206.8.7.58 Int 1/(x^2-6x+34) dx complete the square

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    Complete Dx Square
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the integral $$\int \frac{dx}{x^2 - 6x + 34}$$ through the method of completing the square and the application of standard integrals. Participants explore different approaches to solving the integral, including trigonometric substitution and the validity of alternative forms of the antiderivative.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the completed square form of the quadratic and derives the integral using the arctangent function, questioning when to use standard integrals versus trigonometric substitution.
  • Another participant points out a potential error in the completed square form, suggesting it should be $(x-3)^2 + 5^2$ instead of $(x+3)^2 + 5^2$.
  • A participant questions the validity of the logarithmic form $$\ln(u^2 + a^2) + C$$ as an antiderivative for the integral, prompting a verification through differentiation.
  • Several participants express confusion regarding the logarithmic question and its implications for the antiderivative.
  • One participant reiterates the correct substitution and confirms the use of the arctangent function in the integral evaluation.
  • A later post introduces a trigonometric substitution approach, detailing the steps and confirming the result aligns with previous evaluations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct form of the completed square and the appropriateness of using logarithmic forms for the integral. There is no consensus on the validity of the logarithmic antiderivative, and multiple approaches to the integral remain under discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the assumptions made in the derivation of the antiderivative and the conditions under which different methods are applied. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations and methods without reaching a definitive conclusion.

karush
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$\text{206.8.7.58}$
$\text{given and evaluation}$
$$\displaystyle
I_{58}=\int \frac{dx}{{x}^{2}-6x+34}
=\dfrac{\arctan\left(\frac{x-3}{5}\right)}{5}
+ C$$
$\text{complete the square} $
$${x}^{2}-6x+34 = \left(x-3\right)^2 + 5^2 = {u}^{2}+{a}^{2} \\
u=x-3 \\ a=5$$
$\text{standard integral} $
$$\displaystyle
I_{17}=\int \frac{du}{{a}^{2}+{u}^{2}}
=\frac{1}{a}
\arctan{\frac{u}{a}}
+C$$
$\text{back substitute } u=x-3 \ \ a=5 $

$$\displaystyle
I_{58}=\frac{1}{5}
\arctan{\frac{x-3}{5}}
+C $$
My question on this is when is standard intregral used
this could of gone on with a trig subst.
Also why isn't $\ln\left({u^2+a^2}\right)+C$
correct
 
Last edited:
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That standard integral was derived using a trig. substitution.

What is $$\frac{d}{du}\left(\ln\left(u^2+a^2\right)+C\right)$$?
 
Didn't understand the $\ln$. question?
 
karush said:
Didn't understand the $\ln$. question?

Given that:

$$\frac{d}{du}\left(\int f(u)\,du\right)=f(u)$$

Then, if we posit:

$$\int \frac{1}{u^2+a^2}\,du=\ln\left(u^2+a^2\right)+C$$

We should be able to verify by checking to see if:

$$\frac{d}{du}\left(\ln\left(u^2+a^2\right)+C\right)=\frac{1}{u^2+a^2}$$

If not, then we know that anti-derivative is wrong. :)
 
karush said:
$\text{206.8.7.58}$
$\text{given and evaluation}$
$$\displaystyle
I_{58}=\int \frac{dx}{{x}^{2}-6x+34}
=\dfrac{\arctan\left(\frac{x-3}{5}\right)}{5}
+ C$$
$\text{complete the square} $
$${x}^{2}-6x+34 = \left(x+3\right)^2 + 5^2 = {u}^{2}+{a}^{2} $$
You have a mistake in this first line- it should be $(x- 3)^2+ 5^2$, not x+ 3.

$$u=x+3 \\ a=5$$
$\text{standard integral} $
$$\displaystyle
I_{17}=\int \frac{du}{{a}^{2}+{u}^{2}}
=\frac{1}{a}
\arctan{\frac{u}{a}}
+C$$
$\text{back substitute } u=x+3 \ \ a=5 $

$$\displaystyle
I_{58}=\frac{1}{5}
\arctan{\frac{x+3}{5}}
+C $$
My question on this is when is standard intregral used
this could of gone on with a trig subst.
Also why isn't $\ln\left({u^2+a^2}\right)+C$
correct
 
$\text{206.8.7.58}$
$\text{given and evaluation}$
$$\displaystyle
I_{58}=\int \frac{dx}{{x}^{2}-6x+34}
=\dfrac{\arctan\left(\frac{x-3}{5}\right)}{5}
+ C$$
$\text{complete the square} $
$${x}^{2}-6x+34 = \left(x-3\right)^2 + 5^2 = {u}^{2}+{a}^{2} \\
u=x-3 \\ a=5$$
$\text{standard integral} $
$$\displaystyle
I_{17}=\int \frac{du}{{a}^{2}+{u}^{2}}
=\frac{1}{a}
\arctan{\frac{u}{a}}
+C$$
$\text{back substitute } u=x-3 \ \ a=5 $

$$\displaystyle
I_{58}=\frac{1}{5}
\arctan{\frac{x-3}{5}}
+C $$

$\text{fixed } u=x-3 $
 
$\text{206.8.7.58}$
$\text{given and evaluation}$
$$\displaystyle
I_{58}=\int \frac{dx}{{x}^{2}-6x+34}
=\dfrac{\arctan\left(\frac{x-3}{5}\right)}{5}
+ C$$
$\text{complete the square} $
$${x}^{2}-6x+34 = \left(x-3\right)^2 + 25$$
$\text{u substitution} $
$$u=5\tan\left({\theta}\right)
\therefore du=5\sec^2\left(\theta\right) \, d\theta
\therefore \theta =\arctan\left[\frac{u}{5}\right]$$
$\text{then..}$
$$I_{58}=.
\int\frac{5\sec^2\theta}{25\sec^2\theta+25 } \, d\theta
=\frac{1}{5}\int 1 \,d\theta=\frac{1}{5}\theta$$

$\text{back substitute }
u=x-3 \ \ \theta = \arctan\left[\frac{u}{5}\right]$

$$\displaystyle
I_{58}=\frac{1}{5}
\arctan{\frac{x-3}{5}}
+C $$
 

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