# Math Help - solution to integral

1. ## solution to integral

Hi - can anyone help me to integrate

sqrt(1+(aSin(x))^2)

gary

2. Originally Posted by sheridan500
Hi - can anyone help me to integrate

sqrt(1+(aSin(x))^2)

gary
Where has this integral come from? It can't be found in terms of finite number of elementary functions. The solution involves involves an Elliptic Integral of the Second Kind. Do you want to go there?

3. Thanks for the quick response. The integral comes from my attempt to find the length of a section of a sine wave (ie along the curve) using the line integral formula....is there a simple way to do this?

4. Originally Posted by sheridan500
Thanks for the quick response. The integral comes from my attempt to find the length of a section of a sine wave (ie along the curve) using the line integral formula....is there a simple way to do this?
You can get an approximate answer using a numerical method. Otherwise:

Originally Posted by mr fantastic
[snip]
The solution involves involves an Elliptic Integral of the Second Kind. Do you want to go there?

5. thanks for your help regards - gary