Integral of Rational Exponential

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SUMMARY

The integral $$\int_{0}^{1} \frac{e^{x}}{1 + e^{2x}} \,dx$$ can be solved using the substitution $$u = e^{x}$$, which transforms the integral into $$\int_1^e \frac{1}{1+u^2}\,du$$. This substitution simplifies the problem significantly, allowing the use of the known antiderivative of arctangent, $$\int \frac{1}{1 + u^2} du = \arctan(u) + C$$. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing suitable substitutions to facilitate integration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic calculus concepts, including integration and substitution techniques.
  • Familiarity with exponential functions and their derivatives.
  • Knowledge of the arctangent function and its integral.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving exponents.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of substitution in integrals more thoroughly.
  • Learn about the properties and applications of the arctangent function.
  • Practice solving integrals involving exponential functions and rational expressions.
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, such as integration by parts and trigonometric substitutions.
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Students studying calculus, particularly those preparing for exams or needing assistance with integration techniques. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their problem-solving skills in calculus.

Jarhead1
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Hi,

I'm new to this forum. This semester I took Calculus I and just took the final yesterday. There were a few questions that were unexpected that I didn't know how to handle. This integral has got me stumped.$$\int_{0}^{1} e^{x}/(1 + e^{2x}) \,dx$$

The techniques I know at this point include u substitution and the table of integral rules which I'm sure is limited at this point. $$\int e^{x}dx$$ is $$e^{x}+C$$ but that doesn't help with $$1/ (1 + e^{2x})$$. I tried u sub of $$u = 1 + e^{2x}$$ but $$du/2e^{2x} = dx $$ doesn't help. I end up with this integral with a u sub and $$e^{-x}$$ .

$$1/2 \int_{0}^{1} 1/u \cdot e^{-x} \,du$$ Note: $$e^{x}/e^{2x} = e^{-x}$$

Maybe there is a technique we haven't learned yet or I missed something.

Thanks in advance
 
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Re: Intergral of Rational Exponential

... does this form of a function's derivative look familiar?

$\dfrac{u'}{1+u^2}$
 
Re: Intergral of Rational Exponential

No I have not seen that exact form. It looks similar to the anti-derivative of arctan:

$$\int \frac{1}{1 + {x}^{2}} dx = arctan$$

Not sure where the $${u}^{'} $$ comes from unless you are referring to the du from the u substitution in prime notation.

In du notation: $$\int \frac{1}{1 + {u}^{2}} du$$

The problem is getting the $$e^{2x} $$ to replace the $$e^{x}$$ in this case... ? Derivative of $$e^{2x}$$ is $$2e^{2x}$$ which doesn't replace the $$e^{x}$$ unless I am doing it wrong.
 
What skeeter is suggesting is to let:

$$u=e^x\implies du=e^x\,dx$$

And the integral becomes:

$$\int_1^e \frac{1}{1+u^2}\,du$$
 
If you haven't seen it before...

$$\begin{align*}y&=\arctan(x) \\
\tan(y)&=x \\
y'\sec^2(y)&=1 \\
y'&=\frac{1}{\sec^2(y)}=\frac{1}{1+\tan^2(y)}=\frac{1}{1+x^2}\end{align*}$$
 
Ah ok. Was having trouble visualizing the exponents.

So rewrite $$e^{2x}$$ as $$(e^{x})^{2}$$ then replace the $$e^{x}$$ with u.

I was stuck on having to replace the $$e^{x}$$ with a $$e^{2x}$$ whole.

Thanks!
 

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