What is the Correct Approach for Solving ∫x^3*√(x^2-5) dx?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral ∫x^3*√(x^2-5) dx, which falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically integration techniques. Participants are exploring various substitution methods and integration by parts to approach the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of substitution, particularly u = x^2 - 5, and question the validity of their algebraic manipulations. There is also a focus on whether integration by parts is necessary for this problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the substitution method, while others express confusion regarding algebraic steps and the correctness of proposed solutions. Multiple interpretations of the integral's solution are being explored, and there is an ongoing examination of the algebraic simplifications involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies between their results and those provided by external tools like Wolfram Alpha, leading to further questioning of their methods and assumptions. There is an emphasis on clarity in algebraic expressions to avoid misunderstandings.

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Homework Statement



∫x^3*√(x^2-5) dx

Homework Equations



∫u.dv=u.v-∫du.v


The Attempt at a Solution



So i tried to change the integral to ∫x*x^2*√(x^2-5)dx and u = x^2-5, then du = 2x, so 1/2*∫x^2*√(x^2-5) . Let u = √(x^2-5) , du = x/√(x^2-5) and dv = x^2 , v = x^3/3. Am I going in the right direction?

Thanks in advance
 
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ruiwp13 said:

Homework Statement



∫x^3*√(x^2-5) dx

Homework Equations



∫u.dv=u.v-∫du.v


The Attempt at a Solution



So i tried to change the integral to ∫x*x^2*√(x^2-5)dx and u = x^2-5, then du = 2x, so 1/2*∫x^2*√(x^2-5) . Let u = √(x^2-5) , du = x/√(x^2-5) and dv = x^2 , v = x^3/3. Am I going in the right direction?

Thanks in advance

You don't need parts. Your first substitution is the one to use, u = x^2-5. Notice that means x^2=5+u.
 


Dick said:
You don't need parts. Your first substitution is the one to use, u = x^2-5. Notice that means x^2=5+u.

I did that, u=x^2-5, du= 2xdx, x^2=u+5 and I got :

1/2*∫(u+5)*√udu

so I multiplied and I got : 1/2*∫u^(3/2)+5u^(1/2)

1/2*1/5 * ∫u^(3/2)+u^(1/2)

and I got u^(5/2)/25+(2u^(3/2))/3 and It's wrong :/ where did I failed?

Thanks
 


ruiwp13 said:
so I multiplied and I got : 1/2*∫u^(3/2)+5u^(1/2)

1/2*1/5 * ∫u^(3/2)+u^(1/2)

Just sloppy algebra, I think. Where did the '1/5' come from?
 


Dick said:
Just sloppy algebra, I think. Where did the '1/5' come from?

To remove the 5 from 5u^(1/2)

The solution is supposed to be:

x^3/3*(u^(3/2))-2/15*(u^(5/2))+c
 


ruiwp13 said:
To remove the 5 from 5u^(1/2)

The solution is supposed to be:

x^3/3*(u^(3/2))-2/15*(u^(5/2))+c

'Remove the 5'?? I don't get it. And the given solution looks wrong as well.
 


Dick said:
Wolfram is using u^(5/2)=u*u^(3/2) and pulling out the common factor of u^(3/2).

So where is my mistake?
 
  • #10


ruiwp13 said:
So where is my mistake?

Start with 'removing the 5'. You can write u^(3/2)+5u^(1/2)=5*((1/5)*u^(3/2)+u^(1/2)). That's not (1/5)*(u^(3/2)+u^(1/2)), if that's what you meant. It's hard to tell how you are grouping things. Use more parentheses to make things clearer.
 

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