Two different solutions for one integral?

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    Integral
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the integral ∫3/√(x²-4) and the differing solutions presented by the user and external sources, including a textbook and WolframAlpha. Participants explore the implications of these differing results and the methods for solving the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The user presents their solution for the integral ∫3/√(x²-4) as -3arcsin(x/2) and questions its validity compared to the solutions provided by their book and WolframAlpha.
  • Some participants suggest that the user cannot move the negative sign inside the radical, implying a misunderstanding of the mathematical properties involved.
  • One participant proposes using hyperbolic or trigonometric substitution as alternative methods for evaluating the integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the user's solution and the correct approach to the integral, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a consensus on the correct solution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential misunderstandings regarding the manipulation of radicals and the application of substitution methods, but does not resolve these issues.

Cetullah
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Hello dear Physics Forums users!

I ve recently passed to 2nd class, however I failed my Math II lesson, so I was solving some problems.

Here is it, with my solution attempt:

∫(x+3)/[itex]\sqrt{}(x^2-4)[/itex]

∫x/[itex]\sqrt{}(x^2-4)[/itex] + 3/([itex]\sqrt{}(x^2-4)[/itex]

Well eh, screw the integral on left anyway, what really confused me was the one on right:

Here s my solution:

∫3/([itex]\sqrt{}(x^2-4)[/itex]=-3∫1/[itex]\sqrt{}(4-x^2)[/itex]

=-3arcsin(x/2)

But on the other side, my book and WolframAlpha claims that the solution for the integral on right is:

3 ln(x+[itex]\sqrt{}(x^2-4))[/itex]

So I checked what they look like, and here are the results:

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=∫3/√(x^2-4)

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=∫-3/√(4-x^2)

So they are TWO DIFFERENT EQUATIONS?

Would my answer be wrong on exam?

Thanks for your help!
 
Last edited:
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You can't move the - inside the radical. To have an - inside the radical means to have the imaginary unit i outside the radical.
Protip: You can use an hyperbolic substitution to evaluate the integral on the right, a trig substitution also works.
 
Yeah, that makes quite sense, thanks!

I failed to crush the mathematics again, lawl :)
 
"wtf" and "lame" were tagged for this thread
 

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