Calculus Problem: Find Integral of 1/(1-x)^2 dx

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    Calculus Dx Integral
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the indefinite integral of the function 1/(1-x)^2. Participants are examining whether the proposed solution, x/(1-x), is correct and discussing methods to verify the correctness of indefinite integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests help with the integral and presents a proposed solution, x/(1-x).
  • Another participant asserts that the proposed solution is incorrect and suggests differentiating to verify the claim.
  • A third participant agrees with the need to differentiate to prove the integral's correctness and emphasizes the importance of including a constant term in the solution.
  • The original poster clarifies that their book instructs them to "SHOW THAT THE FOLLOWING INTEGRAL IS CORRECT."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the correctness of the proposed solution. Some participants argue that the solution is incorrect, while others provide methods to verify the integral without reaching a consensus on the validity of the original claim.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the necessity of including a constant term in indefinite integrals, which may affect the evaluation of correctness. The discussion also references a previous similar question, indicating a potential ongoing exploration of this topic.

gigi9
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Calculus help please!

Plz help me do the problem below. thanks a lot.
Show that the following integral is CORRECT:
Indefinite Integral of 1/(1-x)^2 dx = x/(1-x)
 
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I'm afraid no one will be able to "Show that the following integral is CORRECT: Indefinite Integral of 1/(1-x)^2 dx = x/(1-x)"

because it isn't.

Did you even try differentiating to see if it was correct?
 
As HallsofIvy stated in his post, and I stated when you asked the similar question at https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?threadid=6977 , the simplest way to prove an indefinte integral correct is to differentiate.


Incidentally, whenever you're doing an indefinite integral, you have to include a constant term; so if this integral is correct, you should write

∫ 1/(1-x)^2 dx = x/(1-x) + C

(for the record, once you add the "+ C", the answer is correct)


Incidentally, gigi9, how did you come to ask us this question? Does your book say "prove this integral is correct", or did it ask you to find the integral and you derived the RHS on your own?
 
My book say "SHOW THAT THE FOLLOWING INTEGRAL IS CORRECT"
 

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