Is My Solution to \int \frac {e^x+4}{e^x}dx Correct?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of integrals involving exponential functions, specifically the integral of the expression \(\int \frac {e^x+4}{e^x}dx\) and a related integral \(\int \frac {e^x}{e^x+4}dx\). Participants are examining the correctness of their approaches and solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss rewriting the integrals and checking the correctness of their antiderivatives. There are questions about the signs in the derivatives and the application of substitution methods.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on checking the correctness of the antiderivatives and differentiating the results. There is an ongoing exploration of different methods, including substitution, and some participants express confusion about specific steps in the process.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through potential misunderstandings regarding the integration of exponential functions and the importance of including the constant of integration in their final answers.

UrbanXrisis
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[tex]\int \frac {e^x+4}{e^x}dx =?[/tex]

Here's what I did:
[tex]\int \frac {e^x+4}{e^x}dx = \int e^{-x}(e^x+4)dx[/tex]
[tex]\int e^{-x}(e^x+4)dx =\int 1+4e^{-x} = x-\frac {4e^{-x+1}}{x+1}[/tex]

Did I do this correctly? Is there a more simplified answer?
 
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Rewriting [itex]\frac{e^x+4}{e^x}=1+4e^{-x}[/itex] was correct.

Check the antiderivative of [itex]e^{-x}[/itex]. Your answer is not correct. You can easily check it by differentiating it.

Mind the difference between [itex]x^a[/itex] where the base is the variable and [itex]a^x[/itex] where the base is constant and the exponent is the variable.
 
since [tex]\int e^{x} = e^{x}+C[/tex]
then...
[tex]\int 1+4e^{-x} = x+4e^{-x}+C[/tex]

is that correct?
 
When you differentiate [tex]x + 4e^{-x} + C[/tex] you get

[tex]1 - 4e^{-x}[/tex] , so the integral is actually

[tex]\int 1 + 4e^{-x} dx = x - 4e^{-x} + C[/tex]
 
I don't understand where the negative came from
 
The integral of [tex]e^x dx = {e^x} + C[/tex]

The integral of [tex]e^{-x}dx = -e^{-x} + C[/tex].

Differentiating that answer you find that [tex]\frac {d}{dx} -e ^{-x} = e^{-x}[/tex]
 
Think of it as an [itex]e^{u}[/itex] and apply the method of substitution:
[tex]-x=u[/tex]

Daniel.

P.S.That's how u end up with the minus.
 
[tex]\int \frac {e^x}{e^x+4}dx =?[/tex]

Here's what I did:
[tex]= \int e^{x}(e^x+4)^{-1}dx[/tex]
subsitute:
[tex]u=e^x+4[/tex]
[tex]du=e^x dx[/tex]
[tex]\int u^{-1}du =ln(e^x+4)[/tex]

Did I do this correctly? Is there a more simplified answer?
 
UrbanXrisis said:
Did I do this correctly? Is there a more simplified answer?

Looks good to me.
 
  • #10
Don't forget the constant of integration.

Daniel.
 

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