Integration Problem: Starting the Integral

In summary, the problem involves finding the integral of [1 - (r/0.11)]^1/5 r dr, and the student has attempted to solve it using integration by parts and "u" substitution. After trying several substitutions, the student arrived at the substitution u = (1-(r/0.11)) and rearranged the equation to get r = (1-u)(0.11). After taking the constant outside and expanding the brackets, the integral becomes -(0.0121)[(5/6)u^6/5 - (5/11)u^11/5]. The initial limits of integration also need to be changed to 1 and 0, with the upper limit being larger than
  • #1
ACE_99
35
0

Homework Statement


I'm just having a bit of trouble with where to start on this integral.

[tex]\int[1 - (r/0.11)]^1^/^5rdr[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried using integration by parts, "u" substitution and things like that but I don't seem to be getting anywhere with this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Which substitutions did you try? Its obvious the stuff under the radical is giving you trouble, so why not try substituting it away.
 
  • #3
The first substitution that comes to mind is to let u = (1-(r/0.11)) so du = -1/0.11 dr. Rearranging for dr I get dr = -0.11du. If I sub this into the integral I still have an r in the equation.

From here I rearranged the expression u = (1-(r/0.11)) for r to get r = (1-u)(0.11). If I sub this into the integral I get

I = [tex]\int(u)^1^/^5(1-u)(0.11)(-0.11)du[/tex]
= [tex]\int(u)^1^/^5(1-u)(-0.0121)du[/tex]

It looks a bit better than before but I'm still stumped, hopefully the work I've done up to here is correct.
 
  • #4
It is correct. Now just take the constant outside, and expand the brackets.
 
  • #5
If I do that then the integral becomes

I = -0.0121[tex]\int (u^1^/^5 - u^6^/^5)[/tex]
= -(0.0121)[(5/6)u6/5 - (5/11)u11/5]

So in order to get a solution I would also need to change the initial limits of integration using u = (1-(r/0.11)). If my initial limits of integration were 0 to 0.11 after subbing them into the equation for u my new limits of integration are from 1 to 0.
 
  • #6
Yes that is correct. If you want to follow convention you'll have to introduce a negative factor and swap the new limits of integration to ensure the upper limit of integration is larger than the lower limit of integration.
 

FAQ: Integration Problem: Starting the Integral

What is an integral?

An integral is a mathematical concept used to find the area under a curve in a graph. It is also used to solve problems involving accumulation, such as finding the total distance traveled by an object given its velocity over time.

How do you start solving an integral?

The first step in solving an integral is to identify the function being integrated and the limits of integration, which determine the range of values for the independent variable. Then, determine the appropriate integration method to use based on the form of the function.

What are the different integration methods?

The most common integration methods are the power rule, substitution, integration by parts, and partial fractions. Each method has its own specific steps and is used depending on the form of the function being integrated.

Can you provide an example of solving an integral?

Sure, let's say we want to find the area under the curve of the function f(x) = 3x^2 from x = 1 to x = 5. We can use the power rule to integrate the function and then evaluate the integral at the given limits: ∫3x^2 dx = x^3 + C. Plugging in the values for x, we get (5^3 - 1^3) = 124 units squared.

What are some common mistakes when starting an integral?

Some common mistakes when starting an integral include forgetting to include the constant of integration, using the wrong integration method, and not properly setting up the limits of integration. It's important to double check your work and make sure you have accounted for all necessary steps.

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