Chapter 5: Problem 26
Find the area under the curve \(y=1 /(3 x+1)^{2}\) over the interval [0,1].
Short Answer
Expert verified
The area under the curve is \(\frac{1}{4}\).
Step by step solution
01
Set up the Integral
To find the area under the curve \(y = \frac{1}{(3x+1)^2}\) over the interval \([0,1]\), we need to set up the definite integral: \[ \int_{0}^{1} \frac{1}{(3x+1)^2} \; dx. \]
02
Use Substitution Method
Let \(u = 3x + 1\), which implies \(du = 3\,dx\), or \(dx = \frac{du}{3}\). Change the limits of integration: \(x = 0\) gives \(u = 1\), and \(x = 1\) gives \(u = 4\). Substitute to reformulate the integral: \[ \int_{1}^{4} \frac{1}{u^2} \cdot \frac{1}{3} \; du. \]
03
Simplify the Integral
Factor out the constant \(\frac{1}{3}\) from the integral: \[ \frac{1}{3} \int_{1}^{4} \frac{1}{u^2} \; du. \] Recall that \(\frac{1}{u^2}\) can be rewritten as \(u^{-2}\), so the integral becomes: \[ \frac{1}{3} \int_{1}^{4} u^{-2} \; du. \]
04
Integrate
Use the power rule for integration: \(\int u^n \, du = \frac{u^{n+1}}{n+1} + C\), where \(n eq -1\). Here \(n = -2\), so: \[ \int u^{-2} \, du = \frac{u^{-1}}{-1} = -\frac{1}{u}. \] Apply the evaluated expression: \[ \frac{1}{3} \left[ -\frac{1}{u} \right] \] evaluated from 1 to 4.
05
Evaluate the Definite Integral
Substitute the limits of integration into the expression: \[ \frac{1}{3} \left( -\frac{1}{4} - \left(-\frac{1}{1}\right) \right) = \frac{1}{3} \left( -\frac{1}{4} + 1 \right). \] Simplify: \[ \frac{1}{3} \left( \frac{3}{4} \right) = \frac{1}{4}. \] Thus, the area under the curve is \(\frac{1}{4}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Definite Integral
The concept of a definite integral is central in calculus, as it provides a way to calculate the area under a curve over a specific interval. Basically, it takes a function and computes the total accumulation of that function across a range of inputs. For example, if you want to find the area under a curve from point A to point B on the x-axis, a definite integral comes into play. The integral is set up with limits, in this case from 0 to 1, to cover just the portion of the curve where you need the area computed.
- A definite integral is often expressed with limits, like \ \int_a^b f(x) \, dx \, where \(a\) and \(b\) are the limits of integration.
- It provides a scalar value that represents the area under the curve between these limits.
- The integral is evaluated to produce a precise numeric answer, revealing crucial area information.
Substitution Method
The substitution method simplifies complex integrals by making a change of variable, which reshapes the integral into a more manageable form. This technique is particularly useful when dealing with complicated functions, such as those involving composite functions.In the substitution method, you often let a new variable \(u\) equal a function of \(x\). For the integral \(\int \frac{1}{(3x+1)^2} \, dx\), the substitution \(u = 3x + 1\) makes the integral easier to handle. Doing this also requires adjusting the differential \(dx\) and recalibrating the integration limits according to \(u\).
- Substitute: Choose a substitution that simplifies the integral; here, \(u = 3x + 1\) means \(dx = \frac{du}{3}\).
- Recalculate limits: Transform the original limits from \(x\) to \(u\); when \(x = 0\), \(u = 1\) and when \(x = 1\), \(u = 4\).
- Integrate: Solve the new integral in terms of \(u\), then switch back to the original variable, if necessary.
Area Under a Curve
Calculating the area under a curve is a common calculus problem that makes use of definite integrals. This technique is valuable for finding the total amount of a quantity that can vary, such as distance traveled or total income over a period of time.To find the area under a curve like \(y = \frac{1}{(3x + 1)^2}\), you create and evaluate a definite integral over the defined interval, such as from x = 0 to x = 1. The process uses calculus tools to estimate what might be irregular or curved shapes:
- Start by expressing the curve with a function \(f(x)\) that defines how y changes with x.
- Integrate this function over the chosen interval, replacing a simple geometric area calculation with the more nuanced integral.
- The definite integral result quantifies the precise area under the line of \(y = f(x)\), providing a direct answer.