How Do You Correctly Solve This Definite Integral Problem?

AI Thread Summary
To evaluate the definite integral ∫^1_0 (dx/(x+1)^2), the correct approach involves using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The integral simplifies to -1/(x+1) evaluated from 0 to 1, yielding the result of 1/2. There was confusion regarding the integration limits and the evaluation process, as the integral should not depend on the variable x. Properly applying the limits shows that the final answer is indeed 1/2. The discussion highlights the importance of careful evaluation and understanding of integration limits.
courtrigrad
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If I want to evaluate: \int^1_0 \frac {dx}{(x+1)^2} I need to use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus right? SO wouldn't I have to solve \int^b_a <br /> \frac{dx}{(x+1)^2} = \frac{(x+1)^3}{3} = \frac {8}{3} - \frac {1}{3}? But the answer is \frac {1}{2}
 
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There are a lot of errors there.How about making a substitution ??

Daniel.

P.S.You evaluated wrongly another integral,not the one u were supposed to...
 
you're gona integrate that function.
between the limits 1 and 0
1/(x+1)^2 is the same as (x+1)^-2 {to the power neg two}
when you integrate you add 1 to the power

(x+1)^(-2+1) {to the power neg one}
and then divide by this new value of the power
(x+1)^-1
-1
rearanging the equation gives -1/(x+1)
when you sub 1 for x you get -1/2
when you sub 0 for x you get 1
-1/2 + 1 you get 1/2
 
I got it. It's \int^1_0 \frac {dx}{(x+1)^2} = \frac {-1}{x+1}
So F(1) - F(0) = \frac {1}{2}
 
courtrigrad said:
I got it. It's \int^1_0 \frac {dx}{(x+1)^2} = \frac {-1}{x+1}

Not really...What about the integration limits?

As for the limit part,could u rewrite it in an intelligible form...?

Daniel.
 
I am not sure what you mean. I was just using the fact that \int^b_a f(u) \ du = F(b) - F(a). Why wouldn't my answer be correct?

Thanks
 
Because it shouldn't depend on "x"...It should be a real number...Not a function...

Daniel.
 
Where did the rest of the limit go??

Daniel.
 
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