How to Integrate sqrt(x^2+1) Using the u-Substitution Method?

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In summary, the conversation discusses different approaches for solving the integral \sqrt{x^2+1}, including using integration by parts and substitution. The final result is shown to be x.\sqrt{x^2+1} -\int\frac{1}{2\sqrt(x^2+1)}.2x.x.
  • #1
subwaybusker
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Homework Statement



integral: sqrt(x^2+1)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I tried using x=tan[y], dx=sec^2[y]dy

Integral:
sqrt(tan^2[y]+1)sec^2[y]dy
=sec^3[y]dy
=(tan^2[y]+1)(sec[y])dy
=(tan^2[y]sec[y]+sec[y])dy

and then i was stuck.
 
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  • #2
From

[tex]\int sec^3 y dy[/tex]

Write it as

[tex]\int (secy) (sec^2y dy)[/tex]

and then use integration by parts.
 
  • #3
I would write sec(y)^3 as dy/cos(y)^3=cos(y)dy/cos(y)^4=cos(y)*dy/(1-sin(y)^2)^2. Putting u=sin(y) that becomes du/(1-u^2)^2. Now use partial fractions.
 
  • #4
subwaybusker, Do you know about hyperbolic trig functions? I would let [itex]x=\sinh u[/itex].
 
  • #5
Well, my way of approaching this integral would be,
[tex]\int \sqrt{x^2+1} . 1 [/tex]

So, now the above integral can be solved by using integral by parts, try doing it!

P.S: Here,[tex]u=\sqrt{x^2+1} [/tex] and v=1.
 
  • #6
psykatic said:
Well, my way of approaching this integral would be,
[tex]\int \sqrt{x^2+1} . 1 [/tex]

So, now the above integral can be solved by using integral by parts, try doing it!

P.S: Here,[tex]u=\sqrt{x^2+1} [/tex] and v=1.

Ok, so after an integration by parts, now you have to integrate x^2/sqrt(x^2+1). How is that a simplification? I think you are doing the parts integration wrong. You need to have u=sqrt(x^2+1) and v=x.
 
  • #7
Nope, once you have,
[tex]\int \sqrt{x^2+1}. 1~ =~ x\sqrt{x^2+1}~-~\int \frac{x^2}{\sqrt{x^2+1}}[/tex]

Add and subtract 1 in the numerator, that'll help you, I'd solve it further if you want!
 
Last edited:
  • #8
Well, putting back in our differentails, which is a bad idea to forget, and evaluting the trivial integral, our integral I through your method is given by

[tex] I = \frac{(x^2+1)^{\frac{3}{2}}}{3} - I + \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2+1}}} dx [/tex]

So Now you have to integrate that last integral, which takes the same substitution as suggested earlier. This method is not the shortest way.
 
  • #9
Well, Gibz thanks for making me realize my mistake! There shouldn't have been any integral before [tex] x.\sqrt{x^2+1} [/tex], my bad :sad:

Thats already integrated, going according to the rule it'd be:
[tex]\int u.v=~u\int v -\int \frac{\delta u}{\delta x} \int v [/tex]

so, considering,[tex]
u=\sqrt{x^2+1} [/tex] and v=1,

it'd be
[tex] x.\sqrt{x^2+1} -\int\frac{1}{2\sqrt(x^2+1)}.2x.x[/tex]
where, 2 gets canceled in the numerator and the denominator, and the sum continues..
 

1. What is the integral of sqrt(a^2+x^2)?

The integral of sqrt(a^2+x^2) is (x*sqrt(a^2+x^2)/2) + (a^2*ln|x+sqrt(a^2+x^2)|/2) + C.

2. How do you solve the integral of sqrt(a^2+x^2)?

To solve the integral of sqrt(a^2+x^2), you can use the substitution method or trigonometric substitution. You can also use the integration by parts method.

3. What is the domain and range of sqrt(a^2+x^2)?

The domain of sqrt(a^2+x^2) is all real numbers, while the range is from 0 to infinity.

4. Can the integral of sqrt(a^2+x^2) be simplified?

Yes, the integral of sqrt(a^2+x^2) can be simplified by using trigonometric identities or completing the square.

5. What is the geometric significance of the integral of sqrt(a^2+x^2)?

The integral of sqrt(a^2+x^2) represents the area under the curve of a circle with radius a. It can also be interpreted as the arc length of a circle with radius a.

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