Math Problem Statement

∫(√(x² - 1) / x) dx

Solution

The integral in the image is x21xdx\int \frac{\sqrt{x^2-1}}{x} \, dx. This can be solved using trigonometric substitution, specifically, substituting x=sec(θ)x = \sec(\theta) because the expression inside the square root, x21x^2 - 1, suggests this substitution would simplify the integral.

Steps:

  1. Substitute: x=sec(θ)x = \sec(\theta) and hence dx=sec(θ)tan(θ)dθdx = \sec(\theta)\tan(\theta) d\theta.
  2. Rewrite the integral: sec2(θ)1sec(θ)sec(θ)tan(θ)dθ\int \frac{\sqrt{\sec^2(\theta)-1}}{\sec(\theta)} \sec(\theta)\tan(\theta) \, d\theta
  3. Simplify the square root: sec2(θ)1=tan(θ)\sqrt{\sec^2(\theta) - 1} = \tan(\theta).
  4. Integral becomes: tan(θ)tan(θ)dθ=tan2(θ)dθ\int \tan(\theta) \tan(\theta) \, d\theta = \int \tan^2(\theta) \, d\theta
  5. Simplify further using a trigonometric identity: tan2(θ)=sec2(θ)1\tan^2(\theta) = \sec^2(\theta) - 1.
  6. Integral of sec2(θ)1\sec^2(\theta) - 1: (sec2(θ)1)dθ=tan(θ)θ+C\int (\sec^2(\theta) - 1) \, d\theta = \tan(\theta) - \theta + C
  7. Back-substitute for xx: tan(θ)=x21\tan(\theta) = \sqrt{x^2 - 1} and θ=sec1(x)\theta = \sec^{-1}(x).
  8. Final answer: x21xdx=x21sec1(x)+C\int \frac{\sqrt{x^2-1}}{x} \, dx = \sqrt{x^2 - 1} - \sec^{-1}(x) + C

Let me know if you need further details or have any questions! Here are some additional questions to consider:

  1. Why is the substitution x=sec(θ)x = \sec(\theta) appropriate for this integral?
  2. How does the trigonometric identity tan2(θ)=sec2(θ)1\tan^2(\theta) = \sec^2(\theta) - 1 simplify the integral calculation?
  3. What are the potential challenges or mistakes one might encounter when using trigonometric substitution?
  4. How can one verify that the solution to this integral is correct?
  5. Are there alternative methods to solve this integral without using trigonometric substitution?

Tip: Always double-check your back-substitution steps to ensure they match the original variable of integration, which helps avoid common errors in integral calculus solutions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Integral Calculus
Trigonometric Substitution
Simplification

Formulas

Trigonometric substitution: x = sec(θ)
Identity: tan²(θ) = sec²(θ) - 1
Integral of sec²(θ): ∫ sec²(θ) dθ = tan(θ)

Theorems

Trigonometric Substitution Theorem
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Calculus (First Year)