Using Integral Substitution to Solve a Challenging Integration Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a challenging integration problem involving the use of integral substitution to relate two integrals: one from 0 to infinity and another from 0 to 1. The subject area includes calculus and integral calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the relationship between two integrals and expresses difficulty in transitioning from one to the other. They explore substitution methods, specifically trying x = e^-z, and question how to adjust the limits of integration accordingly.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide hints regarding the manipulation of the denominator in the integrals. There is an ongoing exploration of the substitution method, with one participant suggesting that their approach may lead to the correct transformation of the integral. However, there is also a note of caution regarding a potential error in the transformation process, particularly concerning the sign and limits.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates a lack of confidence in their mathematical skills, which may influence their interpretation of the problem. There is a mention of difficulty in reading posts without LaTeX formatting, suggesting that clarity in communication is a concern within the discussion.

chemphys1
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Homework Statement



sorry if question is unclear can't draw the integal sign out

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Integral infinity-0 dz/((e^2z) - 1)^1/2 = integral 1- 0 dx/(1-x^2)^1/2 = pi/2



The Attempt at a Solution



I can get from the second integral to pi/2, as the second integral is sin^1(1) = pi/2

However, I do not understand how to go between these two integrals

infinity-0 dz/((e^2z) - 1)^1/2 = 1- 0 dx/(1-x^2)^1/2

I tried substituing things like x = z, but doesn't work. Can't see how you would change the limits from infinity to 0, to 1 to 0?

Maths is not my strong point so this could well be quite simple

any help much appreciated
 
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Hint: the denominator can be expressed as ##\displaystyle (e^z + 1)^{\frac{1}{2}}.(e^z - 1)^{\frac{1}{2}} = e^z.(1 + e^{-z})^{\frac{1}{2}}.(1 - e^{-z})^{\frac{1}{2}}##

Does that help?
 
Curious3141 said:
Hint: the denominator can be expressed as ##\displaystyle (e^z + 1)^{\frac{1}{2}}.(e^z - 1)^{\frac{1}{2}} = e^z.(1 + e^{-z})^{\frac{1}{2}}.(1 - e^{-z})^{\frac{1}{2}}##

Does that help?

Thank you for the help!

I've subsituted x = e^-z

so dz = dx/-e^-z

integral becomes

1/e^z(1+x)^1/2 (1-x^1/2) * dx/-e^-z

e^z*-e^-z = 1

so 1/(1+x)^1/2 (1-x^1/2) dx = 1/(1-x^2)^1/2

and then e^-z = x e^-infinity = 1 hence new limits 1 to 0

I think that works?
 
chemphys1 said:
Thank you for the help!

I've subsituted x = e^-z

so dz = dx/-e^-z

integral becomes

1/e^z(1+x)^1/2 (1-x^1/2) * dx/-e^-z

e^z*-e^-z = 1

so 1/(1+x)^1/2 (1-x^1/2) dx = 1/(1-x^2)^1/2

and then e^-z = x e^-infinity = 1 hence new limits 1 to 0

I think that works?

Very difficult to read your post without LaTex.

But this: "e^z*-e^-z = 1" is an error, because the result should be negative one.

And that negative sign is important when you transform the bounds.
 

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