Integral of [1/sqrt(8x-x^2)] dx - Daisy Dee's Answer at Yahoo Answers

In summary, we are asked to evaluate the definite integral of 1 over the square root of 8x-x^2, and we use a trigonometric substitution to simplify the expression and find the solution to be the inverse sine of (x-4)/4 plus a constant.
  • #1
MarkFL
Gold Member
MHB
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Here is the question:

Integrate [1/sqrt of (8x-x^2)] dx?

I have posted a link there to this thread so the OP can see my work.
 
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  • #2
Re: Daisy Dee's question: evaluating a definite integral where a trig. substitution is appropriate

Hello Daisy Dee,

We are given to evaluate:

\(\displaystyle I=\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{8x-x^2}}\,dx\)

We find that the domain of the integrand is $(0,8)$.

Completing the square on the radicand, we obtain:

\(\displaystyle I=\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{4^2-(x-4)^2}}\,dx\)

Using the substitution:

\(\displaystyle x-4=4\sin(\theta)\,\therefore\,dx=4 \cos(\theta)\,d\theta\)

We may write:

\(\displaystyle I=\int\frac{4\cos(\theta)}{\sqrt{4^2-4^2\sin^2(\theta)}}\,d\theta\)

For \(\displaystyle -\frac{\pi}{2}<\theta<\frac{\pi}{2}\) we may write:

\(\displaystyle I=\int\,d\theta=\theta+C\)

Back substituting for $\theta$, we obtain:

\(\displaystyle I=\sin^{-1}\left(\frac{x-4}{4} \right)+C\)
 

FAQ: Integral of [1/sqrt(8x-x^2)] dx - Daisy Dee's Answer at Yahoo Answers

How do you solve the integral of [1/sqrt(8x-x^2)] dx?

The integral of [1/sqrt(8x-x^2)] dx can be solved by using the substitution method. Let u = 4x - 4, then du = (4-4x)dx. After substituting, the integral becomes ∫[1/u^(1/2)]du. This can be solved using the power rule for integrals, giving a final answer of 2√u + C. Substituting back in for u, the final answer is 2√(4x-4) + C.

What is the domain of [1/sqrt(8x-x^2)]?

The domain of [1/sqrt(8x-x^2)] is all real numbers except for 0 and 8. This is because the expression is undefined when the denominator, √(8x-x^2), is equal to 0 or when the radicand, 8x-x^2, is negative.

Can the integral of [1/sqrt(8x-x^2)] dx be solved using another method?

Yes, the integral of [1/sqrt(8x-x^2)] dx can also be solved using the trigonometric substitution method. By letting x = 4sin^2θ, the integral can be rewritten as ∫[1/(4sinθ)](8cosθ) dθ. This can then be solved using the power rule for integrals and trigonometric identities.

How does the graph of [1/sqrt(8x-x^2)] compare to its integral?

The graph of [1/sqrt(8x-x^2)] is a semi-circle with a maximum value of 1 and a minimum value of 0. The graph of its integral, 2√(4x-4) + C, is a parabola with a minimum value of 0 and no maximum value. This means that the integral will always be greater than or equal to the original function.

Can the integral of [1/sqrt(8x-x^2)] dx be evaluated using a calculator?

Yes, most graphing calculators have a built-in integral function that can be used to evaluate the integral of [1/sqrt(8x-x^2)] dx. However, it is important to note that the calculator may not be able to provide an exact answer and may only give an approximation.

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