Solve Algebra Problem: Integral of (10-x^.5)^2

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In summary, the conversation discusses the simplification of an integral involving a square root function. The original integral is simplified to a form with an arbitrary constant, and the extra term in the answer is included in the constant. The original poster initially struggled with the simplification, but eventually understands the reasoning behind the solution.
  • #1
doctordiddy
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Homework Statement



http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=integral+of+(10-x^.5)^2

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



so at the bottom of the page, it ends up converting

(1/6)(√x-10)3(3√x+10)

to

(x/6)(3x-80√x+600)

The problem is, when I try the simplification by myself, i always end up with 3x^2-80x^1.5+600x-10000. I realize I can simplify by x giving me

x(3x-80x^.5+600-10000/x)

Why does the answer given not have this extra 10000/x at the end?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
That's not quite correct:$$\frac{(\sqrt{x}-10)^3(3\sqrt{x}+10)}{6}+c$$ ... gets simplified to: $$\frac{x(3x-80\sqrt{x}+600)}{6}+c$$ ... where ##c## is an arbitrary constant.

When you try the simplification by yourself, you get: $$3x^2-80x^{1.5}+600x-10000$$. Notice that the last 10000 is a constant? It just gets included in the c. (note - I think you left a 1/6 off the front.)

It's easy to miss - wolfram writes "+ arbitrary constant" in pale grey.
 
  • #3
Simon Bridge said:
That's not quite correct:$$\frac{(\sqrt{x}-10)^3(3\sqrt{x}+10)}{6}+c$$ ... gets simplified to: $$\frac{x(3x-80\sqrt{x}+600)}{6}+c$$ ... where ##c## is an arbitrary constant.

When you try the simplification by yourself, you get: $$3x^2-80x^{1.5}+600x-10000$$. Notice that the last 10000 is a constant? It just gets included in the c. (note - I think you left a 1/6 off the front.)

It's easy to miss - wolfram writes "+ arbitrary constant" in pale grey.

ok i see, i kind of assumed that you had to integrate the 10000 first which wouldn't leave it as the C, but i understand now. Thanks!
 
  • #4
Please post calculus problems in the Calculus & Beyond section, not in the Precalc Math section. I am moving this thread.
 

FAQ: Solve Algebra Problem: Integral of (10-x^.5)^2

What is the general approach to solving this algebra problem?

The general approach to solving this algebra problem is to use the power rule for integration, which states that the integral of x^n is equal to (x^(n+1))/(n+1). In this case, we will apply this rule to each term within the parentheses and then add the resulting integrals together.

2. How do you handle the square root in this problem?

To handle the square root in this problem, we can rewrite it as x^(1/2) and then apply the power rule for integration. This will result in an integral of (1/2)x^(3/2), which can then be simplified further.

3. Can you explain the steps for solving this problem in more detail?

First, we will expand the expression within the parentheses to get 100 - 20x^(1/2) + x. Then, we will apply the power rule for integration to each term, resulting in the integrals (100x - (40/3)x^(3/2) + (1/2)x^2). Finally, we will combine these integrals and add the constant of integration to get the final solution.

4. Is there a shortcut or easier method for solving this problem?

Yes, there is a shortcut or easier method for solving this problem. Instead of expanding the expression and applying the power rule for integration to each term, we can use the substitution method. This involves substituting u = 10 - x^(1/2) and transforming the integral into a simpler form. After solving for the integral in terms of u, we can then substitute back in the original expression to get the final solution.

5. Are there any common mistakes to look out for when solving this type of problem?

One common mistake to look out for when solving this type of problem is forgetting to add the constant of integration at the end. Another mistake is not properly applying the power rule for integration to each term within the parentheses. It is important to double check the final solution to ensure all steps were executed correctly.

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