How Do You Solve This Complex Indefinite Integral?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Illusionist
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integrals
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the indefinite integral of the function (2x-13)/[(x^2-2x+4)^0.5]. Participants are exploring various approaches to tackle this integral, as well as a related integral involving the expression [1+(1/t)]^5/(t^2).

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts substitution with u=x^2-2x+4 and questions the validity of their resulting expression. Some participants suggest rewriting the integral to facilitate the substitution process. Others propose manipulating the second integral into a different form for easier handling.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively providing guidance on how to approach the integrals, with some suggesting specific substitutions and transformations. There is a recognition of the need for further clarification on certain steps, particularly regarding the completion of the square and the implications of the substitutions made.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of substitutions and the resulting forms of the integrals. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their approach and the correctness of their results, highlighting the exploratory nature of the discussion.

Illusionist
Messages
34
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Hi, I'm having trouble finding the indefinite integral of an equation.

Homework Equations


The function is (2x-13)/[(x^2-2x+4)^0.5]

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought it was a good idea to let u=x^2-2x+4, hence du/dx= 2x-2.
From that I got [-11/(u^0.5)].du but evaluating this gives me -22(u^0.5), which I don't believe is right.
Did I make a silly mistake or is my approach completely wrong? I am also having similar trouble finding the integral of [1+(1/t)]^5/(t^2).

Any help or advice would be very much appreciated, thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your approach is correct, but you need rewrite the integral slightly.

[tex]\int{\frac{2x-13}{\sqrt{x^2-2x+4}}}[/tex]

[tex]\int{\frac{2x-2}{\sqrt{x^2-2x+4}}} + \int{\frac{-11dx}{\sqrt{x^2-2x+4}}}[/tex]

Now substitute [itex]u=x^2-2x+4[/itex], in the first integral.
As for the other integral, you can rewrite 1 + (1/t) as (t+1)/t.
 
Last edited:
for your second q, i would manipulate it to look like (t+1)^5/t^7 and use binominal expansion for the top.
 
[tex]\int \frac{2x-13}{\sqrt{x^2- 2x+ 4}} dx= \int \frac{2x-2}{\sqrt{x^2- 2x+4}} dx- \int \frac{11}{\sqrt{x^2-2x+ 4}}dx[/tex]
Since the derivative of x2- 2x+ 4 is 2x- 2, the first can be done with the substitution u= x2-2x+ 4, but the second cannot.

Rewrite x2- 2x+ 4 as x2-2x+ 1+ 3= (x-1)2+3 (in other words, complete the square), let [itex]v= \sqrt{3}(x-1)[/itex] and then use a trig substitution
 
HallsofIvy said:
and then use a trig substitution
Or as dexter would say, use a hyperbolic trig substitution. :biggrin:
 
Thank you soo much for all the help guys.
One question about HallsofIvy's comment. I understand why and how you completed the square. But don't understand why v=sq.rt.3(x-1). Now dv/dx=sq.rt.3. If I substitute this into the denominator I get a function that I don't know what to do with.
I tried to use standard integrals and basically pulled the 11 in front of the integration sign and was left with 1/[(x-1)^2+(3^0.5)^2]^0.5. Which using standard integral formula I was left with arcsinh[(x-1)/(3^0.5)]+c.
Again I suspect I am wrong with this approach.
 
(-11)arcsinh[(x-1)/(3^0.5)]+c is correct.
 
Great. Thanks again everyone.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
2K