Did I Solve the Integral x^2√(1-x^2) dx Correctly?

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In summary, the conversation was about a math analysis exam where the person had to solve an integral involving x^2√(1-x^2). They attempted to use trigonometric substitution, but then realized they could use t = √(1-x^2) instead. However, they made a mistake and had to correct it. Eventually, they considered using partial integration to solve the integral.
  • #1
Fabio010
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People, today i had a exam in math analysis and there was a integral to solve:

∫ x^2√(1-x^2) dx

ok, i started to think about the trigonometric substitution. x= sint

but, with that substitution now i have a ∫sin^2tcos^2t dt

so i have to do something like ∫(1-cos^2t)(cos^2t) dt ok and i thought (no thanks...)
i never learned how to solve a integral with the trigonometric formula, so solve something like
∫cos^4t dt takes a lot of time.


So i tried t = √(1-x^2)

dt/dx = -x/(√(1-x^2) )

So now i have a integral

-∫(x^2*t*√(1-x^2))/(x) dt
-∫(x^2*t*t)/(x) dt
-∫(x*t^2) dt

as we know t = √(1-x^2) so x= 1-t^2

-∫((1-t^2)t^2) dt = -∫t^2 - t^4 dt

ok now it is easy...

Please tell me that i did it in the correct way!
 
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  • #2
You can easily check by differentiating, however I think that you'll find you're off by a factor of x then.

The problem seems to be
as we know t = √(1-x^2) so x= 1-t^2
if t2 = 1 - x2 then x2 = 1 - t2.
I don't know how much that helps you though.
 
  • #3
omfg...

what a stupid error.

Damn. ok i should do it by trigonometric substitution.
 
  • #4
I just made the observation that
[tex]x^2 \sqrt{1 - x^2} \propto x \cdot \frac{d}{dx} (1 - x^2)^{3/2}[/tex]
so maybe you can try partial integration.
 

FAQ: Did I Solve the Integral x^2√(1-x^2) dx Correctly?

What is the purpose of solving this integral?

The purpose of solving this integral is to find the area under the curve of the function x^2√(1-x^2). This can be useful in various applications such as calculating volumes, center of mass, and moments of inertia.

What is the general approach to solving this type of integral?

The general approach to solving this type of integral is to use techniques such as substitution, integration by parts, or trigonometric identities. In this specific case, the substitution method is typically used.

How do you choose the appropriate substitution for this integral?

To choose the appropriate substitution, you need to look for a function within the integral that is a derivative of another function. In this case, the function x^2 is the derivative of 1/3x^3. Therefore, substituting u = 1-x^2 would be the most appropriate choice.

Can this integral be solved without using substitution?

Yes, this integral can also be solved using trigonometric identities. By substituting x = sin(u), the integral can be transformed into a simpler form that can be easily solved using trigonometric identities.

Are there any special cases or tricks to solve this integral?

Yes, there is a special case where the integral can be solved without substitution or trigonometric identities. If the integral is from 0 to 1, the value of the integral is equal to π/8. This can be proven using geometric methods or by using the beta function.

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