How Can I Solve This Integral Using u-Substitution?

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∫1/(10p-p^2)dp

i tried using the u of substitution but for some reason I am unable to isolate dp and get an equation in terms of du which i could then plug into the integral and take the antiderivative.
 
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Since there is a p2 in the denominator, the first thing that comes to mind is
\int \frac{1}{1 + p^2} \, dp = \arctan(p)

So I would try completing the square, i.e. write it as
k \cdot \int \frac{1}{1 + u^2} \, du
where u = (p + a) / b.
 
CompuChip said:
Since there is a p2 in the denominator, the first thing that comes to mind is
\int \frac{1}{1 + p^2} \, dp = \arctan(p)

So I would try completing the square, i.e. write it as
k \cdot \int \frac{1}{1 + u^2} \, du
where u = (p + a) / b.

not quite sure where you got u=(p+a)/b
 
CompuChip said:
Since there is a p2 in the denominator, the first thing that comes to mind is
\int \frac{1}{1 + p^2} \, dp = \arctan(p)

So I would try completing the square, i.e. write it as
k \cdot \int \frac{1}{1 + u^2} \, du
where u = (p + a) / b.

do you mean i should factor out a 10 from denominator which would give me:

(1/10)∫1/(p-(p^2)/10)dp
 
No, start by writing 10p - p2 as (p - a)2 + b.
 
By the way, I was assuming that you know the arctan integral. If not, you could try splitting fractions, i.e. writing
\frac{10p - p^2} = \frac{A}{10p} - \frac{B}{p^2}
 
I would like get this into a Ln function instead of using arctan
 
CompuChip said:
By the way, I was assuming that you know the arctan integral. If not, you could try splitting fractions, i.e. writing
\frac{10p - p^2} = \frac{A}{10p} - \frac{B}{p^2}

are you using a partial fraction decomp in this case. if so that would be my preferred choice at getting to a solution.
 
CompuChip said:
No, start by writing 10p - p2 as (p - a)2 + b.

when i find the perfect square how do i find what the perferct square would be. I don't even know where to start. i punched the problem into wolfram and it completed the square of denom by turning

1/(10p-p^2) which i guess is equal to 1/(25-(x-5)^2), how do i do this?
 
  • #10
OK in that case first try with the partial fraction decomposition, once you have arrived at the solution I will show you the method I was thinking of initially for completeness.
 
  • #11
CompuChip said:
By the way, I was assuming that you know the arctan integral. If not, you could try splitting fractions, i.e. writing
\frac{10p - p^2} = \frac{A}{10p} - \frac{B}{p^2}

I'm sure you mean
$$ \frac{1}{p(10 - p)} = \frac{A}{p} + \frac{B}{10 - p}$$
 
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