Integrals on exam I couldn't answer

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving specific integral problems encountered on an exam. Participants explore methods of integration, particularly substitution techniques, and express uncertainty regarding the solutions to the integrals presented.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in solving the integrals \(\int \frac{2}{(x-1)^2+1} dx\) and \(\int \frac{2}{\sqrt{1-(x-1)^2}} dx\), noting a lack of understanding of the substitution method suggested by their professor.
  • Another participant mentions known integrals, specifically \(\int \frac{1}{x^2+1}\,dx\) and \(\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx\), and relates them to inverse functions, indicating familiarity with these forms but uncertainty about the additional constants and substitution.
  • A third participant attempts to solve the integrals by applying substitution, proposing that \(\int \frac{2}{(x-1)^2+1} dx\) simplifies to \(2\tan^{-1}(x-1)\) and \(\int \frac{2}{\sqrt{1-(x-1)^2}} dx\) simplifies to \(2\sin^{-1}(x-1)\), but questions their correctness.
  • A later reply expresses appreciation for the clarification provided by the third participant's explanation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the proposed solutions, and uncertainty remains regarding the application of substitution in these integrals.

Contextual Notes

There is a reliance on substitution methods, but the discussion does not clarify all assumptions or steps involved in the integration process, leaving some mathematical aspects unresolved.

noboost4you
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On a recent exam I took, these integrals came up and I was unable to answer them correctly:

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

and

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

I had absolutely no idea how to solve those 2 equations and my professor decided not to go over any of the problems from the test. He did mention that I needed to use substitution, but I am still unclear of how to solve them.

Can anyone help me out?

Thanks
 
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Originally posted by Ambitwistor
Do you know how to do these integrals?

[tex] \int \frac{1}{x^2+1}\,dx[/tex]

and

[tex] \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx[/tex]

[tex] \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx[/tex] = inverse sine

and

[tex] \int \frac{1}{x^2+1}\,dx[/tex] = inverse tangent

I only know those answers by rule, when he added more constants and suggested substitution is when I didnt understand.
 


[tex] \int \frac{2}{(x-1)^2+1} dx[/tex] would equal

2[tex]\int \frac{1}{(x-1)^2+1} dx[/tex]
then u = x-1
du = dx
the new integral then equals
2[tex]\int \frac{1}{u^2 +1} du[/tex]
which in turn equals 2tan^-1(x-1) ??

and

[tex] \int \frac{2}{\sqrt{1-(x-1)^2}} dx[/tex] would equal

2[tex]\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-(x-1)^2}} dx[/tex]
then u = x-1
du = dx
the new integral then equals
2[tex]\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-u^2}} du[/tex]
which in turn equals 2sin^-1(x-1) ??

am I correct?

Thanks again
 
Great! Only if I would have known that last week ;)

Thanks again
 

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