How to Integrate Polynomials and Solve for Unknown Terms?

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Homework Help Overview

The thread discusses the integration of a rational function involving polynomials, specifically focusing on the integral of the expression \(\int{\frac{x^3+x^2+x-1}{x^2+2x+2}dx}\). Participants explore various methods for simplifying and integrating the expression.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss polynomial long division and suggest rewriting the denominator in a different form. There are mentions of using substitution methods and differentiating the denominator to simplify the integration process. Some participants express uncertainty about their approaches and the use of trigonometric identities.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with multiple participants offering different perspectives on how to approach the integral. Some guidance has been provided regarding substitution and recognizing patterns in the integrand, but no consensus has been reached on a single method.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential mistakes in their reasoning and express concerns about their understanding of trigonometric identities, indicating a learning environment where assumptions and methods are being critically examined.

Mr. Snookums
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[tex]\int{\frac{x^3+x^2+x-1}{x^2+2x+2}dx}[/tex]

I divided the polynomails and got:

[tex]\int{(x-1)dx}+\int{\frac{x+1}{x^2+2x+2}dx}[/tex]

This becomes:

[tex]x^2-x+\int{\frac{x}{x^+2x+2}dx}+\arctan{(x+2)}[/tex]

If I've done this right, how do I integrate the third term?

The arctan should have the (x+2) in brackets but I'm not too skilled in the use of Latex.
 
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Mr. Snookums said:
[tex]\int{\frac{x^3+x^2+x-1}{x^2+2x+2}dx}[/tex]

I divided the polynomails and got:

[tex]\int{(x-1)dx}+\int{\frac{x+1}{x^2+2x+2}dx}[/tex]

You can write the denominator as [itex](x+1)^2 + 1[/itex]. Thats one way out.
 
[tex]\int{(x-1)dx}+\int{\frac{x+1}{x^2+2x+2}dx}[/tex]

You may consider trying a u substition. It may turn up producing something that looks familiar.
 
[tex]\int{\frac{x+1}{x^2+2x+2}dx}[/tex]

There is actually a simple way of integrating this expression. Try differentiating the denominator. What do you observe?
 
There is actually a simple way of integrating this expression. Try differentiating the denominator. What do you observe?

Just change the denominator to (x+1)^2+1,

x+1=tan@

dx=sec^2 @ d@

You can then integrate

tan@sec^2@/(tan^2 @ +1) d@ which becomes

tan@sec^2@/sec^2 @ d@

thus you're left to integrate tan@ d@

I may have messed up on some trig identities here, it's been a while since I've worked with them.
 
I would recommend pizzasky's thoughts / process. Think about this integral;

[tex]\int\frac{f ' (x)}{f(x)} \;dx[/tex]

~H

Edit: Thank you Gokul, unfortunately that is a mistake I make often, infact I made it today in a mock exam but I'm lucky they don't penalise it in Physics (they did in my maths exam :frown: )
 
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GCT, it can be done your way, but the observation pointed out by pizzasky makes the computation trivial (you have the answer in a single step).

Edit : Didn't read Hoot's post when I wrote this.
 
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There is actually a simple way of integrating this expression. Try differentiating the denominator. What do you observe?
silly me, failed to catch on to that.
 
Ah, I see. Separating the second integral isn't needed because I can do it with substitution. Thank you.
 

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