Calculus 1 Integration Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an integration problem from Calculus I, specifically involving the integral of the expression ∫ (x-1)(x+1)^{11} dx. Participants are exploring methods to solve this integral using calculus techniques appropriate for their level.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss different approaches to the integration, including substitution and polynomial expansion. There is an exploration of the correctness of the derived expressions and their derivatives, with some questioning the validity of their results.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts and comparing results. Some have identified discrepancies in their calculations and are seeking clarification on their reasoning. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the solutions presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that this problem was part of a final test, and there is a sense of urgency to understand the material before the instructor returns in the fall semester. Some express uncertainty about their understanding of the integration techniques involved.

kikko
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Homework Statement



Calc I problem, so need to solve by calc 1 methods.

∫ (x-1)(x+1)^11 dx

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



∫ (x-1)(x+1)^11 dx

U = x+1
dU = dx
x-1 = x+1-2 = U-2

=∫ (U-2)U^11 dU

=∫ U^12 dU - 2∫ U^11 dU

=(1/13)U^13 - (1/6)U^12

=(1/13)(x+1)^13 - (1/6)(X+1)^12

∫ (x-1)(x+1)^11 dx = (1/13)(x+1)^13 - (1/6)(X+1)^12
The course ended already, this was the final test problem (on the test that ended already). I didn't understand how to do this one. I can check my answer and see it's wrong. My teacher won't be in until fall semester starts, so I can't ask him until then. I was already at full time, so Calc I was basically a free class I retook because it could boost GPA without being time consuming.
 
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\int (x-1)(x+1)^{11} dx \\ = \int x(x+1)^{11}-(x+1)^{11} dx \\ = \int [(x+1)-1](x+1)^{11}-(x+1)^{11} dx \\ = \int (x+1)^{12}-2(x+1)^{11} dx \\ = \frac{(x+1)^{13}}{13}-\frac{(x+1)^{12}}{6} +C
 
That seems to be the answer I got. Forgot all those constants on my answers >_<. When I take the derivative of that I get:

(x+1)^12 - 2(x+1)^11 =/= (x-1)(x+1)^11

I might be missing something here.
 
kikko said:
That seems to be the answer I got. Forgot all those constants on my answers >_<. When I take the derivative of that I get:

(x+1)^12 - 2(x+1)^11 =/= (x-1)(x+1)^11

I might be missing something here.

But it is, isn't it?

##(x+1)^{12} - 2(x+1)^{11}##
##(x+1)(x+1)^{11} - 2(x+1)^{11}##
##(x+1)^{11}(x+1-2)##
##(x-1)(x+1)^{11}##
 

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