How Do You Solve This Complex Indefinite Integral?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the complex indefinite integral \(\int \frac{2x^3-1}{x+x^4}dx\). Participants explore various approaches, including substitution, partial fraction decomposition, and manipulation of the integrand.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an initial approach to the integral, breaking it down into parts and expressing uncertainty at a specific substitution step.
  • Another participant suggests a potential solution for the integral involving the substitution \(t=\log{x}\) and manipulates the integral into a different form.
  • Multiple participants provide the same partial fraction decomposition of the integrand, indicating a possible method to simplify the integral.
  • One participant discusses a general approach for integrals of the form \(\int \frac{1}{x^p+x}dx\), suggesting a method involving factoring and substitution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on a single method to solve the integral, as participants propose different approaches and express varying levels of confidence in their solutions.

Contextual Notes

Some approaches rely on specific substitutions or manipulations that may not be universally applicable, and the discussion includes multiple interpretations of the integral's structure.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in advanced calculus, integral evaluation techniques, or those preparing for mathematical competitions may find the discussion relevant.

mathworker
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This is the integral I am trying to evaluate. I would very much appreciate any help. \[\int \frac{2x^3-1}{x+x^4}dx\]
MY APPROACH:
\[\int \frac{2x^3-1}{x+x^4}dx\]
\[\int \frac{1}{2}.(\frac{4x^3+1}{x^4+x}-\frac{3}{x^4+x})dx\]
\[\frac{1}{2}\log{x+x^4}-\frac{1}{2}\int \frac{3}{x^4+x})dx\]
now we have to find,
\[\int \frac{3}{x^4+x}dx\]
let,
\[t=\log{x}\]
\[dt=\frac{dx}{x}\]
\[\int \frac{3}{x^4+x}dx=\int \frac{3}{1+e^{3t}}dt\]
i am stuck at this point:confused:
 
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Re: an indefinite integral

okay wait i think i got it
$$\int \frac{1}{1+e^{3t}}dt$$
$$\int \frac{1+e^{3t}}{1+e^{3t}}dt-\int \frac{e^{3t}}{1+e^{3t}}dt$$
$$t-\frac{log{1+e^{3t}}}{3}$$
sorry for trouble,(Tmi)
 
Re: an indefinite integral

The partial fraction decomposition of the integrand is:

$$\frac{2x-1}{x^2-x+1}-\frac{1}{x}+\frac{1}{x+1}$$
 
Re: an indefinite integral

MarkFL said:
The partial fraction decomposition of the integrand is:

$$\frac{2x-1}{x^2-x+1}-\frac{1}{x}+\frac{1}{x+1}$$

may be this is the real thought behind he question as it was asked in a competition
 
Re: an indefinite integral

Integrals of the form $$\int \frac {1}{x^p+x}dx$$ by taking $ x^p , p> 0$ as a coomon factor so we get $$\int \frac {\frac {1}{x^p}}{1 + \frac {1}{x^{p-1}}} dx$$ . Now it is easy to use a substitution or realize the numerator is the derivative of the denominator after multiplying by a constant .
 
Last edited:

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