Integrate: Integrating ((arcsin((x^2 + a) / (b*x))) - c) / x

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function ((arcsin((x^2 + a) / (b*x))) - c) / x with respect to x, where a, b, and c are constants. Participants explore the possibility of finding a closed form solution and share their attempts and thoughts on the complexity of the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in integrating the function and notes that integration by parts leads to a more complex integral.
  • Another participant doubts the existence of a closed form solution in 'usual' functions.
  • A third participant shares a result from Mathematica, which involves complex expressions and elliptic integrals, reinforcing the skepticism about a simple solution.
  • Some participants agree that the integral likely does not have a solution in terms of simple functions.
  • One participant claims there is a solution and suggests that it can be referred to as nova's function, though details of this solution are not provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is a general consensus among several participants that a closed form solution may not exist, while one participant asserts that a solution does exist, leading to disagreement in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the nature of the integral and the potential complexity involved, with some results including elliptic integrals and complex numbers, which may limit the applicability of standard integration techniques.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in advanced integration techniques, particularly those involving inverse trigonometric functions and elliptic integrals, may find this discussion relevant.

nova1989
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Trying to integrate:

((arcsin((x^2 + a) / (b*x))) - c) / x dx

where a, b, c are constants.

No success so far. I've tried integration by parts, but the resulting integral is more complex than the starting integral above!

The free Wolfram online integrator doesn't even read the syntax correctly!

Any assistance appreciated. It's been many years since I last looked at a problem like this.

nova
 
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I doubt that there is a closed form solution in 'usual' functions.
 
Mathematica gives something like
[tex]-\frac{\sin ^{-1}\left(x^2+a\right)}{b x}-\frac{2 i \sqrt{\frac{x^2}{a-1}+1} \sqrt{\frac{x^2}{a+1}+1} F\left(i \sinh ^{-1}\left(\sqrt{\frac{1}{a+1}}<br /> x\right)|\frac{a+1}{a-1}\right)}{\sqrt{\frac{1}{a+1}} b \sqrt{-\left(x^2+a-1\right) \left(x^2+a+1\right)}}-c \log (x)[/tex]
where [itex]F(\phi, m)[/itex] is some elliptic integral "of the first kind".

In short, I share CRGreathouse's doubts :smile:
 
I believe it does not have a solution in terms of simple functions.
 
Many thanks to everyone for the replies. Seems I'm out of luck for a closed form solution.

However, if you do think of a possible solution at some point, I would be most grateful for your advice.

Best regards.
 
Yes, there is a solution. I posted it. I'm thinking of it now. If you insist, you can copy it. Or write n(x) and call it nova's function.
 

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