How can I correctly solve the integral of (x^2)/((x^2+1)^2) step by step?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the integral of (x^2)/((x^2+1)^2) step by step. Participants are seeking clarification on the integration process, including techniques such as integration by parts and the derivation of the final answer.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the integral can be solved using integration by parts.
  • One participant provides a step-by-step breakdown of the integration process, leading to a proposed answer of (1/2)*(x/(x^2+1)) - (arctan(x))/2.
  • Another participant suggests that the original answer provided was correct but notes a mistake in the derivation regarding a dropped minus sign.
  • Some participants discuss different approaches to the integral, including separating it into parts and using trigonometric identities.
  • There is mention of the importance of including the constant of integration in the final answer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the proposed answers and the steps involved in the integration process. There is no clear consensus on a single correct method or answer, as multiple approaches and interpretations are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some steps in the integration process are noted as potentially unclear or incorrect, with participants pointing out mistakes in earlier claims without reaching a resolution on the final answer.

Alexx1
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The answer of the integral of (x^2)/((x^2+1)^2) is (1/2)(arctan(x)-(x/x^2+1))

In class, we've seen the steps to solve this integral, but I don't understand certain steps..
Can someone explain me how to solve this integral, step by step?
 
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If you can post the steps and point out those that you didn't understand then I'm sure someone can help you.

BTW. The easiest way to do that one is "integration by parts". Have you learned this technique yet?
 
uart said:
If you can post the steps and point out those that you didn't understand then I'm sure someone can help you.

BTW. The easiest way to do that one is "integration by parts". Have you learned this technique yet?

Sure, no problem, here are the steps:

Integral((x^2)/((x^2+1)^2)dx)
= (1/2)*Integral(x d(1/(x^2+1))
= (1/2)*(x/(x^2+1))-(1/2)*Integral(1/(x^2+1)dx)
= (1/2)*(x/(x^2+1))-(arctan(x))/2

Last step is the answer

(The answer I said earlier was wrong, this is the correct answer:(1/2)*(x/(x^2+1))-(arctan(x))/2)

Thank you
 
\int\frac{x^2}{(x^2 + 1)^2} = \int x \frac{x}{(x^2 + 1)^2}

Using ∫u v' = uv - ∫v u',
let u = x and v' = x/(x2 + 1)2
 
It's basically separating it into parts ie.\int \frac{x^2}{(x^2+1)^2}\rightarrow \int \frac{x}{1}.\frac{x}{(x^2+1)^2}\equiv x(x. \sin(\arctan(x)))

as

\frac{x}{1}=\frac{1}{2}x^2

and x\frac{x}{(1+x)^2}=x.\sin(\arctan(x))

By the trig identity.

Thus the answer is:

\int\frac{x^2}{(x^2+1)^2}=-\frac{1}{2}.\frac{x}{(x^2+1)}+\frac{1}{2}\arctan(x)+C

Don't forget the constant of integration, it's a silly way to loose marks. :smile:
 
Last edited:
Thank you both!
 
Alexx1 said:
Thank you both!

np Bhorok's answer is more elegant and easier, but I thought you might need a long winded explanation and there's often more than one way to swing a cat I guess. Hope it helped. :smile:
 
Alexx1 said:
The answer of the integral of (x^2)/((x^2+1)^2) is (1/2)(arctan(x)-(x/x^2+1))

In class, we've seen the steps to solve this integral, but I don't understand certain steps..
Can someone explain me how to solve this integral, step by step?

since you have the answer, take its derivative & work backwards. that's how to figure it out. just don't show anyone your rough work :-p
 
Alexx1 said:
Sure, no problem, here are the steps:

Integral((x^2)/((x^2+1)^2)dx)
= (1/2)*Integral(x d(-1[/color]/(x^2+1))
= (-1[/color]/2)*(x/(x^2+1)) -[/color](1/2)*Integral(1/(x^2+1)dx)
= -[/color](1/2)*(x/(x^2+1))+[/color](arctan(x))/2

Last step is the answer

(The answer I said earlier was wrong, this is the correct answer:(1/2)*(x/(x^2+1))-(arctan(x))/2)

Thank you

No the original answer was correct, you dropped a minus sign in the first line of this derivation.
 

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