Understanding the Integration by Parts Method: Solving Exercise 3

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration by parts method, specifically focusing on the integral of the square root of a quadratic expression, ∫(sqrt(1-x^2) dx. Participants are attempting to manipulate this integral to derive a specific formula involving integration by parts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining the transformation of the integral ∫(x^2) / sqrt(1 - x^2) dx and how it relates to the original integral. There is confusion regarding the steps to rewrite the integral in a desired form, particularly the transition to -∫sqrt(1-x^2) dx. Various substitution methods and algebraic manipulations are being considered.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the algebraic manipulation needed to simplify the integral. There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to reach the desired form, with no explicit consensus on the best method yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the resources they can use to seek help. There is mention of an attached PDF that contains additional context for the exercise being discussed.

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Homework Statement



Use integration by parts to show that

∫(sqrt(1-x^2) dx = x(sqrt(1-x^2) + ∫ (x^2) / sqrt(1 - x^2)

write x^2 = x^2 -1 + 1 in the second integral and deduce the formula


∫(sqrt(1-x^2) dx = (1/2)x(sqrt(1-x^2) + (1/2)∫ 1 / sqrt(1 - x^2) dx

I actually found a solution guide to this problem online. Although I don't even understand the solution. I do but I'm stuck on something. Please see the pdf attached. It is exercise 3.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution




OK so I'm confused on how they got the first integral after the = sign which reads -∫sqrt(1-x^2) dx

So what I tried to do was what the book tells me to do.

I sub so I got ∫x^2 / sqrt(1-x^2)dx = ∫ (x^2 -1) / sqrt(1-x^2) dx + ∫ (1/ sqrt(1-x^2)) dx

So if you look the integral on the right is OK that takes care of the last integral in eq 2 in the attached pdf. But I'm stuck with this integral and I have tried literally everything I can think of to get it to the form -∫sqrt(1-x^2) dx from ∫ (x^2 -1) / sqrt(1-x^2) dx

I tried to let u^2 = 1 - x^2 and sub back and sub the numerator for x^2 in terms of u.
I tried to let u = 1 - x^2.
I tried to let u = the numerator and I tried u^2 = numerator. I have tried trig substitution for the denominator I tried to draw a triangle and make sqrt ( 1 - x ^2) the adjacent side and proceed from there. NOTHING! This is frustrating because I have tried everything I know and I guarantee I will be mad because it is probably something simple I can't see. I feel I have exhausted my efforts

Just look at the attached note for exercise 3. You will see.
Thanks
 

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Jbreezy said:
But I'm stuck with this integral and I have tried literally everything I can think of to get it to the form -∫sqrt(1-x^2) dx from ∫ (x^2 -1) / sqrt(1-x^2) dx


So what you have is: $$\int \frac{x^2}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx = \int \frac{x^2 - 1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx + \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx$$

All they are doing to get the new form ##-\int \sqrt{1-x^2}\,dx## for the first term on the RHS is taking out a common factor on the numerator. What is that common factor?
 
[itex]\int \frac{x^2}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx = \int \frac{x^2 - 1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx + \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx[/itex]


Just a factor from this?
[itex]I = \int \frac{x^2 - 1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx[/itex]

[itex]I = \int \frac{(x-1)(x+1)}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx[/itex]

This is sad I don't see it.
 
Okay, I'll start you off: (You'll be kicking yourself)
$$x^2 - 1 = -(1-x^2)$$

Now simplify.
 
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My foot hurts. Beyond dumb.
 

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