How to find the integral of x^3 e^(x^2) / (x^2 + 1)^2 ?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the integral of the function \(\frac{x^3 e^{x^2}}{(x^2 + 1)^2}\). Participants explore various substitution methods and integration techniques within the context of calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss different substitution strategies, including letting \(u = x^2\) and exploring integration by parts. There is uncertainty about the effectiveness of these approaches, particularly regarding the use of partial fractions.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing hints and suggestions. Some express frustration over the complexity of the integral, while others propose alternative methods and question the assumptions behind their approaches.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of whether the integral is definite or indefinite, and some participants are unsure about the applicability of certain techniques, such as partial fractions, given their current understanding.

rocomath
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Ok wow, I can't solve this :(

\int\frac{x^3e^{x^2}}{(x^2+1)^2}dx

I have let u equal almost everything possible.

u=x^2
d=2xdx

u=e^{x^2}
\ln u=x^2
\frac{du}{u}=2xdx

u=x^2+1 \leftrightarrow u-1=x^2
\ln u=\ln{(x^2+1)}
\frac{du}{u}=\frac{2xdx}{x^2+1}
 
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rocomath, is the integral given as a definite integral? It is possible to find the value of the definite integral by using integration by parts (think about the change of variables a bit). I don't really see an easy u-substitution that's going to help you out, but maybe I'm just blind.
 
OH, lol. I forgot to include what dV was ...

But yes, I've been trying parts on it for a while now ... still nothing!
 
Hi rocomath! :smile:

Go with u=x^2 again …

you should get \int\frac{ue^u}{(1 + u)^2}du

Then use partial fractions, and try the obvious. :smile:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi rocomath! :smile:

Go with u=x^2 again …

you should get \int\frac{ue^u}{(1 + u)^2}du

Then use partial fractions, and try the obvious. :smile:
Uh! I didn't even think of using Partial Fractions bc the people in the group said they weren't doing that yet ... so frustrated, lol.

tiny-tim you're a life saver!
 
Ok ... so I have

\frac 1 2\int\frac{te^t}{(t+1)^2}dt

Now using Partial Fractions and leaving the constant 1/2 out for now:

\frac{te^t}{(t+1)^2}=\frac{A}{t+1}+\frac{B}{(t+1)^2}

te^t=A(t+1)+B

if t = -1

B=-\frac 1 e

I'm having a hard time solving for A ...

I know what B is, so if t = 0

A=-\frac 1 e ?

... hmm, definitely not right!

I've never done a problem that had a product on the left side.
 
Last edited:
The method of partial fractions won't work like it normally does here since you can't find integers A and B such that

t e^t = A (t + 1) + B

You can, however, solve for A and B in terms of your variable t, but it doesn't really make the problem any easier. We might find

B = - e^{-1}

And so plugging that into the equation above we find

A = \frac{t e^t - e^{-1}}{t + 1}

I still suggest trying the method of integration by parts. Hint: can you get the entire denominator (x^2+1)^2 into dv such that you can easily integrate it?
 
Ok, got it!

Uh, sucha killer. Thanks for the hint Acetv, whewww!
 
We still could have used ordinary partial fractions - I'm not sure why you thought it was even possible to find constants A and B for te^t = A(t+1) + B, but tiny-tims suggestion was to use partial fractions on what you've been taught to use it on - Rational functions.

IE Only the \frac{t}{(t+1)^2}. After that, multiply each term by e^t.

You should have got \frac{e^t}{t+1} - \frac{e^{t}}{(t+1)^2} = \frac{1}{e} \left( \frac{e^u}{u} - \frac{e^u}{u^2} \right) where u = t+1, which are simple to integrate.
 

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