Evaluate Integral Homework: 5*ln(x^2+1) + ?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral of a rational function, specifically \(\int\frac{5x+5}{x^2+1}\). The subject area is calculus, focusing on integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss breaking down the integral into simpler parts and question the appropriate methods for evaluating the second term. There is mention of using tables of integrals and the potential use of trigonometric substitutions.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various perspectives on how to approach the integral, with some participants suggesting methods that may not align with the original poster's current curriculum. There is a recognition of differing levels of familiarity with certain functions and techniques.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster has not yet covered inverse trigonometric functions in their coursework, which influences their approach to the problem. There is also a mention of the context being a beginning calculus 2 class, suggesting constraints on the methods that can be used.

danielatha4
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Homework Statement


Evaluate [tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{5x+5}{x^2+1}[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


5*[tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{x+1}{x^2+1}[/tex]

5*[tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{x}{x^2+1}[/tex]+[tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{1}{x^2+1}[/tex]

The first term's value is (1/2)ln(x2+1) but what is the second term?
 
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for the second term, consult a table of integrals
 
arctan(x)
Don't forget that both antiderivatives are multiplied by 5, and don't forget your constant of integration.
 
We were never instructed to refer to any tables, and I don't suspect that we should have to. And we haven't done anything as complex as arctan(x) yet.

The method to evaluate the integral should be fairly simple. It's the beginning of a calculus 2 class.
 
Yes well that doesn't really change the fact that the antiderivative of 1/(1+x^2) is arctan(x) does it? And arctan(x) is not that complex, it's actually quite simple.
 
I'm not doubting that the antiderivative of 1/(x^2+1) is arctan(x). That's just not the method my teacher wants me to use because haven't learned inverse trig functions yet. Maybe I went about the problem the wrong way from the beginning?
 
danielatha4 said:
I'm not doubting that the antiderivative of 1/(x^2+1) is arctan(x). That's just not the method my teacher wants me to use because haven't learned inverse trig functions yet. Maybe I went about the problem the wrong way from the beginning?

You did it exactly right. If you don't know the antiderivative is arctan(x) then you have to derive it using a trig substitution. Put x=tan(u).
 
Last edited:
danielatha4 said:
We were never instructed to refer to any tables, and I don't suspect that we should have to. And we haven't done anything as complex as arctan(x) yet.

The method to evaluate the integral should be fairly simple. It's the beginning of a calculus 2 class.
You probably did learn how to differentiate arctan(x) last semester. If you recognized the integrand was the derivative, you could just write the answer down for the second integral.

Have you learned using trig substitutions to do integrals yet?
 

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