Antiderivative of 1/(1+e^x) - kinematics question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the antiderivative of the function 1/(1+e^x) within the context of a kinematics problem. The original poster is tasked with expressing the variable x in terms of time t, given specific initial conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the integration of the function and its implications for expressing x in terms of t. There are attempts to manipulate the integral and suggestions to rewrite the expression to facilitate solving for x.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided hints and alternative approaches to the problem, including suggestions to rewrite the integral and to consider the implications of initial conditions. There is acknowledgment of errors in previous attempts, and the discussion is ongoing with no explicit consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of initial conditions and the challenges posed by the integration process. There are references to potential errors in previous calculations and the need to carefully consider constants of integration.

meee
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Antiderivative of this? - kinematics

a kinematics question

v = 1 + e^x

find x in terms of t given that x = 0 when t = 0

what i did:

dx/dt = 1 + e^x
dt/dx = 1/ (1+ e^x)

so t = the antiderivative of 1/(1+ e^x)

i tried and i kinda did this...

loge(1 + e^x)/e^x + cbut it doesn't seem right
 
Last edited:
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Notice that if you had an e^x in the numerator of your integral, it will be easy.

Try
[tex]\int \frac{(1+e^x-e^x)}{1+e^x} dx[/tex]

Can you take it from here?
 
yeah that helped thanks... i got to t= x + loge(1+e^x)
but how do i get x in terms of t?
 
HINT:

[tex]\int \frac{f'(x)}{f(x)} dx = \ln\left| f(x) \right| + C[/tex]
 
Last edited:
That's wrong Hoot, I think you missed a f'(x).

To get x in terms of t is painful. Write x as log(e^x), you'll get a quadratic in e^x, which you can solve.
 
siddharth said:
That's wrong Hoot, I think you missed a f'(x).
Indeed I have, don't know what I was thinking to be honest. Thanks again for you contribution to the pH tutorial.
 
thanks gusys
 
No problem, Hoot.

meee, I think I found a couple of errors in your work. You missed a minus sign, and your constant of integration. It should be

t= x - loge(1+e^x) + C

Put the initial conditions (ie, x=0 when t=0) to find C.

To get x in terms of t, write x as log(e^x) and play around for a while.
 
Last edited:
oh right... thanks!
 

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