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Ch. 8 - Techniques of Integration
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 8, Problema 8.6.64

What is the largest value that
∫ from a to b x√(2x - x²) dx
can have for any a and b? Give reasons for your answer.

Guida verificata passo dopo passo
1
First, understand the problem: we want to find the largest possible value of the definite integral \(\int_a^b x \sqrt{2x - x^2} \, dx\) for any choice of limits \(a\) and \(b\). This means we are looking for the maximum area under the curve of the function \(f(x) = x \sqrt{2x - x^2}\) over some interval \([a,b]\) within the domain where the integrand is defined and real.
Determine the domain of the integrand \(f(x) = x \sqrt{2x - x^2}\). Since the expression inside the square root must be non-negative, solve \(2x - x^2 \geq 0\). Factor this as \(x(2 - x) \geq 0\), which implies \(x \in [0, 2]\). So the function is real-valued and defined on the interval \([0, 2]\).
To find the largest value of the integral, consider that the integral over any subinterval \([a,b] \subseteq [0,2]\) represents the area under the curve \(f(x)\). The maximum integral value will be the integral over the interval where the function is positive and the area is largest. Since the function is zero at the endpoints \(x=0\) and \(x=2\), and positive in between, the maximum integral is likely over the entire interval \([0,2]\).
Set up the integral over the full domain: \(I = \int_0^2 x \sqrt{2x - x^2} \, dx\). To solve this integral, use an appropriate substitution. For example, let \(u = 2x - x^2\), then find \(du\) in terms of \(dx\) and express \(x\) in terms of \(u\) to rewrite the integral in terms of \(u\). Alternatively, consider a trigonometric substitution to simplify the square root.
After substitution, rewrite the integral in a simpler form and evaluate it (this step involves integration techniques such as substitution or trigonometric substitution). The value of this integral over \([0,2]\) will give the largest possible value of the original integral for any \(a\) and \(b\) because any smaller interval will yield a smaller area.

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