You are here:

Calculus/Arc length of sine wave

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/23/2007


Question
I am trying to find the arc length of a sine wave and need help with the following integration:

int(1+(cosx)^2))^0.5

Is this an elliptical integral? Which area of maths should I be using to solve this?  

Answer
Questioner:   Jo
 
Subject:  Arc length of sine wave
Question:  I am trying to find the arc length of a sine wave and need help with the following integration:

int(1+(cosx)^2))^0.5

Is this an elliptical integral? Which area of maths should I be using to solve this?
................................
Hi, Jo,

Yes, this is an elliptic integral, and I am afraid that's about as much as I know about it.  Beyond numerical integration I don't think I can help.

Calculus

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Paul Klarreich

Expertise

All topics in first-year calculus including infinite series, max-min and related rate problems. Also trigonometry and complex numbers, theory of equations, exponential and logarithmic functions. I can also try (but not guarantee) to answer questions on Analysis -- sequences, limits, continuity.

Experience

I taught all mathematics subjects from elementary algebra to differential equations at a two-year college in New York City for 25 years.

Education/Credentials
(See above.)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.