How Can I Finish Integrating a Natural Log Using Integration by Parts?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on integrating the natural logarithm function, specifically \(\int \ln(2x+1) dx\), using integration by parts. The initial steps involve setting \(u = \ln(2x+1)\) and \(dv = dx\), leading to a partial result that includes \(\int \frac{2x}{2x+1} dx\). A more effective approach suggested involves substituting \(\theta = 2x + 1\), allowing for a clearer integration process. The final steps require substituting back to express the solution in terms of \(x\). The conversation emphasizes the importance of careful substitution and integration techniques in solving logarithmic integrals.
krusty the clown
[SOLVED] Integration of a natural log

I am asked to Integrate by parts

\int \ln(2x+1) dx

So,
\mbox{u}=ln(2x+1)
\mbox{du}=\frac{2}{2x+1}
\mbox{dv}=\mbox{dx}
\mbox{v}=\mbox{x}
I plug all of that in and I get,

{\int \ln(2x+1) dx\}={\mbox{x}\ln(2x+1)}-{\int \frac{2x}{2x+1} \mbox{dx}}

At this point I tried doing another substitution letting u equal 2x, but this just brought me back to the original question.
After this anything I try to do doesn't lead me anywhere. I know it can be solved because the answer is in the back of the book.
First, is what I have done so far correct?
Second, how do I finish the problem?
Any help you have would be greatly appreciated.

Erik
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try approaching it like this:

Let θ = 2x+1, so that your integral is:

\int{\ln\left(2x+1\right) dx} = 2\int{\ln\theta d\theta}

Now you can integrate by parts like you did before, with:

u = ln(θ) --> du = dθ/θ
dv = dθ --> v = θ

You should get:

2\left[ \theta\ln\theta - \theta \right]

as your result. Now all you have to do is plug θ = 2x+1 back into find the final indefinite integral.
 
jamesrc's suggestion is good. If you want to go ahead do it the way you were, you can actually do the division \frac{2x}{2x+1}= 1- \frac{1}{2x+1}. Of course, to do the integral of \frac{1}{2x+1}, make the substition u= 2x+1 (which gets you right back to jamesrc's suggestion).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
thanks for your help, I hate it when the answer is so obvious and I can't figure it out.

Thanks, Erik
 
One final question, when you substituted theda, shouldn't the constant in front of the integral be 1/2 instead of 2?

(using u instead of theda)

u=2x-1
du=2dx
dx=(1/2)du
 
Yes, it should be 1/2.
 
Yes, sorry about that. At least that proves that you know what you're doing.
 
Back
Top