Chapter 5: Problem 67
GENERAL: Average Value The population of a city is expected to be \(P(x)=x\left(x^{2}+36\right)^{-1 / 2}\) million people after \(x\) years. Find the average population between year \(x=0\) and year \(x=8\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The average population is 0.5 million people.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Formula for Average Value
The average value of a continuous function \(f(x)\) over the interval \([a, b]\) is given by \( \frac{1}{b-a} \int_{a}^{b} f(x)\, dx \). For our problem, the function \(P(x)\) represents the population in millions.
02
Set Up the Integral
To find the average population, set up the integral of \(P(x) = x(x^2 + 36)^{-1/2}\) from \(x = 0\) to \(x = 8\). We need to compute: \( \int_{0}^{8} x (x^{2}+36)^{-1 / 2}\, dx \).
03
Simplify the Integral
This integral involves a substitution. Let \(u = x^2 + 36\). Then, \(du = 2x\, dx\), or \(x\, dx = \frac{1}{2}\, du\). Change the limits of integration from \(x=0\) to \(u=36\), and \(x=8\) to \(u=100\).
04
Apply Substitution and Evaluate the Integral
Replace the integral with new limits: \( \int_{36}^{100} \frac{1}{2} u^{-1/2}\, du \). This becomes \( \frac{1}{2} \cdot 2 \left[u^{1/2}\right]_{36}^{100} \), which simplifies to evaluating \([\sqrt{100} - \sqrt{36}]\).
05
Solve the Integral
Calculate \([\sqrt{100} - \sqrt{36}]\), which is \([10 - 6] = 4\).
06
Calculate the Average Value
Compute the average value by dividing the integral result by the interval length: \( \frac{1}{8-0} \times 4 = \frac{4}{8} = 0.5\).
07
Conclude
The average population between year \(x=0\) and year \(x=8\) is 0.5 million people.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Integral Calculation
Integral calculation is a fundamental concept in calculus, often used to find the total accumulation of a quantity over an interval. In our problem, we are looking at finding the average value of the population over a period of years.
- The formula used is: \( \frac{1}{b-a} \int_{a}^{b} f(x)\, dx \), where \( f(x) \) is our function.
- This involves evaluating the integral of the function \( P(x) = x(x^2 + 36)^{-1/2} \) from \( x = 0 \) to \( x = 8 \).
Substitution Method
The substitution method is a technique used to simplify complex integrals by substituting a part of the integral with a new variable.In this problem, since the integral involves a complex expression, substitution helps in simplifying the calculation:
- Set \( u = x^2 + 36 \). This changes the expression inside the integral to a simpler form.
- Calculate the derivative: \( du = 2x\, dx \), thus \( x\, dx = \frac{1}{2}\, du \).
Continuous Functions
Continuous functions are an essential concept in calculus, particularly when dealing with integrals. A function is continuous at a point if it does not have breaks, jumps, or holes at that point. Over an interval, a function is continuous if it is continuous at every point in the interval.For the average value calculation:
- The function \( P(x) = x(x^2 + 36)^{-1/2} \) is continuous over the interval \( x = 0 \) to \( x = 8 \).
- Continuity ensures the integral accurately represents the population change over this time span, without any discontinuities disrupting the calculation.
Interval Analysis
Interval analysis involves evaluating a function over a specified range, which is critical for tasks like finding the average value of a function.In our exercise:
- The interval is \([0, 8]\), representing the first eight years.
- By integrating over this interval, we can find total population changes, subsequently calculating the average.
- When \( x = 0 \), \( u = 36 \).
- When \( x = 8 \), \( u = 100 \).