Integral Question

AgaBoogaBoo

Lifer
Feb 16, 2003
26,108
5
81
We have to evaluate the integral of the function (2t-1)^2 dt from 0 to 1. When I'm trying to solve this, how will it differ compared to finding it for the function (2t-1)dt?

I'm basically asking how we deal with it being squared compared to when it isn't if that makes sense.
 

UncleWai

Diamond Member
Oct 23, 2001
5,701
68
91
Originally posted by: Random Variable
or make a substitution

I thought about that, but you can't right with integrals?
2t-1 will become t^2-t. There's no U sub in here.
 

Syringer

Lifer
Aug 2, 2001
19,333
3
71
Originally posted by: UncleWai
Originally posted by: Random Variable
or make a substitution

I thought about that, but you can't right with integrals?
2t-1 will become t^2-t. There's no U sub in here.

u = 2t -1
du = 2

Though I just tried both methods and got different answers :confused:
 

Syringer

Lifer
Aug 2, 2001
19,333
3
71
(2t-1)^2 = 4t^2 - 4t + 1

Integral of that is (4/3)t^3 - 2t^2 + t

And if u = 2t - 1, du = 2

Integral = u^3/3, multiplied by 1/2

= (2t-1)^3/6 = (4/3)t^3 - 2t^2 + t - 1/6

Zah?

I know you're supposed to add a constant to the end of each term, but why does the -1/6 appear?
 
Aug 10, 2001
10,420
2
0
Originally posted by: Syringer
(2t-1)^2 = 4t^2 - 4t + 1

Integral of that is (4/3)t^3 - 2t^2 + t

And if u = 2t - 1, du = 2

Integral = u^3/3, multiplied by 1/2

= (2t-1)^3/6 = (4/3)t^3 - 2t^2 + t - 1/6

Zah?

I know you're supposed to add a constant to the end of each term, but why does the -1/6 appear?

It's just part of the constant. When you evaluate the definite integral, the answer is the same in both cases.