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2}\sin^{2}\theta\cos\theta\cos\theta d\theta

u=\cos\theta
du=-\sin\theta d\theta

dV=\sin^{2}\theta\cos\theta d\theta
V=\frac 1 3\sin^{3}\theta

Use parts and you will notice it is a recursive ... bring your original Integral to the left and all you have to evaluate is \int\sin^{2}\theta d\theta which can be simplified using a trig identity \sin^{2}\theta=\frac 1 2 (1-\cos{2x})
 
Last edited:
Ok done typing.

For your 2nd problem, complete the square and use a Trig sub! Make sure that your leading term is positive and one.
 
Okay, I think we agree on the first one:
http://www.mcp-server.com/~lush/shillmud/int2.4a2.JPG
But how do I get rid of that pesky d\theta?

This is what I've got so far for #2. I'm not sure if I've applied the identity correctly:
http://www.mcp-server.com/~lush/shillmud/int2.4b.JPG
 
Ah very nice alternative to what I suggested, but don't you love that though ... works both ways! Also, keep in mind what I did ... b/c it becomes very useful to notice the chain rule. What do you mean get rid of d-theta? You evaluated for your new limits, so you don't need to get rid of it.

\frac{81}{8}\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2}(1-\cos{4\theta})d\theta

#2, you made a mistake when you factored out the 2.

\int\frac{dx}{\sqrt{2x^2+2x+5}}

Evaluating only the radican ...

2x^2+2x+5 \rightarrow 2\left(x^2+x+\frac 5 2\right)

You applied everything correctly, now go back and just fix the factoring error.
 

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