On Geometric Interpretations of Euler’s Substitutions

Abstract

We consider a classical case of integrals containing an irrational integrand in the form of a square root of a quadratic polynomial. It is known that such “irrational integrals” can be expressed in terms of elementary functions by one of three of Euler’s substitutions. It is less well known that the Euler substitutions have a geometric interpretation. In the framework of this interpretation, one can see that the number 3 is not the most suitable. We show that it is natural to introduce a fourth Euler substitution. In his original treatise, Leonhard Euler used two substitutions which are sufficient to cover all cases.