Another substitiution question

  • Thread starter sapiental
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In summary, the conversation revolves around evaluating the integral \int \frac {1+x}{1+x^2}dx and the proposed methods of doing so by splitting the integral into two parts. The first method involves letting u = 1+x and the second method involves letting u = 1+x^2. Both methods require using substitution and taking the antiderivative, with the final answer being \frac {-1}{u} + ln|u| + C. However, there is a mistake in the second method as u^2 is incorrectly identified as 1+x^2. The conversation concludes with the suggestion of using the antiderivative of tan^-1(x) + C, but there is no issue with leaving the integral
  • #1
sapiental
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Evaluate the integral

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

i let u = 1+x
du = dx

so
[tex]\int \frac {dx}{u^2}du [/tex]

or

[tex]\int u^-2du [/tex]

[tex] \frac {-1}{u} + C[/tex]

im not sure if this is right, the only other thing I can think of is to let u = (1+x)/(1+x^2) and then use the quotient rule.

Any feedback is much appreciated.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
No, it is not right.
Split your integral as follows:
[tex]\int\frac{1+x}{1+x^{2}}dx=\int\frac{dx}{1+x^{2}}+\int\frac{xdx}{1+x^{2}}[/tex]
maybe that helps.
 
  • #3
Split the first integral in two.

Btw, u^2 = (1+x)^2 != 1+x^2
 
  • #4
hmm, that makes sense. Would I evaluate them like this then?

for the first integral

u = 1 + x
du = dx

and for the second

u = 1 + x^2
then du/2 = xdx

so then

[tex]\int \frac {1+x}{1+x^2}dx [/tex] = [tex]\int \frac {du}{u^2}[/tex] + [tex]\int \frac {du}{u} [/tex]

[tex]\frac {-1}{u} [/tex] + ln|u| + C

thanks again.
 
Last edited:
  • #5
sapiental said:
hmm, that makes sense. Would I evaluate them like this then?

for the first integral

u = 1 + x
du = dx

and for the second

u = 1 + x^2
then du/2 = xdx

so then

[tex]\int \frac {1+x}{1+x^2}dx [/tex] = [tex]\int \frac {du}{u^2}[/tex] + [tex]\int \frac {du}{u} [/tex]

[tex]\frac {-1}{u} [/tex] + ln|u| + C

thanks again.

The second one is [tex]\frac{1}{2} \int \frac{du}{u}[/tex]. As for the first one, note that [tex]u^2 = (1+x)^2 \neq 1+ x^2[/tex].
 
  • #6
ohhh, I oversee too many details.

Can I just leave the integral [tex] \int \frac {dx}{1+x^2} [/tex]

the way it is and just take the antiderivative to be tan^-1(x) + C
 
  • #7
Why should it be problematic to do so?
 

FAQ: Another substitiution question

What is the purpose of a substitution question?

A substitution question is used to solve for an unknown variable in an equation or expression by replacing the variable with a known value or expression.

How do you solve a substitution question?

To solve a substitution question, you need to first isolate the variable you want to solve for. Then, substitute the known value or expression in place of the variable and solve the resulting equation or expression.

Can multiple substitution steps be used in one question?

Yes, multiple substitution steps can be used in one question. This is often necessary when solving more complex equations or expressions.

What are some common mistakes when solving substitution questions?

Some common mistakes when solving substitution questions include forgetting to distribute a negative sign, making an error when substituting values, and not properly simplifying the resulting equation or expression.

Are there any tips for solving substitution questions more efficiently?

One tip for solving substitution questions more efficiently is to carefully choose which variable to isolate first. This can make the process of substitution and solving simpler and quicker.

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