How Can I Solve This Integral Using u-Substitution?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the integral ∫1/(10p-p^2)dp using various techniques, including u-substitution, completing the square, and partial fraction decomposition. Participants explore different approaches and express uncertainty about the methods and steps involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in isolating dp for u-substitution in the integral ∫1/(10p-p^2)dp.
  • Another participant suggests completing the square and relates the integral to the arctan function, proposing a transformation involving u = (p + a) / b.
  • There is a question about the specific form of u = (p + a) / b, indicating some confusion about the substitution process.
  • A participant proposes factoring out a 10 from the denominator to simplify the integral.
  • Another participant suggests rewriting the expression as a perfect square and expresses uncertainty about how to find the perfect square.
  • One participant mentions a preference for using a natural logarithm function instead of arctan for the solution.
  • There is a discussion about using partial fraction decomposition as a method to approach the integral.
  • Participants discuss the possibility of splitting fractions to facilitate the integration process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on how to approach the integral, including different methods such as u-substitution, completing the square, and partial fraction decomposition. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on the best method.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about specific mathematical steps, such as completing the square and the application of partial fraction decomposition. There are also references to external tools like Wolfram for assistance, indicating varying levels of familiarity with the techniques discussed.

nick.martinez
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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
[tex]\int \frac{1}{1 + p^2} \, dp = \arctan(p)[/tex]

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

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

So I would try completing the square, i.e. write it as
[tex]k \cdot \int \frac{1}{1 + u^2} \, du[/tex]
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
[tex]\frac{10p - p^2} = \frac{A}{10p} - \frac{B}{p^2}[/tex]
 
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
[tex]\frac{10p - p^2} = \frac{A}{10p} - \frac{B}{p^2}[/tex]

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
[tex]\frac{10p - p^2} = \frac{A}{10p} - \frac{B}{p^2}[/tex]

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

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