What Is the Correct U-Substitution for This Integral?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the appropriate u-substitution for the integral $$I=\int \frac{\sqrt{1-x^2 }}{x} \,dx$$. Participants explore various approaches to solving the integral, including rewriting it and applying trigonometric substitutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes an initial solution involving logarithmic and square root terms, suggesting a trigonometric interpretation related to a triangle.
  • Another participant rewrites the integral into two separate integrals, indicating that one can use the substitution $x=\sin\theta$ for the left integral.
  • A third participant elaborates on the separation of the integral and provides a detailed substitution process, leading to an expression involving $\ln(\sin\theta)$.
  • A fourth participant refers to the integral of $\csc\theta$, presenting a standard result that contrasts with previous contributions.
  • A final participant expresses confusion regarding the output from a TI calculator, indicating a discrepancy with the previously discussed solutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct u-substitution or the final form of the integral, as multiple approaches and interpretations are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants rely on specific trigonometric identities and substitutions, while others express uncertainty about the correctness of their approaches. The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with integral calculus techniques.

karush
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$\large{67}$
$$\displaystyle
I=\int \frac{\sqrt{1-x^2 }}{x} \,dx
= \ln\left({\frac{\sqrt{1-x^2 }}{\left| x \right|}}\right)
+\sqrt{1-{x}^{2}}+C$$
From a triangle this looks like a $\tan\left({\theta}\right)$ Integral

So wasn't sure what the u substitution should be

The answer was from TI-Inspire cx cas
 
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Rewrite:

$$\int\dfrac{\sqrt{1-x^2}}{x}\,dx=\int\dfrac{1-x^2}{x\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx$$

Bust 'em up:

$$\int\dfrac{1}{x\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx-\int\dfrac{x}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx$$

The one on the left: use $x=\sin\theta$

The one on the right is equivalent to $\sqrt{1-x^2}+C$

Can you proceed?
 
$$\displaystyle I=\int\dfrac{\sqrt{1-x^2}}{x}\,dx=\int\dfrac{1-x^2}{x\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx

=\int\dfrac{1}{x\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx-\int\dfrac{x}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx$$
solving
$$\displaystyle
\int\dfrac{1}{x\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx \\
x=\sin\theta \ \ \ \ dx=\cos\left({\theta}\right) \, d\theta \\
\int \frac{\cos\left({\theta}\right)}{\sin\left({\theta}\right)\cos\left({\theta}\right)} \, d\theta
= \int \frac{1}{\sin\left({\theta}\right)} \, d\theta
= \ln\left({\frac{\left| \sin\left({\theta}\right) \right|}{\cos\left({\theta}\right)+1}}\right)
$$
doing something ?
 
It's a "standard" integral:

$$\int\dfrac{1}{\sin\theta}\,d\theta=\int\csc\theta\,d\theta=-\ln|\cot\theta+\csc\theta|+C=-\ln\left(\dfrac{\sqrt{1-x^2}+1}{|x|}\right)+C$$
 
TI gave something else... oh well
 

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