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

  • Thread starter Thread starter BuBbLeS01
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integral
Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on solving the integral of 2t / (16t^4 + 1) using u-substitution, where u = 4t^2 leads to the integral involving arctan. Participants clarify that the integral can be expressed as 1/4 arctan |4t^2| + C, confirming the correct approach. A related question about integrating dx / (x^2 - 4x + 20) arises, with advice to complete the square and factor out constants for easier integration. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting techniques learned in earlier math courses to solve calculus problems. Overall, the thread provides guidance on handling integrals that may initially seem unfamiliar.
BuBbLeS01
Messages
602
Reaction score
0
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
Last edited:
  • #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.
 
Last edited:
  • #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}
 
Last edited:
  • #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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
48
Views
4K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Replies
27
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K