Help with integration (1) involving integration by parts etc

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an indefinite integral involving the expression (7x^3)/sqrt(4+x^2) with respect to x. The subject area is calculus, specifically focusing on integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various methods for tackling the integral, including integration by parts and trigonometric substitution. There are attempts to simplify the expression and questions about the correctness of the algebraic manipulations involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing suggestions and corrections to each other's approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding substitution methods, and there is an ongoing exploration of different strategies to simplify the integral.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the types of assistance they can provide. There is also a noted confusion regarding the algebraic steps taken during the integration process.

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Homework Statement


Solve for indefinite integral of
(7x^3)/sqr(4+x^2)(dx)

Homework Equations


I just can't seem to find the right solution.


The Attempt at a Solution


First of all, we can just factor the 7 out of the integral for now since it is only a constant.
the inverse square root of (4+x^2) looks like arctan(x/2).
So I set 1/(4+x^2) up as dv, and so V would equal arctan(x/2). U is then x^3, and du is 3x^2.
However, the integrals just don't seem to simplify. Please help.
 
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how about looking at trig substitution - in particular what trig identity could simplfy the denominator
 
Substitution again. Try u=x^2+4. You have a left over x^2 in the numerator. But x^2=u-4. Try the easy stuff before you resort to the hard stuff.
 
I did it, and ended up with the integral of (u^2-4u) over square root of u, all multiplied by the constant 7/2. After a lengthy algebra session, I ended up with a huge answer, that wasn't correct... What did I do wrong?
 
I ended up with basically (u-4)*du/sqrt(u) forgetting the constants. What did you do? I think you have an extra u in the numerator which doesn't belong there.
 
Ah, there we go. I forgot to take out an x for du. Thanks.
 

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