Integral of 2t / (16t^4 + 1) - Need Help Solving!

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the integral of the function 2t / (16t^4 + 1). Participants are exploring techniques for integration, particularly focusing on substitution and the use of inverse trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve the integral but feels stuck, mentioning long division as an initial approach. Some participants suggest using u-substitution, while others discuss the relevance of inverse trigonometric functions. There are questions about variable substitution and the form required for integration.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering hints and discussing various methods. Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of inverse trig functions and completing the square, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

There is a sense of urgency as one participant expresses anxiety about an upcoming test, indicating that they are seeking clarity on concepts that may not have been fully covered in class.

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Find the integral...Please HELP!

Homework Statement


Find the integral...
2t / (16t^4 + 1)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I am stuck on this problem...I have tried long division but that didn't work out for me. I don't know how to solve this.
 
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Long division should be reserved for improper fractions.

\int\frac{2t}{(4t^2)^2+1}

Can you take it from here?
 
oh ok so i can use u substitution
u = 4t^2
du = 8t dt
1/4du = 2t
1/4 ln (4t^2)^2 + 1
is that right?
 
You're substitutions were right. But that is not correct.

\frac 1 4 \int \frac{du}{u^2+1}
 
On my paper it says hint: use inverse trig functions. But I don't know how to use one of them because they don't resemble that.
 
Keep searching! It's very common! Sine, Cosine, or Tangent.
 
I can't use arctan because on the bottom it is a^2 + u^2 and u has to have the x in it right?
 
It doesn't matter! You used a substitution and swapped variables.

a, is simply a constant.

\int\frac{dx}{x^2+a^2}=\int\frac{du}{u^2+1^2}
 
oh ok so I have...
1/4 *1/1 arctan |4t^2| / 1 + C
1/4 Arctan |4t^2| + C
 
  • #10
Good!
 
  • #11
oh yay thanks!
One more question...
how do you find the integral of something with dx on top like...
dx / (x^2 - 4x + 20)
 
  • #12
It doesn't matter what variables you're using, just pay attention to what you're Integrating with respects to and treat the others as constants.

\int\frac{dx}{x^2-4x+20}

Try completing the square.
 
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  • #13
I get...
(x^2 - 4x + 4) - 4 + 20
(x - 2)^2 + 16
 
  • #14
What does this Integral look like?

\int\frac{dx}{(x-2)^2+16}

If you don't plan on using an Integral table, factor out a 16 from the denominator b/c you need a constant of 1.
 
  • #15
how do i factor out 16?? and why do I need a constant of 1?? I am so confused and I don't know why...I did all of the homework just fine.
 
  • #16
B/c before you can integrate this integral, you need to have it in the form similar to ...

\int\frac{dx}{x^2+1}

Rather than factoring out a 16, divide both numerator & denominator by 16.
 
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  • #17
Can anyone help me with this problem...I have a test Thursday and I am freaking out because I thought I understood this stuff!
 
  • #18
\int\frac{dx}{(x-2)^2+16}

To factor out a 16 ...

\frac{1}{16}\int\frac{dx}{\frac{(x-2)^2}{16}+1}

\frac{1}{16}\int\frac{dx}{\left(\frac{x-2}{4}\right)^2+1}
 
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  • #19
Is there any other way to solve this problem? I am only asking because we have never done anything like that in class or on any homework and I find it hard to believe our teacher giving us something we haven't done before. So I was just curious if there was another solution?
 
  • #20
It's no different from any of your other problems? You should be able to handle problems that are not 100% similar to what you have done b4. It's basically the integral of arctan.

Completing the square and factoring is something you learned prior to Calculus, so those 2 initial steps should not bother you.
 

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