How can I integrate x/(x^2 + ax + a^2)?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Swatch
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integrate
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function x/(x^2 + ax + a^2), which falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically integral calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various substitution methods, including u-substitution and completing the square. There is also mention of factorization and partial fractions, with some expressing uncertainty about the effectiveness of these approaches.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered hints and suggestions, such as completing the square, which appears to have led to a productive direction in the discussion. However, there is no explicit consensus on a single method or solution.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes that a different form of the denominator would have simplified the integration process, indicating a potential assumption about the structure of the integral being discussed.

Swatch
Messages
88
Reaction score
0
Hi. I want to integrate x/(x^2 + ax + a^2)
I tried substitution with u=x^2 then du =2x but that didn't work out neither did the substitution x^2 + ax
I thought of factorizing the denominator and using partial fractions, but I think that's not the way, can't figure out the factorization.
Could someone please give me a hint how to integrate this.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
If there was a 2ax in the denominator instead of ax, it would've been easier :smile:
This is a typical example of an integral which will have an ln-part and an arctan-part. Do you see why/how?
 
Swatch said:
Hi. I want to integrate x/(x^2 + ax + a^2)
I tried substitution with u=x^2 then du =2x but that didn't work out neither did the substitution x^2 + ax
I thought of factorizing the denominator and using partial fractions, but I think that's not the way, can't figure out the factorization.
Could someone please give me a hint how to integrate this.

TD's hint is best: complete the square!
 
Compleated the square and everything works. Thanks guys.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
13K
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K