Problem 44

Question

One value of \(k\) for which the area of the figure bounded by the curve \(y=8 x^{2}-x^{5}\), the straight lines \(x=1\) and \(x=k\) and the \(x\)-axis is equal to \(\frac{16}{3}\), is (A) \(-1\) (B) 3 (C) 2 (D) \(\sqrt[3]{8-\sqrt{17}}\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
The value of \(k\) is 2 (Option C).
1Step 1: Understand the Problem
We need to find a value of \(k\) such that the area between the curve \(y=8x^2-x^5\), the lines \(x=1\) and \(x=k\), and the x-axis, is equal to \(\frac{16}{3}\).
2Step 2: Set up the Integral
The area under the curve from \(x=1\) to \(x=k\) can be found by integrating the function \(y=8x^2-x^5\) with respect to \(x\). The integral is given by:\[\int_{1}^{k} (8x^2 - x^5) \, dx = \frac{16}{3}\]
3Step 3: Calculate the Indefinite Integral
First, we calculate the indefinite integral of \(8x^2 - x^5\):\[\int (8x^2 - x^5) \, dx = \frac{8}{3}x^3 - \frac{1}{6}x^6 + C\]
4Step 4: Apply the Limits
Now, apply the definite integral from \(x=1\) to \(x=k\):\[\left[ \frac{8}{3}x^3 - \frac{1}{6}x^6 \right]_{1}^{k} = \frac{16}{3}\]Evaluating it gives:\[\left( \frac{8}{3}k^3 - \frac{1}{6}k^6 \right) - \left( \frac{8}{3}\cdot1^3 - \frac{1}{6}\cdot1^6 \right) = \frac{16}{3}\]
5Step 5: Simplify the Equation
Simplify the equation:\[\frac{8}{3}k^3 - \frac{1}{6}k^6 - \left( \frac{8}{3} - \frac{1}{6} \right) = \frac{16}{3}\]Calculate the constant part:\[\frac{8}{3} - \frac{1}{6} = \frac{16}{6} - \frac{1}{6} = \frac{15}{6} = \frac{5}{2}\]Thus,\[\frac{8}{3}k^3 - \frac{1}{6}k^6 - \frac{5}{2} = \frac{16}{3}\]
6Step 6: Rearrange and Solve for \(k\)
Rearrange the equation:\[\frac{8}{3}k^3 - \frac{1}{6}k^6 = \frac{16}{3} + \frac{5}{2}\]Convert \(\frac{5}{2}\) to a common denominator of 6:\[\frac{16}{3} = \frac{32}{6}, \frac{5}{2} = \frac{15}{6}\]So,\[\frac{8}{3}k^3 - \frac{1}{6}k^6 = \frac{32}{6} + \frac{15}{6} = \frac{47}{6}\]Now solve:\[\frac{1}{6}k^6 - \frac{8}{3}k^3 + \frac{47}{6} = 0\]Multiply the whole equation by 6:\[k^6 - 16k^3 + 47 = 0\]Test possible roots among the given options.
7Step 7: Quick Check with Given Options
Check the possible roots: Pick an option that satisfies the equation \(k^6 - 16k^3 + 47 = 0\) among options what matches.Calculating for \(k = 2\):\[2^6 - 16(2)^3 + 47 = 64 - 128 + 47 = 0\]Which confirms that \(k=2\) is a solution.

Key Concepts

Definite IntegralCurve Area CalculationPolynomial Integration
Definite Integral
Definite integrals are a foundational concept in calculus, specifically dealing with the calculation of areas under curves. When you see an integral with limits, such as \[\int_{a}^{b} f(x) \, dx\] it represents the area under the curve of the function \(f(x)\) from \(x = a\) to \(x = b\). This is called a definite integral and it provides a concrete numerical value.
  • The limits \(a\) and \(b\) define the specific section of the curve you are interested in.
  • The function \(f(x)\) describes the curve itself.
  • The result is an exact value representing the net area, considering spaces above the x-axis as positive and below as negative.
The process involves finding the antiderivative (or primitive function) of \(f(x)\), evaluated at the upper and lower limits, and then subtracting these values. This is often noted as:\[\left[ F(x) \right]_{a}^{b} = F(b) - F(a)\] Utilizing definite integrals is essential for solving problems like the one in this exercise, where a specific area under a polynomial curve needs finding.
Curve Area Calculation
Calculating the area bounded by a curve and the x-axis between two vertical lines is a common application of definite integrals. This method is useful for determining the total area between a polynomial function and the x-axis over a closed interval. In our example, the formula used is \[\int_{1}^{k} (8x^2 - x^5) \, dx = \frac{16}{3}\].
  • To find the area under the curve, first derive the indefinite integral \(F(x)\), which gives you a general expression for the antiderivative.

  • Apply the definite limits \(x = 1\) and \(x = k\) to evaluate the specific area.
  • The task then becomes solving for \(k\) such that this area equals \(\frac{16}{3}\).
This process requires substitutions and simplifications, illustrating how integration ties into solving real-world problems. Calculating bounded areas aids in understanding the distribution of space under polynomial functions in various contexts.
Polynomial Integration
Integrating polynomials involves finding the antiderivative of expressions such as \(ax^n\), which is a pivotal part of calculus. The general rule for integrating a polynomial function \(f(x) = ax^n\) is given by:\[ \int ax^n \, dx = \frac{a}{n+1}x^{n+1} + C \]where \(C\) is the integration constant for indefinite integrals.
  • This applies to each term in a polynomial individually, meaning all terms are integrated one by one, and their antiderivatives are combined.
  • In definite integrals, as seen with \(8x^2 - x^5\), we calculate each term’s antiderivative and evaluate it at the specified limits.
  • The integration process for our example leads to: \(\int (8x^2 - x^5) \, dx = \frac{8}{3}x^3 - \frac{1}{6}x^6\).
Polynomial integration is straightforward due to its systematic approach, and once mastered, it simplifies the process of finding areas under curves, solving differential equations, and even more advanced applications in mathematics and physics.