Need a Few Hints for Substitution

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In summary, the person is having trouble figuring out which equations to use as u in Calculus examples, and would appreciate any help.
  • #1
whatisphysics
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I've been doing Calculus examples using substitution recently, and some are very easy to spot when to make what u, but sometimes it's not that easy. I'm having trouble determining which equations I should make as u, and which ones I shouldn't.

I would greatly appreciate it if I could be given some hints for these problems!

Thanks in advance!
 

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  • #2
Well, a thing I always try is to pick a part of the integral, take the derivative of that and see if that will help me simply.

So for the first one I would look at the derivative of:
u = x
u = ln(2x)

Take derivatives of both of those and see if using one of them you can simplify the integral (hint - one of them simplifies it and the other doesnt!)
The second one is a little trickier: probably have to use a trig substitution

The third one: can you do this integral:
[tex]\int \frac{4dt}{t^{7}}[/tex]

Fourth: similar in idea of picking a good u as the third problem. Look at that one first and see if you can come up with anything (hint, look at the exponents of the e's)
 
  • #3
iamalexalright said:
Well, a thing I always try is to pick a part of the integral, take the derivative of that and see if that will help me simply.

So for the first one I would look at the derivative of:
u = x
u = ln(2x)

Take derivatives of both of those and see if using one of them you can simplify the integral (hint - one of them simplifies it and the other doesnt!)



The second one is a little trickier: probably have to use a trig substitution

The third one: can you do this integral:
[tex]\int \frac{4dt}{t^{7}}[/tex]

Fourth: similar in idea of picking a good u as the third problem. Look at that one first and see if you can come up with anything (hint, look at the exponents of the e's)

Thanks! Gonna jump into these questions right now!
 
  • #4
iamalexalright said:
Well, a thing I always try is to pick a part of the integral, take the derivative of that and see if that will help me simply.

So for the first one I would look at the derivative of:
u = x
u = ln(2x)

Does this look okay?
 

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  • #5
That's a good start. But if u=log(2x), du isn't quite dx/(2x). Can you try that one again. Use the chain rule.
 
  • #6
Or use the fact that ln(2x)= ln(x)+ ln(2).
 
  • #7
Okay, thanks for all the input. Will try them again tomorrow morning. Need to get some rest! I'm sure I will dream about cal tonight...
 

FAQ: Need a Few Hints for Substitution

What is the purpose of substitution in scientific experiments?

Substitution is a technique used to replace one element or compound with another in a chemical reaction. It is used to study the effects of different elements and compounds on the outcome of the reaction.

How does substitution differ from addition or elimination reactions?

In substitution reactions, one element or compound is substituted for another, while in addition reactions, two or more substances combine to form a new compound. Elimination reactions involve the removal of a molecule from a compound.

What are the different types of substitution reactions?

The two main types of substitution reactions are nucleophilic and electrophilic. In nucleophilic substitutions, a nucleophile (electron-rich species) replaces a leaving group in a compound. In electrophilic substitutions, an electrophile (electron-poor species) replaces a hydrogen atom in a compound.

How do chemists predict the outcome of a substitution reaction?

Chemists use the concept of reactivity and electronic configuration to predict the outcome of a substitution reaction. More reactive elements or compounds are more likely to replace less reactive ones, and certain electronic configurations are more favorable for substitution reactions.

What are some practical applications of substitution reactions?

Substitution reactions have many practical applications, such as in the production of pharmaceuticals, plastics, and pesticides. They are also used in organic synthesis to create new compounds with desired properties. In biochemistry, substitution reactions play a crucial role in the functioning of enzymes and other biological processes.

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