Where Did I Go Wrong with This Trig Substitution for x^3/sqrt(1-x^2)?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral of the function x^3/sqrt(1-x^2) and the application of trigonometric substitution in solving it. Participants are exploring the correctness of their approaches and the resulting expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts a trigonometric substitution but questions the validity of their result. Some participants suggest alternative substitutions and question the use of variables. Others express confusion regarding discrepancies between their results and an answer key.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on their methods and results. Some guidance has been offered regarding variable substitution, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or outcome.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the amount of detail they can share about their steps. There is also a noted discrepancy between personal results and an answer key, which is under discussion.

frasifrasi
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For the integral \int frac{x^3}{sqrt{1-x^2}} dx}
==> okay...

what I meant was:

int of x^3 over sqrt(1-x^2)

--I trig substitute to get sin^(3)(x)cosxdx over cos x


and end up with sin^3(x)...this is obviously wrong, can anyone point out what i did wrong?
 
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It seems right to me. Now you can try u=cos(x).
 
Why is that wrong for? Although you should use another variable and not use x again
 
Ok, i did the substitution and got
-sqrt(1-x^2) + 1/3*[sqrt(1-x^2)]^3


But the answer key has -sqrt(1-x^2) + 1/3*(1-x^2)^3
--> does anyone know why?

Thank you so much.
 
anyone?
 
frasifrasi said:
anyone?

Perhaps you should show your steps, instead of basically saying "this is my answer, can someone do it themselves and see if they get the same."

If you spend a little time to show your working, it is more likely that someone will be willing to spend their time helping you.
 

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