Asked by Dean

Find the length of the curve given by the equation y= intergral from -pi to x of sqrt(cos(t)) dt for x between -pi and pi. I think I know to do this- at least part of it. I am using the fundamental theorem of calculus and the arc length formula, but I don't know how to find the anti derivative of sqrt(cos(t)).
Answered by Ms. Sue
Camryn/Kira/Dean -- please use the same name for your posts.
Answered by Steve
That antiderivative is not expressible in elementary functions. It is an elliptic integral.
Answered by Dean
Ok but then how would I solve this problem?
Answered by Steve
you'd have to use some numeric integration technique to get an approximation.