How Do I Integrate ln(4x) / 2x?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function ln(4x) / 2x, exploring various methods and approaches to solve the integral. Participants share their attempts and reasoning related to integration techniques, particularly integration by parts and substitution methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty with integration by parts, feeling it leads to a complicated expression.
  • Another participant suggests using the derivative of ln(x) as a hint for a simpler approach.
  • A third participant proposes a substitution method, letting 4x = y, and derives an expression involving ln(y).
  • Some participants argue against using integration by parts, suggesting that it may not be the most informative method for this problem.
  • Another participant attempts to clarify their u-substitution process, noting a discrepancy with the results obtained from integration by parts.
  • There is a correction regarding the placement of constants when pulling them out of the integral, indicating a potential misunderstanding in the integration process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for solving the integral. There are competing views on the effectiveness of integration by parts versus substitution, and some participants express confusion about the results derived from different approaches.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the integration steps and the handling of constants during substitution. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding and interpretation of integration techniques.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in calculus, particularly those learning about integration techniques and seeking different methods to approach integrals.

metalmagik
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This integration might be very simple but I feel like I'm missing something here. I tried integration by parts but I ended up with a mess, x on top of x and the integral never came out without two x's as a product of each other.

\int\frac{ln(4x)}{2x}

Any help is appreciated, I'm trying to learn Calculus myself.
 
Last edited:
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Hint: what is d/dx(ln(x))?
 
let 4x=y

=>

\int\frac{ln 4x}{2x}dx = \frac{1}{2}\int\frac{lny}{y} dy

integrate by parts :

lny = u , dv=\frac{dy}{y}

=>

du=\frac{dy}{y} , v=lny

=>

\int\frac{ln y}{y} dy = {(lny)}^2 - \int\frac{ln y}{y} dy

=>

\int\frac{ln y}{y} dy = \frac{1}{2} {(lny)}^2

=>


\int\frac{ln 4x}{2x}dx = \frac{1}{4} {(ln4x)}^2 +C
 
Last edited:
No, do NOT integrate by parts. Use maze's hint.
 
ok , maze's hint is smart , but i thought integrating by parts would be more informative as metalmagik said that he is learning !
 
Whoa, I didn't even know anyone replied to this yet.

Well mmzaj's strategy looks like it works, but d/dx of ln(x) is 1/x...

if I use u substitution for this problem, I get u = ln(4x), du = 1/x dx

So, I have to put a 2 outside the integral to balance.

2\intu du
2 \frac{u^2}{2}

Then the 2's cancel out and I'm left with u^2 or ln(4x)^2. But this is not what mmzaj got from integration by parts.

Unless my u-substitution is off...

Why is there a problem?
 
f(x)=ln(u) f'(x)=u'/u
 
The 2 should be in the denominator when you pull it out, and then multiplying by the 1/2 from u^2/2, that gets the factor of 1/4.
 

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