Integral of square root - Conflicting solutions

In summary: The correct solution is \frac{\pi}{4}In summary, the conversation discusses two different solutions to the integral \int^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_0dx\sqrt{1-x^2}, one using trigonometric substitution and the other using integration by parts. The correct solution is \frac{\pi}{4}.
  • #1
BeautyT
2
0
Can a kind person explain to me why I appear to have two conflicting solutions to:

[tex] \int^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_0dx\sqrt{1-x^2} [/tex]

Solution 1 : Standard trigonometric substitution: [tex] x=\sin\theta [/tex]

Integral becomes

[tex] \int^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_0dx\sqrt{1-x^2}=\int^{\sin^{-1}\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_{\sin^{-1}0}\frac{d\theta}{\cos\theta}\sqrt{1-\sin^2\theta}=\int^{\pi/4}_0d\theta=\frac{\pi}{4} [/tex]

Solution 2 : Integration by parts gives:

[tex] \int^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_0dx\sqrt{1-x^2}=\left.x\sqrt{1-x^2}\right|^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_0 + \int^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_0dx\frac{x^2}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}=\frac{1}{2}+\int^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_0dx \frac{x^2}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} [/tex]

Adding to the right hand side:

[tex] 0=\int^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_0dx\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}-\int^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_0dx\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} [/tex]

we get:

[tex] \int^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_0dx\sqrt{1-x^2}=\frac{1}{2} - \int^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_0dx\sqrt{1-x^2}+\int^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_0dx\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} [/tex]

or rearranging:

[tex] \int^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_0dx\sqrt{1-x^2}=\frac{1}{4}+\frac{1}{2}\int^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_0dx \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} [/tex]

Finally since:

[tex] \sin^{-1} x=\int^x_0\frac{dz}{\sqrt{1-z^2}}\quad |x|\leq1 [/tex]

we find:

[tex] \int^{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}_0dx\sqrt{1-x^2}=\frac{1}{4}+\frac{1}{2}\sin^{-1}\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}=\frac{1}{4}+\frac{\pi}{8} [/tex]

Any illuminating comments are appreciated.

Regards,
Beauty
 
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  • #2
Ok forget it, my first integral is completely wrong.
 

Related to Integral of square root - Conflicting solutions

1. What is the integral of square root?

The integral of square root is a mathematical concept that represents the area under the curve of a square root function. It is denoted by ∫√x dx and is used to calculate the value of a function over a specific interval.

2. Why are there conflicting solutions for the integral of square root?

The conflicting solutions for the integral of square root occur due to the presence of two possible antiderivatives of the square root function. This is because the square root function is not a one-to-one function, meaning that it has multiple possible inverse functions.

3. How do you determine which solution is correct for the integral of square root?

To determine the correct solution for the integral of square root, you need to consider the specific interval of integration and the initial conditions of the problem. This will help you determine the appropriate antiderivative to use for the calculation.

4. Can the conflicting solutions for the integral of square root both be correct?

Yes, both conflicting solutions can be mathematically correct. However, they may have different interpretations or applications in a given problem. It is important to understand the context of the problem to determine which solution is more appropriate.

5. Are there any techniques to avoid conflicting solutions when solving the integral of square root?

Yes, there are techniques such as substitution and integration by parts that can be used to avoid conflicting solutions when solving the integral of square root. These techniques can help simplify the problem and lead to a single, more accurate solution.

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