Page 1 of 1
memorizing integrals
Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 9:55 am
by AriAstronomer
Is it important to memorize some integrals, e.g. dx/(x^2 + a^2)^1/2 = ln(x + (x^2 + a^2)^1/2)?
If yes, which other ones do you think are relevant? xdx/(x^2 + a^2)^1/2. Any others?
Thanks,
Ari
Re: memorizing integrals
Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 12:58 pm
by HappyQuark
AriAstronomer wrote:Is it important to memorize some integrals, e.g. dx/(x^2 + a^2)^1/2 = ln(x + (x^2 + a^2)^1/2)?
If yes, which other ones do you think are relevant? xdx/(x^2 + a^2)^1/2. Any others?
Thanks,
Ari
I don't recall ever using a single memorized integral in any of the 4 practice tests or any of the real exams. Every instance in which an integral is ever necessary it could either be solved explicitly and was trivial to do so or they clearly meant for you to be making approximations (i.e. drawin' boxes under the curve).
On the other hand, I do recall a number of times in which memorizing some of the more obscure trig identities was necessary.
Re: memorizing integrals
Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 3:24 pm
by WhoaNonstop
No.
All you need to know for the physics GRE is what Positronium is.
-Riley
Re: memorizing integrals
Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 3:56 pm
by physicsworks
and use the process of elimination!
