How to Integrate sqrt(x^2+1) Using the u-Substitution Method?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function sqrt(x^2+1) using various methods, including u-substitution and integration by parts. Participants explore different approaches to tackle the integral without arriving at a final solution.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest using trigonometric substitutions, such as x=tan[y] and x=sinh[u], to simplify the integral. Others propose integration by parts, questioning the setup and the choice of u and v in the integration process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various methods being explored. Some participants offer guidance on how to proceed with integration by parts, while others highlight potential mistakes in the application of these methods. There is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the effectiveness of their chosen methods, and there are indications of confusion regarding the integration process and the setup of the integral.

subwaybusker
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Homework Statement



integral: sqrt(x^2+1)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I tried using x=tan[y], dx=sec^2[y]dy

Integral:
sqrt(tan^2[y]+1)sec^2[y]dy
=sec^3[y]dy
=(tan^2[y]+1)(sec[y])dy
=(tan^2[y]sec[y]+sec[y])dy

and then i was stuck.
 
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From

\int sec^3 y dy

Write it as

\int (secy) (sec^2y dy)

and then use integration by parts.
 
I would write sec(y)^3 as dy/cos(y)^3=cos(y)dy/cos(y)^4=cos(y)*dy/(1-sin(y)^2)^2. Putting u=sin(y) that becomes du/(1-u^2)^2. Now use partial fractions.
 
subwaybusker, Do you know about hyperbolic trig functions? I would let x=\sinh u.
 
Well, my way of approaching this integral would be,
\int \sqrt{x^2+1} . 1

So, now the above integral can be solved by using integral by parts, try doing it!

P.S: Here,u=\sqrt{x^2+1} and v=1.
 
psykatic said:
Well, my way of approaching this integral would be,
\int \sqrt{x^2+1} . 1

So, now the above integral can be solved by using integral by parts, try doing it!

P.S: Here,u=\sqrt{x^2+1} and v=1.

Ok, so after an integration by parts, now you have to integrate x^2/sqrt(x^2+1). How is that a simplification? I think you are doing the parts integration wrong. You need to have u=sqrt(x^2+1) and v=x.
 
Nope, once you have,
\int \sqrt{x^2+1}. 1~ =~ x\sqrt{x^2+1}~-~\int \frac{x^2}{\sqrt{x^2+1}}

Add and subtract 1 in the numerator, that'll help you, I'd solve it further if you want!
 
Last edited:
Well, putting back in our differentails, which is a bad idea to forget, and evaluting the trivial integral, our integral I through your method is given by

I = \frac{(x^2+1)^{\frac{3}{2}}}{3} - I + \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2+1}}} dx

So Now you have to integrate that last integral, which takes the same substitution as suggested earlier. This method is not the shortest way.
 
Well, Gibz thanks for making me realize my mistake! There shouldn't have been any integral before x.\sqrt{x^2+1}, my bad :sad:

Thats already integrated, going according to the rule it'd be:
\int u.v=~u\int v -\int \frac{\delta u}{\delta x} \int v

so, considering,<br /> u=\sqrt{x^2+1} and v=1,

it'd be
x.\sqrt{x^2+1} -\int\frac{1}{2\sqrt(x^2+1)}.2x.x
where, 2 gets canceled in the numerator and the denominator, and the sum continues..
 

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