Chapter 5: Problem 31
Find a positive value of \(k\) such that the average value of \(f(x)=\sqrt{3 x}\) over the interval \([0, k]\) is \(6 .\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The positive value of \(k\) is 3.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We need to find a positive value of \(k\) such that the average value of the function \(f(x) = \sqrt{3x}\) over the interval \([0, k]\) is 6.
02
Set Up the Average Value Formula
The average value of a function \(f(x)\) over an interval \([a, b]\) is given by \(\frac{1}{b-a} \int_{a}^{b} f(x) \, dx\). In our case, \(a = 0\) and \(b = k\).
03
Substitute and Integrate
Substitute the function into the formula: \(\frac{1}{k-0} \int_{0}^{k} \sqrt{3x} \, dx = 6\). Integrate \(\sqrt{3x}\) from 0 to \(k\):\[\int_{0}^{k} \sqrt{3x} \, dx = \int_{0}^{k} (3x)^{0.5} \, dx = \frac{2}{3} (3x)^{1.5} \Big|_{0}^{k}.\]
04
Evaluate the Integral
Evaluate the definite integral:\[\frac{2}{3} (3x)^{1.5} \Big|_{0}^{k} = \frac{2}{3} \cdot \left[(3k)^{1.5} - (0)^{1.5} \right] = \frac{2}{3} \cdot (3k)^{1.5}.\]
05
Solve for k
The equation from Step 3 is \(\frac{1}{k} \cdot \frac{2}{3} (3k)^{1.5} = 6\). Simplify:\[\frac{2}{3} \cdot \frac{(3k)^{1.5}}{k} = 6.\]Resolving gives \(2 (3k)^{0.5} = 6\). Thus, \[(3k)^{0.5} = 3,\]so \[3k = 9.\]Divide by 3, \[k = 3.\]
06
Conclusion
The positive value of \(k\) that satisfies the condition is 3.
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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 essential in calculus as it helps us find the accumulation of quantities over a specific interval. When we take a definite integral of a function, we're essentially summing up small sections or slices of the function's graph to find the total "area" between the graph and the x-axis over an interval.
- Integral Notation: The notation \( \int_{a}^{b} f(x) \, dx \) represents the definite integral of a function \( f(x) \) from \( a \) to \( b \).
- Physical Interpretation: The result of a definite integral can often be interpreted as a physical quantity, such as area, volume, or total distance.
- Evaluation: To compute a definite integral, we find the antiderivative (or the indefinite integral) of the function and then apply the limits of integration \( a \) and \( b \).
Calculus Integration
Integration is a cornerstone of calculus that involves finding antiderivatives or summing up continuous distributions. The purpose of integration is to reverse the process of differentiation. While differentiation breaks down a curve into its rate of change, integration pieces it back together.
- Antiderivative: An antiderivative of a function \( f(x) \) is another function \( F(x) \) such that \( F'(x) = f(x) \). When integrated over an interval, this gives us the total change accumulated.
- Techniques: Some common techniques of integration include substitution and integration by parts, which help tackle more complex functions.
- Problem Solving: Integration allows us to solve a variety of real-world problems, from calculating areas and volumes to determining average values of functions as demonstrated.
Function Evaluation
Function evaluation is the process of determining what output a function gives for a particular input. This is fundamental in determining values for specific functions or using them within other mathematical operations.
- Substitution: To evaluate a function, you replace the variable \( x \) with a given value. For instance, evaluating \( f(x) = \sqrt{3x} \) at \( x = 4 \) yields \( f(4) = \sqrt{12} \).
- Intervals: When looking at intervals, like \([0, k]\), you evaluate the function not just at isolated points but across the entire range to understand its behavior over that stretch.
- Applications: Function evaluations are crucial when setting up and solving integral equations, as seen in determining the average value of \( \sqrt{3x} \) over an interval, leading us to solve for \( k \).