Distance Traveled by Point in Time Interval [1,3]

sarmen
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Homework Statement


suppose the velocity of a point moving at time t, in seconds along a coordinate line is v(t)= (t+3)/(t^3+t) ft/sec. how far does the point travel during the time interval [1,3].

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



im not sure what to do, i used ∫3 (t+3)/(t^3+t) dt
this goes under the integral>> 1

but then i don't know what do next. please help
 
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sarmen said:

Homework Statement


suppose the velocity of a point moving at time t, in seconds along a coordinate line is v(t)= (t+3)/(t^3+t) ft/sec. how far does the point travel during the time interval [1,3].

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



im not sure what to do, i used ∫3 (t+3)/(t^3+t) dt
this goes under the integral>> 1

but then i don't know what do next. please help

Rewrite (t + 3)/(t3 + t) using partial fractions decomposition. The denominator factors into t(t2 + 1), and the decomposition should look like A/t + (Bt + C)/(t2 + 1), for some constants A, B, and C.

Decomposition will give you two integrals to evaluate.
 
You can try splitting the denominator into its components.
 
ok so i did the partial fraction decomposition and got (3/t)+ (-3t+1)/ (t2 + 1).

do i dt it or just use the integrals [1,3] and plug it in?
 
anyone?
 
If
f(t) = g(t) + h(t)
then
\int_a^b f(t) dt = ?
 
olivermsun said:
If
f(t) = g(t) + h(t)
then
\int_a^b f(t) dt = ?

dont we use the partial fraction that i got?
 
Yes. olivermsun is telling you that you can rewrite an integral that is a sum of functions as the sum of the integrals of the functions. For your problem, you probably want to split it into three integrals.
 
if i got (3/t)+ (-3t+1)/ (t2 + 1) then it would be

∫3/t dt + ∫(-3t/(t^2 + 1))dt +∫1/(t^2 + 1)dt

then I am not so sure
3ln|t|+ ? + tan^-1(x/1).

i don't know how to do ∫(-3t/(t^2 + 1))dt
 
  • #10
Consider the change of variables u = t² + 1.
 
  • #11
Norfonz said:
Consider the change of variables u = t² + 1.
IOW, an ordinary substitution.
 
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