Expand Integrand: Understand Int'l Calculus Concepts

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter jwxie
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of expanding an integrand in calculus, specifically using the integral \(\int \frac{9x^2}{(3 - x)^4} \, dx\). The user attempts to apply substitution with \(u = (3 - x)\) and \(du = -dx\) to transform the integral but struggles to reach the correct solution. The correct approach involves expanding the integrand to a polynomial form before integrating, leading to the final result of \((3/x - 1)^{-3} + c\). The term "expand the integrand" refers to multiplying out the expression to facilitate integration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus
  • Familiarity with substitution methods in integration
  • Knowledge of polynomial expansion techniques
  • Experience with constants of integration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study polynomial expansion in calculus
  • Learn about integration techniques using substitution
  • Explore the method of completing the cube in integrals
  • Practice solving integrals involving rational functions
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians focusing on integration techniques, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of expanding integrands in calculus.

jwxie
Messages
278
Reaction score
0
Is this an expand integrand?
[tex]\int 9x[/tex] [tex]^{2}[/tex] [tex]/[/tex] (3 - x)[tex]^{4}[/tex]

I set u = ( 3 - x)
du = -1dx

and so if i treat x = 3 - u , i might get this integral

[tex]\int[/tex] 9(3-u)[tex]^{2}[/tex] (u)[tex]^{4}[/tex]

the answer is
(3[tex]/[/tex]x - 1) [tex]^{-3}[/tex] + c
but i can't get it...

Originally, from the book, it gave a simple example like this

[tex]\int[/tex] [tex]x[/tex] (2-x)[tex]^{1/2}[/tex]

then
negative [tex]\int[/tex] [tex](2-u)[/tex] u[tex]^{1/2}[/tex]

it sets
u = 2 - x
du = -dx
and x = 2-u

I just don't get what EXPANDED INTEGRAND is really doing...
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi jwxie! :smile:

(have an integral: ∫ and try using the X2 tag just above the Reply box :wink:)

"expand the integrand" simply means multiply it out, so that you get a/u4 + b/u3 + c/u2, and then integrate that

and after you've done that, you should get a polynomial plus a constant of integration … then you can subtract a multiple of u3/u3 from the constant, and complete the cube :wink:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K