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Ch. 8 - Techniques of Integration
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 8, Problem 8.6.10

Use the table of integrals at the back of the text to evaluate the integrals in Exercises 1–26.
∫ √(x - x²) / x dx

Verified step by step guidance
1
Start by rewriting the integrand to a more manageable form. Notice that the expression under the square root is \(x - x^2\), which can be factored as \(x(1 - x)\). So the integral becomes \(\int \frac{\sqrt{x(1 - x)}}{x} \, dx\).
Simplify the integrand by separating the square root and dividing by \(x\): \(\frac{\sqrt{x(1 - x)}}{x} = \frac{\sqrt{x} \sqrt{1 - x}}{x} = \frac{\sqrt{1 - x}}{\sqrt{x}}\).
Rewrite the integral as \(\int \frac{\sqrt{1 - x}}{\sqrt{x}} \, dx = \int \frac{(1 - x)^{1/2}}{x^{1/2}} \, dx = \int x^{-1/2} (1 - x)^{1/2} \, dx\).
To evaluate this integral, consider a substitution that simplifies the expression. A common substitution for integrals involving \(\sqrt{1 - x}\) is \(x = \sin^2 \theta\), because \(1 - \sin^2 \theta = \cos^2 \theta\). This substitution will transform the integral into a trigonometric integral.
After substituting \(x = \sin^2 \theta\), express \(dx\) in terms of \(d\theta\), rewrite the integral entirely in terms of \(\theta\), and then use the table of integrals to evaluate the resulting trigonometric integral.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Integration Using Substitution

Substitution is a method to simplify integrals by changing variables, making the integral easier to evaluate. It often involves identifying a part of the integrand whose derivative also appears, allowing a direct replacement. This technique is essential when dealing with composite functions or expressions under roots.
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Using Integral Tables

Integral tables provide formulas for common integrals, saving time and effort in manual integration. Recognizing the form of the integrand and matching it to a formula in the table is crucial. This skill helps in quickly evaluating integrals that might be complicated to solve from first principles.
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Simplifying the Integrand

Before integrating, simplifying the integrand by algebraic manipulation or rewriting expressions can make the integral more manageable. For example, rewriting √(x - x²) as √(x(1 - x)) can suggest substitutions or reveal standard integral forms. Simplification is a key step in preparing the integral for substitution or table lookup.
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Completing the Square to Rewrite the Integrand