Help with Integral Homework: Reduce to Solve

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The integral problem presented involves the expression ∫[√x /(1+x)] dx, which was transformed using the substitution u=√x. The new integral simplifies to 2∫[u^2/(1+u^2)]du, but further reduction is needed to solve it. Participants suggest using polynomial long division or a clever algebraic manipulation to simplify the expression. There is consensus that the book's provided answer is incorrect, as it includes terms not present in the original problem. The discussion emphasizes the importance of proper algebraic steps to continue solving the integral.
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Homework Statement


The problem is this:
∫[√x /(1+x)] dx
I used sustitution method
u= √x
u^2=x
2udu=dx

Homework Equations


My new integral is:
∫[(u*2udu)/(1+u^2)]du
2∫[u^2/(1+u^2)]du
I need help to reduce this point to continue, I guess I need some algebraic steps

The Attempt at a Solution



The book shows: x^3/3 -3x - 10Ln|x-5| + C as the answer but I think this is wrong because I don't have x-5 anywhere
 
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ArmandStarks said:

Homework Statement


The problem is this:
∫[√x /(1+x)] dx
I used sustitution method
u= √x
u^2=x
2udu=dx

Homework Equations


My new integral is:
∫[(u*2udu)/(1+u^2)]du
2∫[u^2/(1+u^2)]du
This looks OK. I would use polynomial long division to turn this improper rational expression into a nicer form for integration. If you're not familiar with this technique, do a web search for "polynomial long division".
ArmandStarks said:
I need help to reduce this point to continue, I guess I need some algebraic steps

The Attempt at a Solution



The book shows: x^3/3 -3x - 10Ln|x-5| + C as the answer but I think this is wrong because I don't have x-5 anywhere
I agree - the book's answer doesn't look right.
 
ArmandStarks said:

Homework Statement


The problem is this:
∫[√x /(1+x)] dx
I used sustitution method
u= √x
u^2=x
2udu=dx

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



My new integral is:
∫[(u*2udu)/(1+u^2)]du
2∫[u^2/(1+u^2)]du
I need help to reduce this point to continue, I guess I need some algebraic steps

The book shows: x^3/3 -3x - 10Ln|x-5| + C as the answer but I think this is wrong because I don't have x-5 anywhere
Hello ArmandStarks. Welcome to PF !

You can use "long division" to divide u2 by (u2 + 1) .

Or use the following "trick" .

##\displaystyle \frac{u^2}{1+u^2}=\frac{u^2+1-1}{1+u^2}##

##\displaystyle =\frac{1+u^2}{1+u^2}-\frac{1}{1+u^2}##​
 
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SammyS said:
Hello ArmandStarks. Welcome to PF !

You can use "long division" to divide u2 by (u2 + 1) .

Or use the following "trick" .

##\displaystyle \frac{u^2}{1+u^2}=\frac{u^2+1-1}{1+u^2}##

##\displaystyle =\frac{1+u^2}{1+u^2}-\frac{1}{1+u^2}##​
I just found that "trick" and the 2 integrals are easy to do.
Thank you both!
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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