Integral Substitutions and Mathematica

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around several complex integrals that a student is attempting to solve using u-substitutions, specifically in the context of Mathematica's limitations. The integrals involve various functions, including logarithmic and trigonometric components, and the student is seeking assistance with their approach to these problems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts multiple u-substitutions but finds them unfruitful. They suggest that the combination of x sin x is a recurring theme in the integrals, hinting at a potential substitution. Other participants propose the idea of using complex exponentials for one of the integrals.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's attempts and offering suggestions for potential substitutions. There is a recognition of the complexity involved, particularly with the algebraic manipulations presented. The discussion is ongoing, with no clear consensus yet on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that one of the integrals will involve a function called Erfi[x], which they are unfamiliar with. This indicates a potential gap in understanding that may influence their approach to the problem.

zared619
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Hi all. My professor gave us some integrals that Mathematica can't do, and we have to teach Mathematica how to do them. I got the first two, but I'm stuck with the u substitutions for these six. I know that I am supposed to make an attempt at a solution, but I've tried several different u substitutions to no avail. Sorry for the formatting.
Any help is appreciated

3.. ∫(x sin x ln(x sin x))/(1-Sqrt[1-Sqrt[x sin x]]) (x cos x + sin x)\[DifferentialD]x

4. ∫(cos x -x sin x) Sqrt[x cos x] Sqrt[1+x^3 cos^3 x]\[DifferentialD]x

5. ∫((1+ln x) Sqrt[1+x ln x])/Sqrt[x ln x] \[DifferentialD]x

6. ∫(1-2/x^3)Sqrt[1-(x+1/x^2)^2]\[DifferentialD]x

7. ∫(1+ln x)Sqrt[1-x^2(ln x)^2]\[DifferentialD]x

8. ∫x^x Sqrt[x ln x](1+ln x)\[DifferentialD]x

Note: My professor said that #8 will include a function called Erfi[x]. I have no idea what that is.

Again, any help is appreciated.
 
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zared619 said:
Hi all. My professor gave us some integrals that Mathematica can't do, and we have to teach Mathematica how to do them. I got the first two, but I'm stuck with the u substitutions for these six. I know that I am supposed to make an attempt at a solution, but I've tried several different u substitutions to no avail. Sorry for the formatting.
Any help is appreciated

3.. ∫(x sin x ln(x sin x))/(1-Sqrt[1-Sqrt[x sin x]]) (x cos x + sin x)\[DifferentialD]x

The combination [itex]x \sin x[/itex] occurs frequently here as an argument to other functions and, by fortune or design, the derivative of [itex]x \sin x[/itex] is [itex]x \cos x + \sin x[/itex].

This suggests [itex]u = x \sin x[/itex] as a first substitution, although further substitutions may be necessary.

Similar first substitutions suggest themselves for the others, although further substitutions might be necessary.
 
zared619 said:
Hi all. My professor gave us some integrals that Mathematica can't do, and we have to teach Mathematica how to do them. I got the first two, but I'm stuck with the u substitutions for these six. I know that I am supposed to make an attempt at a solution, but I've tried several different u substitutions to no avail. Sorry for the formatting.
Any help is appreciated

3.. ∫(x sin x ln(x sin x))/(1-Sqrt[1-Sqrt[x sin x]]) (x cos x + sin x)\[DifferentialD]x

4. ∫(cos x -x sin x) Sqrt[x cos x] Sqrt[1+x^3 cos^3 x]\[DifferentialD]x

5. ∫((1+ln x) Sqrt[1+x ln x])/Sqrt[x ln x] \[DifferentialD]x

6. ∫(1-2/x^3)Sqrt[1-(x+1/x^2)^2]\[DifferentialD]x

7. ∫(1+ln x)Sqrt[1-x^2(ln x)^2]\[DifferentialD]x

8. ∫x^x Sqrt[x ln x](1+ln x)\[DifferentialD]x

Note: My professor said that #8 will include a function called Erfi[x]. I have no idea what that is.

Again, any help is appreciated.
For #3, I've reduced it, with some algebra, to [itex]\frac{1}{4i}\int\frac{(xe^{ix}-xe^{-ix})(ln(x)+ln(e^{ix}-e^{-ix})-ln(2i))((x-i)e^{ix}+(x+i)e^{-ix})}{1-\sqrt{1-(\frac{1}{2}-\frac{i}{2})\sqrt{xe^{ix}-xe^{-ix}}}}dx[/itex]. However, it looks a little...complex. [/lolsofunnymathpunsftw]

I think a u-sub of some complex exponential might be good, but I can't be sure until I try.
 
Thanks for all the help so far. I really appreciate it. This isn't due until Friday in U.S time, but I will try some of your suggestions.
 

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