Evaluating a Definite Integral

Saterial
Messages
54
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


∫ln(x+1)/(x+1)2dx from a=1, b=2

(Answer is -ln3/3+ln2/2+1/6)

Homework Equations


∫fdg=fg-∫gdf


The Attempt at a Solution


Let u = (x+1), du=dx

∫lnu/u2du
Let f=lnu , df = 1/udu, g=-1/u, dg=1/u2du

=-lnu/u+∫1/u2du
=[-lnu+1/u] 1->2

Using Fundamental Theorem of Calculus plug in a,b

=[-ln(2+1)/(2+1)-(-ln(1+1)/(1+1)]
=-ln3/3+ln2/2

What did I miss in order for me not to get 1/6 in the answer? Help would be great!

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
When you used a change of variable right at the beginning of u= x+1, you have to evaluate your limits of integration for the new variable. Ie after using parts, you should integrate between 3 and 2.
 
Saterial said:

Homework Statement


∫ln(x+1)/(x+1)2dx from a=1, b=2

(Answer is -ln3/3+ln2/2+1/6)

Homework Equations


∫fdg=fg-∫gdf


The Attempt at a Solution


Let u = (x+1), du=dx

∫lnu/u2du
Let f=lnu , df = 1/udu, g=-1/u, dg=1/u2du

=-lnu/u+∫1/u2du
=[-lnu+1/u] 1->2

Using Fundamental Theorem of Calculus plug in a,b

=[-ln(2+1)/(2+1)-(-ln(1+1)/(1+1)]
=-ln3/3+ln2/2

What did I miss in order for me not to get 1/6 in the answer? Help would be great!

Thanks


CAF123 said:
When you used a change of variable right at the beginning of u= x+1, you have to evaluate your limits of integration for the new variable. Ie after using parts, you should integrate between 3 and 2.

No, you don't have to evaluate at the new limits when you do a change of variable. If you "undo" the substitution, you can use the original limits.

∫lnu/u2du
Let f=lnu , df = 1/udu, g=-1/u, dg=1/u2du

=-lnu/u+∫1/u2du
=[-lnu+1/u]
You are missing a u in the denominator of the first term, so it should be -ln(u)/u.

Undo the substitution to get -ln(x + 1)/(x+1) + 1/(x + 1) and evaluate at 2 and 1, as usual, and you'll get the answer you showed.
 
Thanks for the replies!

I tried out both methods but did not have any luck. With the first method provided by CAF123. I was unable to get an answer close to what it should be. With Mark's method. I received an answer of -ln3/3+ln2/2+2. I still cannot find where I am going wrong to not get 1/6.
 
Saterial said:
...

The Attempt at a Solution


Let u = (x+1), du=dx

∫lnu/u2du
Let f=lnu , df = 1/udu, g=-1/u, dg=1/u2du

=-lnu/u+∫1/u2du

What is \displaystyle \int \frac{1}{u^2}\,du\ ?

(You have a sign error.)

=[-lnu+1/u] 1->2
...
 
Last edited:
In the end, you should be integrating -ln(u)/u -1/u with upper limit 3, lower limit 2.
Or as Mark44 said, integrate -ln(x+1)/(x+1) -1/(x+1) with upper limit 2, lower limit 1.
(To Mark44: I understood this perfectly, I think I just misinterpreted what the last line was in the OP's attempt).
Many thanks.
 
How come? isn't that suppose to be ∫gdf? In which, pulling out the negative will make the integral become positive and 1/u^2du.
 
Correct, but the integral of 1/u^2 is -1/u
 

Similar threads

Back
Top