Impossible Integral: Integrate 1/(x^2-1)^0.5

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The integral of the function 1/(x^2-1)^0.5 can be effectively solved using trigonometric or hyperbolic substitutions. Specifically, the substitution x=sec(u) or x=cosh(u) simplifies the integration process. Rationalizing the fraction and splitting the equation can complicate the solution unnecessarily. The discussion emphasizes the importance of choosing the right substitution for efficient integration.

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Badrakhandama
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1. integrate 1/(1+(xx-1)^0.5)

I.E. Integrate 1 over the sqaure root of( x^2 - 1)




2. I started by rationalizing the fraction and then i split the equation into two. I THEN let x = root2 (tanh(u)) for the 1/(xx-2) fraction, and have no idea what to do from there :S

 
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Not sure why you would do all that. Just start with:

\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2-1}} dx

And use the substitution x=sec(u) or the hyperbolic trig substitution x=cosh(u). Either one will work.
 

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