Evaluate this indefinite integral

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the indefinite integral of the function \( \frac{1}{(9+x^2)^2} \). Participants express frustration over various attempted methods, including partial fractions, integration by parts, and trigonometric substitution.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of partial fraction decomposition, with one suggesting a specific form involving constants A, B, C, and D. Others explore trigonometric substitution, questioning the setup of a right triangle and the relationships between the sides. There are also inquiries about the correctness of their algebraic manipulations and the need for proper substitution variables.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of different methods, with some participants providing guidance on trigonometric substitution and clarifying the need for proper variable substitution. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being discussed, but no consensus has been reached regarding the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the integral and the challenges posed by the various methods attempted. There is a recognition of the need for careful handling of substitutions and the relationships in trigonometric identities.

EvilBunny
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Evaluate this indefinite integreal

S = integral

S 1/(9+x^2)^2

This has been driving me and my friend nuts.

We tried partial fractions only to realize that it brings us back to the same thing because its not a polynomial over a polynomial, we tried by parts and it did not help and we tried substitution then trig substitution and uhhhh now were lost
 
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It is a polynomial over a polynomial -- 1 is a polynomial of degree 0. You might not have used the right partial fraction decomposition, which would be
(Ax + B)/(9 + x^2) + (Cx + D)/(9 + x^2)^2.

On the other hand, this one is ripe for a trig substitution, I believe, with x/3 = tan(theta). Identify the legs of a right triangle with lengths of x (opposite) and 3 (adjacent). That's the direction I would explore first, if you haven't already done so.
 


(Ax + B)/(9 + x^2) + (Cx + D)/(9 + x^2)^2

[ (Ax + B)(9+x^2) + (Cx +D ) ] / ( 9 + x^2 ) ^2 = 1/(9+x^2)^2

(Ax + B)(9+x^2) + (Cx +D ) = 1

9Ax + Ax^3 + 9B + B^2 + Cx + D = 1

Ax^3 + Bx^2 + (9A +C )x + 9B + D = 1

A=0 , B=0 , C=0 , D=1

1/(9+x^2) ^ 2 ??

did i do something wrong
 


As for trig sub i come down to

S 1/(U² * sqrt(U-9) )

which would mean my hypotenus is sqrt(U)
and i will have one side 3 and the other sqrt( U-9) ? right

I just never dealt with sqrtU as a side until today
 


EvilBunny said:
(Ax + B)/(9 + x^2) + (Cx + D)/(9 + x^2)^2

[ (Ax + B)(9+x^2) + (Cx +D ) ] / ( 9 + x^2 ) ^2 = 1/(9+x^2)^2

(Ax + B)(9+x^2) + (Cx +D ) = 1

9Ax + Ax^3 + 9B + B^2 + Cx + D = 1

Ax^3 + Bx^2 + (9A +C )x + 9B + D = 1

A=0 , B=0 , C=0 , D=1

1/(9+x^2) ^ 2 ??

did i do something wrong

Nope, your work is correct but not helpful. Partial fraction decomposition didn't break the rational expression into two separate rational expressions.
 


EvilBunny said:
As for trig sub i come down to

S 1/(U² * sqrt(U-9) )

which would mean my hypotenus is sqrt(U)
and i will have one side 3 and the other sqrt( U-9) ? right

I just never dealt with sqrtU as a side until today

Where is your du? When you do a substitution of any kind you need to replace x and dx with u and du.

With the trig substitution I had in mind, you have

tan u = x/3, so sec^2 (u) *du = dx/3, or dx = 3*sec^2(u)

The hypotenuse is not sqrt(u). The relationship is this: sec^2( u ) = (x^2 + 9)/9.

See if these do you some good.
 

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