How Do You Solve This Integral Using Partial Fractions and U-Substitution?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the integral ∫(x+5)/(x^2+4x+8)dx using techniques such as partial fractions and u-substitution. Participants are exploring methods to simplify the integral and identify the correct approach to reach a solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest completing the square in the denominator and rewriting the numerator to facilitate the integration process. There is a focus on transforming the integral through substitution and examining the resulting expressions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on manipulating the integral, while others are actively working through their reasoning and transformations. There is a sense of collaboration as they check each other's work and confirm steps taken.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of preparing for finals and are seeking to reinforce their understanding of integration techniques. There is an emphasis on ensuring the correctness of their antiderivatives and the inclusion of the arbitrary constant in their final expressions.

Nick20
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Hey! Need some help on an integral I've been trying to solve. I haven't been working enough with my math, so I am working on catching up before finals..

I was working with partial fractions and u substitution when I couldn't figure this one out:

∫(x+5)/(x^2+4x+8)dx

it's not that hard but I am missing one small detail in order to solve it, I am sure.

I believe the answer has something to do with

∫1/(a^2+x^2)dx = 1/a arctan(x/a) + C

Thanks
 
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1. Complete the square in the denominator!
2. In the numerator, write 5=2+3, and then see if an idea pops up in how to solve the problem!
:smile:
 
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arildno said:
1. Complete the square in the denominator!
2. In the numerator, write 5=2+3, and then see if an idea pops up in how to solve the problem!
:smile:

Sooo if I say:

∫(x+2+3)/((x+2)^2+4)dx and substitute x+2 with u, and dx with du

∫(u+3)/(u^2+4)du am I on the right track? I'll have it done in a minute and check the answer.

thanks.

************EDIT****************

lots of stuff happened and then:

1/2 ln((x+2)^2+4) + 3/2 arctan((x+2)/2) ?
 
Last edited:
You can check your antiderivative by differentiating it. If you end up with the original integrand, you're golden.
 
Nick20 said:
Sooo if I say:

∫(x+2+3)/((x+2)^2+4)dx and substitute x+2 with u, and dx with du

∫(u+3)/(u^2+4)du am I on the right track? I'll have it done in a minute and check the answer.

thanks.

************EDIT****************

lots of stuff happened and then:

1/2 ln((x+2)^2+4) + 3/2 arctan((x+2)/2) ?
The right stuff happened!
:smile:
 
Nick20 said:
Sooo if I say:

∫(x+2+3)/((x+2)^2+4)dx and substitute x+2 with u, and dx with du

∫(u+3)/(u^2+4)du am I on the right track? I'll have it done in a minute and check the answer.

thanks.

************EDIT****************

lots of stuff happened and then:

1/2 ln((x+2)^2+4) + 3/2 arctan((x+2)/2) ?

Don't forget the arbitrary constant +C :devil:
 
R136a1 said:
Don't forget the arbitrary constant +C :devil:

Don't worry, I didn't :) I just forgot to write it here :)
 

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