Integrate 0 to a: xsqrt(x^2+a^2)dx

  • Thread starter Xetman
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In summary, the problem can be solved using a u-substitution, but it can also be solved using a trig substitution.
  • #1
Xetman
8
0

Homework Statement


http://i50.tinypic.com/zxw6qr.png

a>0

a
∫ x√(x^2+a^2)dx (a>0)
02. The attempt at a solution

u=x^2+a^2
du=2xdx

I looked it up online and I saw you needed to use trig.
How do you use trig for this problem?

Note: I have not learned integration by parts, just u-sub.
 
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  • #2
Xetman said:

Homework Statement


http://i50.tinypic.com/zxw6qr.png

a>0

a
∫ x√(x^2+a^2)dx (a>0)
0


2. The attempt at a solution

u=x^2+a^2
du=2xdx

I looked it up online and I saw you needed to use trig.
How do you use trig for this problem?

Note: I have not learned integration by parts, just u-sub.

You don't need trig for this problem. Just continue with your substitution.
 
  • #3
Xetman said:

Homework Statement


http://i50.tinypic.com/zxw6qr.png

a>0

a
∫ x√(x^2+a^2)dx (a>0)
0


2. The attempt at a solution

u=x^2+a^2
du=2xdx

I looked it up online and I saw you needed to use trig.
How do you use trig for this problem?

Note: I have not learned integration by parts, just u-sub.
As Dick said, you can just continue with your u-sub and you'll find the problem can be solved relatively easily. Now, you could solve it by using trig substitution but it does become more difficult, and you'd need to do 2 substitutions as well.

But if you want to try it out anyway, start by letting [itex]x=a\cdot \tan(\theta)[/itex]
 

Related to Integrate 0 to a: xsqrt(x^2+a^2)dx

1. What is the purpose of the integration of xsqrt(x^2+a^2)?

The integration of xsqrt(x^2+a^2) is used to find the area under the curve of the function xsqrt(x^2+a^2) from x=0 to x=a. This can also be interpreted as finding the total distance traveled by an object with varying speed, where xsqrt(x^2+a^2) represents the speed at a given time.

2. What are the steps to solving the integration of xsqrt(x^2+a^2)?

The first step is to use trigonometric substitution to rewrite the function as xsqrt(a^2sin^2(t)+a^2cos^2(t)). Then, use the Pythagorean identity to simplify the function to a^2sin^2(t)+a^2cos^2(t). From there, use the power rule for integration to solve for the integral. Finally, substitute back in the original variable x to get the final answer.

3. Is the integration of xsqrt(x^2+a^2) a difficult problem?

It can be a challenging problem for those who are new to integration, as it requires knowledge of trigonometric substitution and the power rule. However, with practice, it can become easier to solve.

4. What are some real-life applications of the integration of xsqrt(x^2+a^2)?

The integration of xsqrt(x^2+a^2) has many applications in physics and engineering, such as finding the total displacement of a moving object with varying speed, calculating the work done by a variable force, and determining the total energy of a system.

5. Are there any shortcuts or tricks to solving the integration of xsqrt(x^2+a^2)?

There is no one-size-fits-all shortcut for solving the integration of xsqrt(x^2+a^2). However, practicing with similar problems and understanding the concepts behind trigonometric substitution and the power rule can make the process more efficient.

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