Antiderivative math homework help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the antiderivative of the expression \(\int(2x^2+1)^7\). Participants are exploring methods to approach this integral, particularly focusing on substitution and expansion techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants discuss using substitution with \(u=2x^2+1\) and its derivative, but express uncertainty about the next steps. Others suggest that expanding the polynomial might be necessary, while questioning the feasibility of this approach. There is also mention of using the binomial theorem for expansion.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, weighing different methods such as polynomial expansion and substitution. While some express doubt about the complexity of these methods, others provide hints and suggestions without reaching a consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

There is a concern about the practicality of expanding the polynomial due to its size, and participants are considering the use of symbolic processors, raising questions about their appropriateness in a testing context.

Nope
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Homework Statement



[tex]\int(2x^2+1)^7[/tex]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


u=2x^2+1
du=4xdx
u7 (1/4x)du
I am stuck... I don't know what to do next...
 
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Nope said:

Homework Statement



[tex]\int(2x^2+1)^7[/tex]
Try to remember to put in the differential...
Nope said:

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


u=2x^2+1
du=4xdx
u7 (1/4x)du
I am stuck... I don't know what to do next...
Substitution won't work in this case, which you already found out. If you expand [itex]\int(2x^2+1)^7[/itex], you'll get a polynomial that you can integrate pretty easily.
 


wow, so i have to expand everything out? (2x^2+1)^7
that's a lot
is there any other way to do it?
 


The x2 suggests a trig substitution might work.

Edit: Actually, that looks to be more of a pain than just multiplying the polynomial out.

Hint: Use the binomial theorem.
 


Nope, I don't think so, at least no way that's not a lot more complicated.
 


Nope said:
wow, so i have to expand everything out? (2x^2+1)^7
that's a lot
is there any other way to do it?

Is using a symbolic processor cheating? From Maxima ...

ratsimp((2*x^2+1)^7);

[tex]128\,{x}^{14}+448\,{x}^{12}+672\,{x}^{10}+560\,{x}^{8}+280\,{x}^{6}+84\,{x}^{4}+14\,{x}^{2}+1[/tex]
 


Probably not, but will you have one available during a test?
 


No , I don't think so.
 


It does help to know the "binomial theorem":

[tex](a+ b)^n= \sum_{i=0}^n \begin{pmatrix}n \\ i\end{pmatrix}a^{i}b^{n-i}[/tex]
 

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