Evaluating definite integrals for the area of the regoin

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on evaluating the definite integral for the area between the function f(x) = 1/(x^2 + 1) and its tangent line at the point (1, 1/2). The tangent line is determined to be y = 1 - (1/2)x. The integral set up for the area is A = ∫ from 1 to 0 [1/(x^2 + 1) - (1 - (1/2)x)] dx. Participants clarify the integration process, emphasizing the use of arctan for the first term and the power rule for the second term, ultimately resolving confusion around the integration of x, leading to the correct result of x^2/4.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of definite integrals
  • Knowledge of tangent lines and their equations
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, specifically arctan and power rule
  • Basic calculus concepts, including limits and area under curves
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of definite integrals in calculus
  • Learn about the derivation and application of the arctan function in integration
  • Practice integrating functions involving rational expressions
  • Explore the concept of area between curves and its applications in real-world problems
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on integration techniques and applications, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to definite integrals and tangent lines.

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Homework Statement


Evaluate the definite integral that gives the area of the region bounded by the graph of the function and the tangent line to the graph at the given point.

[itex]f(x) = \frac{1}{x^2+1}[/itex] at the point (1,1/2)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So far I have obtained that the tangent line is [itex]y = 1- \frac{1x}{2}[/itex]. I'm having difficultly integrating for the area.

I've worked out that [itex]A = \int_1^0 [\frac{1}{x^2+1} - (\frac{-1x}{2} +1)]\,dx[/itex].
I'm not really sure what to do from here. I know that I'm suppose to fit the first fraction into the integral of arctan, however I can not get the top to be equal to du. In addition, I thought I should use the power rule for the second part of the fraction to obtain x^2/2 but the answer in my book states that it's x^2/4 which is confusing me. Any help would be appreciated, but please let me know what rules you are using to obtain your solution so it's easier for me to understand. Thanks.
 
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I'm not clear what region you mean. There are two regions between the tangent line and the function- but both are infinite. You have your integral from 0 to 1 (Actually, you have 1 to 0. What reason do you have for going from 1 down[/b to 0?) . Does the problem specify that the y-axis is also a boundary?

You say "fit the first fraction into the integral of arctan". I guess that you mean that [tex]\int \frac{dx}{x^2+ 1}= arctan(x)+ C[/tex] which is true but I don't know what you mean by "get the top to be du". Why "du"? You already have dx. What's wrong with that?

Finally, I presume you know that [itex]\int x dx= x^2/2+ C[/itex] but you already have a factor of 1/2. So you have [itex](1/2)\int x dx= (1/2)(x^2/2 + C)= x^2/4+ c[/itex].
 

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