Anti differentiation of f(x)f'(x)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral of the function \(\int(x^3+x)\sqrt{x^4+2x^2}dx\), focusing on techniques for anti-differentiation and substitution methods in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the potential to manipulate the integral by introducing a factor of \(4/4\) to align the integrand with the derivative of the expression under the square root. There is also exploration of substitution with \(u = x^4 + 2x^2\) and its implications for the integral.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on the substitution method and clarify the manipulation of terms within the integral. There is an acknowledgment of confusion regarding the treatment of the differential \(du\) and the necessity of maintaining the integrity of the equation through multiplication by \(4/4\). The conversation reflects a productive exchange of ideas without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of anti-differentiation and substitution while adhering to homework constraints that may limit the depth of explanation or solution provided.

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Homework Statement


[tex]\int[/tex](x3+x)[tex]\sqrt{x<sup>4</sup>+2x<sup>2</sup>}[/tex]dx


Homework Equations


[tex]\int[/tex][f(x)r]f'(x)dx=(([f(x)]r+1)/(r+1))+C


The Attempt at a Solution


The x3+x part is close to the derivative of the other part that I'm supposed to be anti differentiating, so should I just introduce a 4/4 into the equation and bring the 4 out front and then put the x3+x over the 4? That way it is the derivative? Then I can just say that the anti derivative is just 4[((x4+2x2)(3/2)/(3/2))=8((x4+2x2)(3/2)/(3))?
When I differentiate that though, I'm off by a factor of 16. I get an extra 16 out front.

Apparently it doesn't like nested latex?
 
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Fixed your LaTeX. Tip: don't put [ sup] tags inside [ tex] tags. For superscripts inside LaTeX code, use ^{}. Also, it looks better if you put the entire expression inside one pair of tex tags.
schlynn said:

Homework Statement


[tex]\int(x^3+x)\sqrt{x^4+2x^2}dx[/tex]


Homework Equations


[tex]\int[/tex][f(x)r]f'(x)dx=(([f(x)]r+1)/(r+1))+C


The Attempt at a Solution


The x3+x part is close to the derivative of the other part that I'm supposed to be anti differentiating, so should I just introduce a 4/4 into the equation and bring the 4 out front and then put the x3+x over the 4? That way it is the derivative? Then I can just say that the anti derivative is just 4[((x4+2x2)(3/2)/(3/2))=8((x4+2x2)(3/2)/(3))?
When I differentiate that though, I'm off by a factor of 16. I get an extra 16 out front.

Apparently it doesn't like nested latex?

You're on the right track.
Let u = x4 + 2x2, so du = (4x3 + 4x)dx

With this substitution, your integral becomes
[tex](1/4)\int u^{1/2} du = (1/4) (2/3) u^{3/2} + C = (1/6) (x^4 + 2x^2)^{3/2} + C[/tex]
 
Hmmmm, can you break it down into steps? I think I understand what you're saying, but the du in the problem, that's just 4x3+4x, and doesn't mean with respect to the variable u? It just looks like you multiplied through by 1/4, and not 4/4, don't you need to do 4/4 that way it doesn't change the equation?
 
du = (4x3 + 4x) dx

In your problem you have (x3 + x)dx, and you need (4x3 + 4x)dx, so multiply (x3 + x)dx by 4 and also multiply the other part of the integrand by 1/4, which means you are multiplying the overall integrand by 4/4 = 1, which is always legal to do.

[tex]\int (x^3 + x)\sqrt{x^4 + 2x^2} dx = (1/4) \int \sqrt{x^4 + 2x^2} (4x^3 + 4x)dx[/tex]
[tex]= (1/4)\int u^{1/2} du = (1/4) (2/3) u^{3/2} + C = (1/6) (x^4 + 2x^2)^{3/2} + C[/tex]
 
Ooooooohhhh, duh, don't know why I didn't see that before. I was basically swapping the 4 and the 1/4. Thanks a lot man.
 

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