Challenging Integrals: Can You Solve These Three?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating three challenging integrals involving various functions, including exponential and rational expressions. The integrals presented require techniques that may involve substitutions or trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about the appropriate methods for solving the integrals, with one considering u-substitution and another contemplating the use of arc tangent. Questions arise regarding the manipulation of the integrands and the implications of the hints provided by others.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered hints and suggestions for approaching the integrals, particularly regarding trigonometric substitution and breaking down the integrals into simpler parts. However, there remains a lack of consensus on the best methods to apply, and some participants are still seeking clarification on the hints given.

Contextual Notes

Participants note constraints such as the prohibition of integration by parts or partial fractions, which may limit their approaches to the integrals. There is also an indication of confusion regarding the application of trigonometric identities in the context of the third integral.

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Homework Statement



1. [tex]\int\frac{2}{e^{-x} + 1}[/tex]

[tex]\int\frac{2t - 1}{t^{2} + 4}[/tex]

[tex]\int\frac{4}{4x^{2} + 4x + 65}[/tex]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



1. I'm not sure what to do. A u-substitution would give me e^(-x) dx, but I don't see how I could get an e^(-x) dx anywhere in the integrand.

2. Again I have no idea. I'm thinking maybe it will involve arc tan, except the numerator isn't 1, so what would I do with the 2t-1 numerator?

3. I tried completing the square, to get something that resembled an arc tan, but that didn't work too well. I'm not sure what else to do; a u-substitution wouldn't work I don't think that would just get 8x + 4.

No integration by parts or partial fractions allowed yet. Any help appreciated.
 
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For the first one, note that [tex]\int\frac{2}{e^{-x} + 1}\,dx=\int \frac{2}{1+\frac{1}{e^x}}}\,dx[/tex].

For the second one [tex]\int\frac{2t - 1}{t^{2} + 4}\,dt = \int\frac{2t}{t^{2} + 4}\,dt - \int\frac{1}{t^{2} + 4}\,dt[/tex]

For the third one, you almost have it. Try doing 2x+1 = 8tanθ
 
Thanks for the other two hints, I don't understand what you mean by 2x+1 = tan theta?
 
Are you familiar with trigonometric substitution?
[tex]\int\frac{4}{4x^{2} + 4x + 65}\,dx=\int\frac{4}{(2x+1)^{2}+8^{2}}\,dx=\frac{1}{16}\int\frac{1}{\tan^{2}(\theta)+1}\,dx[/tex]

because
[tex]8\tan(\theta)=2x+1[/tex], [tex]\theta=\arctan(\frac{2x+1}{8})[/tex] and [tex]2dx=8\sec^{2}(\theta)[/tex].
 
Oooh nevermind I got it
 

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