How Do You Integrate 1/√(x^3 + x^2 + x + 1) dx?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{x^3 + x^2 + x + 1}} \, dx##, exploring various methods and approaches to tackle this integral. Participants also touch upon related integrals and the concept of elliptic integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests rewriting the polynomial as ##(x^2+1)(x+1)## and considering a substitution like ##x^2+1=u##.
  • Another participant notes the importance of specifying bounds for the integral, referencing Wolfram Alpha's output.
  • Elliptic integrals are mentioned as a relevant concept for this type of integration.
  • There is a discussion about the integral's complexity and its absence from standard calculus textbooks, with a request for recommendations on resources that cover such integrals.
  • A participant introduces a different integral, ##\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^3 + 6x^2 + 11x + 6}} \, dx##, seeking similar hints and clues.
  • One participant mentions using Wolfram Alpha to gauge the complexity of integrals and provides links to resources for definite integrals, despite the language barrier.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various approaches and ideas regarding the integration, but no consensus is reached on a specific method or solution. Multiple competing views and techniques are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need for specific bounds for the integral to ensure a finite and real result, while others discuss the complexity of the integrals involved and their relation to elliptic functions.

askor
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How do you integrate ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{x^3 + x^2 + x + 1}} \, dx##?

Please give me some hints and clues.

Thank you
 
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I would write the polynomial as ##(x^2+1)(x+1)## and try a suitable substitution like ##x^2+1=u## or similar.
 
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Do you have specific bounds to integrate between? Wolfram alpha suggests the answer to this is you do not.
 
Elliptic integrals!
 
For
x^3+x^2+x+1 \ge 0
x \ge -1
You should take care of integral interval for finite and real result.
 
askor said:
How do you integrate ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{x^3 + x^2 + x + 1}} \, dx##?

Please give me some hints and clues.
It's a pretty interesting subject, elliptic integrals and functions if you're into that sort of thing. Check Wikipedia article: Elliptic integrals

. . . , with the appropriate reduction formula, every elliptic integral can be brought into a form that involves integrals over rational functions and the three Legendre canonical forms (i.e. the elliptic integrals of the first, second and third kind).

So it looks like you can express your integand as rational functions and the first, second, and third elliptical integrals and compute them using arithemetic-geometric means as per the reference. Sounds like an interesting research project but looks like it would take a bit of effort.
 
So, it's an advance integration that did not taught in standard Calculus textbook, am I right?

May I know what book that teach an integration like this?
 
What about this?

$$\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^3 + 6x^2 + 11x + 6}} \, dx$$

How do you integrate above?

Please give me a clues and hints.
 

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