Mixed calculus methods
Retain dependence, verify local conditions and connect the symbolic result to geometry
- Implicit product d(uy)/dx=u′y+uy′
- Dependent inverse Apply the chain rule to the dependent variable \(\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\arcsin(y/b)=\frac{y'}{b\sqrt{1-(y/b)^2}}\)
- Volume substitution Square the disk radius first, then transform dx and both bounds
Worked example
For y=b arcsin(x/a), find the volume below the graph on[0,a] rotated about the x-axis
- \(\displaystyle V=ab^2\pi\int_0^{\pi/2}u^2\cos u\,du\)Use x=a sin u and radius b u.
- \(\displaystyle \int u^2\cos u\,du=u^2\sin u-2\int u\sin u\,du\)First integration by parts
- \(\displaystyle \int u\sin u\,du=-u\cos u+\sin u\)Second integration by parts
- \(\displaystyle V=ab^2\pi(\pi^2/4-2)\)Evaluate at 0 and π/2
Common mistakes
Difficulty levels
Questions about this topic
Does a correct coefficient table prove the full argument?+
No. Full derivations and branch/geometry justification are separate ungraded model-answer tasks
Can I use a calculator?+
No. This topic is practised without a calculator
Which year level and chapter is this?+
Year 12, VCE Units 3 & 4, Specialist Mathematics, chapter 9: Integrated assessment practice