Efficient Integral by Parts Method | Solving x^2arctan(x)dx with Ease

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the integral \(\int x^2 \arctan(x) \, dx\) using integration by parts and exploring alternative methods, including polynomial long division and substitution. Participants share their approaches and results, examining the effectiveness of different techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents their attempt to solve the integral using integration by parts and shares a link to their work.
  • Another participant suggests using long division to simplify the integrand \(\frac{x^3}{1+x^2}\) and proposes that this approach eliminates the need for integration by parts.
  • A different participant introduces a substitution method with \(u = 1 + x^2\) and expresses confusion over arriving at a different answer compared to previous methods.
  • One participant points out an error in the substitution method, indicating that the integrand after substitution was incorrect.
  • A later reply acknowledges the correction and expresses satisfaction with the revised approach, indicating that the answer is now complete and simpler.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for solving the integral, as multiple approaches are discussed, and some participants express confusion or concern over discrepancies in results.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the correctness of the integrand after substitution, and the discussion reflects varying levels of understanding and technique among participants.

Chipset3600
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Hello MHB, I'm trying to solve this integral:\int x^2arctan(x)dx by parts :
here is a litle bit of my resolution: http://i.imgur.com/dZk8M.jpg

when I tried to solve the integral I named B fell into a sort of lool lool.
 
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Chipset3600 said:
Hello MHB, I'm trying to solve this integral:\int x^2arctan(x)dx by parts :
here is a litle bit of my resolution: http://i.imgur.com/dZk8M.jpg

when I tried to solve the integral I named B fell into a sort of lool lool.

All looks good so far. Let's focus on this guy, though:

\[\int\frac{x^3}{1+x^2}\,dx\]

I would first recommend you reduce the integrand using long division. Doing this correctly should yield

\[\frac{x^3}{1+x^2}=x-\frac{x}{1+x^2}\]

So, we see that

\[\int\frac{x^3}{1+x^2}\,dx=\int\left(x-\frac{x}{1+x^2}\right)\,dx\]

This should be a straightforward integration; no IBP is needed at this point.

Combine this result with everything else you have and you'll get your answer.

I hope this makes sense!
 
Chris L T521 said:
All looks good so far. Let's focus on this guy, though:

\[\int\frac{x^3}{1+x^2}\,dx\]

I would first recommend you reduce the integrand using long division. Doing this correctly should yield

\[\frac{x^3}{1+x^2}=x-\frac{x}{1+x^2}\]

So, we see that

\[\int\frac{x^3}{1+x^2}\,dx=\int\left(x-\frac{x}{1+x^2}\right)\,dx\]

This should be a straightforward integration; no IBP is needed at this point.

Combine this result with everything else you have and you'll get your answer.

I hope this makes sense!

Thanks, it was much simpler, I tried to do polynomial division, but not crossed my mind to separate fractions by.
Thank you
 
I have tried another method: use the substitution $u = 1+x^2$. Therefore $du = 2x \, dx$ and $x^2 = u-1$. The integral changes shape into

$$\int \frac{x^3}{1+x^2} \, dx = \frac{1}{2} \int (u-1) \, du.$$

This yields

$$\frac{1}{2} \int (u-1) \, du = \frac{u^2}{4} + \frac{u}{2} + C = \frac{(x^2 +1)^2}{4} + \frac{(x^2 +1)}{2} + C.$$

However, it is a different answer. What is wrong?
 
Fantini said:
I have tried another method: use the substitution $u = 1+x^2$. Therefore $du = 2x \, dx$ and $x^2 = u-1$. The integral changes shape into

$$\int \frac{x^3}{1+x^2} \, dx = \frac{1}{2} \int (u-1) \, du.$$

This yields

$$\frac{1}{2} \int (u-1) \, du = \frac{u^2}{4} + \frac{u}{2} + C = \frac{(x^2 +1)^2}{4} + \frac{(x^2 +1)}{2} + C.$$

However, it is a different answer. What is wrong?

Your integrand after making the substitution isn't correct. You should have

\[\int \frac{x^3}{1+x^2}\,dx\xrightarrow{u=x^2+1}{}\int \frac{u-1}{2u}\,du.\]
 
Last edited:
Good point, I had forgotten that part. Now the answer is complete (and easier). Thanks Chris! (Clapping)
 

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