Can someone tell me how to do an integral of this form?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the technique for analytically determining the indefinite integral of the form \(\int \frac{dx}{e^x+1}\). Participants explore various methods and approaches to solve this integral, focusing on analytical techniques rather than computational tools.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for analytical techniques to solve the integral \(\int \frac{dx}{e^x+1}\) and requests that responses avoid computational tools like Mathematica.
  • Another participant suggests checking an integral table, claiming to have found the integral listed there, while also considering how to solve it without such a reference.
  • A different participant proposes using a u-substitution by letting \(u=e^x+1\) and indicates the need to solve for \(dx\) in terms of \(u\) and \(du\), followed by expanding using partial fractions and applying the natural logarithm.
  • One participant reiterates the substitution step, emphasizing the relationship between \(du\) and \(dx\) derived from the substitution.
  • Another participant points out that the integrand can be rewritten as \(1 - \frac{e^x}{e^x + 1}\) and notes the derivative relationship between the denominator and the numerator.
  • Some participants engage in a back-and-forth regarding the contributions made, with one suggesting that additional hints are provided for clarity.
  • Another approach mentioned involves rewriting the integral as \(\int \frac{e^{-x}}{1 + e^{-x}} \,dx\), indicating an alternative perspective on the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple approaches and techniques for solving the integral, with no consensus on a single method or solution. The discussion remains open with various competing views and suggestions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific steps and manipulations without fully detailing the mathematical processes involved, leaving some assumptions and dependencies on definitions unresolved.

AxiomOfChoice
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The integral looks something like this:

<br /> \int \frac{dx}{e^x+1}.<br />

I'm interested in seeing the technique one should employ in analytically determining this indefinite integral, so please...no smart-alec answers like "put it in Mathematica." I tried that, and it wasn't particularly illuminating. Thanks. :smile:
 
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AxiomOfChoice said:
The integral looks something like this:

<br /> \int \frac{dx}{e^x+1}.<br />

I'm interested in seeing the technique one should employ in analytically determining this indefinite integral, so please...no smart-alec answers like "put it in Mathematica." I tried that, and it wasn't particularly illuminating. Thanks. :smile:

Am i being a smart alec if I ask if you tried an integral table? :smile: I found it in mine. I'll think about how to solve it without a table.
 
AxiomOfChoice said:
The integral looks something like this:
<br /> \int \frac{dx}{e^x+1}.<br />

Use a u-substitution by letting u=e^x+1. Then solve for dx in terms of u and du. After this substitution, expand by partial fractions and use the natural logarithm to evaluate the integrals. If you are confused about how to execute these steps or need to see these steps actually written out, just let me know.
 
remember that \frac{du}{dx}=e^{x}=u-1\to{dx}=\frac{du}{u-1}
 
arildno said:
remember that \frac{du}{dx}=e^{x}=u-1\to{dx}=\frac{du}{u-1}

This is exactly what I had already posted.
 
The integrand is also equivalent to 1 - [e^x / (e^x + 1)]. Then note that differentiating the denominator of [e^x / (e^x + 1)] gives e^x, which is the numerator.
 
n!kofeyn said:
This is exactly what I had already posted.
At least, that is definitely what your post implied!

I merely thought to give the OP an additional hint. :smile:
 
Another way to do it is to write

\int \frac{dx}{e^x+1} = \int \frac{e^{-x}}{1 + e^{-x}} \,dx.
 

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