How Do You Integrate 1/(x^2 * (1 + x^2))?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function \( \frac{1}{x^2(1+x^2)} \). Participants explore various methods of integration, including the use of partial fractions and trigonometric substitution. The conversation includes both mathematical reasoning and verification of steps involved in the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a solution to the integral, providing a detailed breakdown of the steps involved.
  • Another participant points out a potential error regarding a missing minus sign in the solution.
  • A different participant suggests that partial fractions were used in the integration process, although this is not explicitly confirmed.
  • One participant mentions using the expand function on a calculator to assist in the integration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is some disagreement regarding the correctness of the initial solution due to the noted missing minus sign. However, one participant later confirms the solution as correct, indicating a lack of consensus on the initial steps.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the application of partial fractions and the implications of the missing minus sign. The discussion does not fully clarify the steps taken in the integration process.

karush
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Whitman 8.3.9
$$\displaystyle
\int\frac{1 }{{x}^{2}\left(1+{x}^{2}\right)} \ dx
=-\arctan\left({x}\right)-\frac{1}{x}+C $$
Expand
$$\displaystyle
\int\frac{1}{{x}^{2}}\ dx
-\int \frac{1}{{x}^{2}+1}dx $$

Solving
$$\displaystyle
\int\frac{1}{{x}^{2}}\ dx =-\frac{1}{x}+C$$
Solving
$$x=\tan\left({u}\right) \ \ \ \ dx=\sec^2 \left({u}\right)\ du $$
$$\displaystyle -\int \frac{1}{{x}^{2}+1}dx
=-\int \frac{1}{\tan^2{u} +1}\sec^2 \left({u}\right)\ du
=\int 1 \ du
=u=-\arctan\left({x}\right)$$
Then...
$$\displaystyle -\arctan\left({x}\right)-\frac{1}{x}+C $$
 
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You dropped a minus sign. Other than that it looks good.
 
karush said:
Whitman 8.3.9
$$\displaystyle
\int\frac{1 }{{x}^{2}\left(1+{x}^{2}\right)} \ dx
=-\arctan\left({x}\right)-\frac{1}{x}+C $$
Expand
$$\displaystyle
\int\frac{1}{{x}^{2}}\ dx
-\int \frac{1}{{x}^{2}+1}dx $$

I'm assuming you used Partial Fractions to do this...

Solving
$$\displaystyle
\int\frac{1}{{x}^{2}}\ dx =-\frac{1}{x}+C$$
Solving
$$x=\tan\left({u}\right) \ \ \ \ dx=\sec^2 \left({u}\right)\ du $$
$$\displaystyle -\int \frac{1}{{x}^{2}+1}dx
=-\int \frac{1}{\tan^2{u} +1}\sec^2 \left({u}\right)\ du
=\int 1 \ du
=u=-\arctan\left({x}\right)$$
Then...
$$\displaystyle -\arctan\left({x}\right)-\frac{1}{x}+C $$

This is correct, well done :)
 
Actually I used the expand function on the TI-Nspire😎😎
 

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