Integral Calculus Antiderivative Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding the antiderivative of the integral \(\int \frac{dx}{x^3 - 2x^2 + 4x - 18}\). Participants emphasize the need to factor the denominator to apply Partial Fraction Decomposition effectively. Attempts to factor using the Rational Root Theorem and Synthetic Division were unsuccessful. The conversation also touches on the potential use of Numerical Integration, despite it not being covered in the class, indicating a gap in the participants' understanding of the problem-solving techniques required for this integral.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Integral Calculus, specifically antiderivatives
  • Familiarity with Partial Fraction Decomposition techniques
  • Knowledge of the Rational Root Theorem
  • Experience with Synthetic Division for polynomial factorization
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for factoring cubic polynomials
  • Learn about Partial Fraction Decomposition in detail
  • Explore Numerical Integration techniques and their applications
  • Study advanced substitution methods in integral calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students in Calculus II, mathematics educators, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of integral calculus and polynomial factorization techniques.

xskull
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Homework Statement



Find the antiderivative of:

[tex]\int \frac{dx}{x^3 - 2x^2 + 4x - 18}[/tex]

Homework Equations



This was asked in my Calculus II class right after we finished dealing with Solving for
Integrals using Partial Fractioning.

The Attempt at a Solution



This is really more of an algebra question as all I need to know are the factors
of the denominator to be able to start applying Partial Fractions.

I've been browsing the internet for ways to factor this. I read about the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rational_root_theorem"
and used Synthetic Division for every root that the theorem gave me, but to no avail.

I also tried simplifying the equation, although it didn't looked simplified, but letting
x = y + 2/3
then letting
y = z - (8/3)/9z
to produce the equation: 729z^6 - 11610z^3 - 512
Doing the above doesn't help me much, though.

Someone advised me to apply Numerical Integration, I don't know why since we haven't discussed about it yet.

I'm starting to wonder if this can be solved. Please advise.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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xskull said:

Homework Statement



Find the antiderivative of:

[tex]\int \frac{dx}{x^3 - 2x^2 + 4x - 18}[/tex]

Homework Equations



This was asked in my Calculus II class right after we finished dealing with Solving for
Integrals using Partial Fractioning.

The Attempt at a Solution



This is really more of an algebra question as all I need to know are the factors
of the denominator to be able to start applying Partial Fractions.

I've been browsing the internet for ways to factor this. I read about the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rational_root_theorem"
and used Synthetic Division for every root that the theorem gave me, but to no avail.

I also tried simplifying the equation, although it didn't looked simplified, but letting
x = y + 2/3
then letting
y = z - (8/3)/9z
to produce the equation: 729z^6 - 11610z^3 - 512
Doing the above doesn't help me much, though.

Someone advised me to apply Numerical Integration, I don't know why since we haven't discussed about it yet.

I'm starting to wonder if this can be solved. Please advise.

I'm curious, what compelled you to make those substitutions for x,y,z? And now let w=z3...
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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