Integrate: (x^2 + 4)/ (x^2+5x-6) dx

  • Thread starter Thread starter beaf123
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Dx Integrate
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integrating the rational function (x + 4) / (x^2 + 5x - 6) using partial fraction decomposition. Participants are exploring the correct setup for the integration process and the interpretation of the integrand.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss expressing the integrand as a sum of partial fractions and attempt to find coefficients A and B. Questions arise about the method of comparing coefficients and the correctness of the derived expressions.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing examination of the steps taken to solve for A and B, with some participants questioning the accuracy of previous calculations. Guidance is offered regarding the properties of logarithms and how they relate to the final expression, but no consensus has been reached on the correct form of the solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the extent of guidance provided. There is also a mention of a potential solution that participants are comparing against, indicating a need for clarity on the integration process.

beaf123
Messages
40
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



"Express the integrand (what does "integrand" mean?) as a sum of partial fractions and evaluate the integrals.

∫(x + 4)/ (x^2+5x-6) dx

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



x^2+5x-6 = (x-1)(x+6)

Gives:

∫ A/(x-1) + B/(x+6) dx

Findig A and B:

A(x+6) + B(x-1)

A+B=1

6A-B =4

A= 5/7
B= - (2/7)Then:

∫ (5/7) (1/x-1) dx +∫ - (3/7)(1/x+6) dx

Gives I think:

5/7ln(x-1) -2/7ln(x+6)But its wrong accordng to the solution. I can post the solution here if you want me to:
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
beaf123 said:

Homework Statement



"Express the integrand (what does "integrand" mean?) as a sum of partial fractions and evaluate the integrals.

∫(x + 4)/ (x^2+5x-6) dx

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



x^2+5x-6 = (x-1)(x+6)

Gives:

∫ A/(x-1) + B/(x+6) dx

Findig A and B:

A(x+6) + B(x-1)

A+B=1

6A-B =4

A= 5/7
B= - (3/7)Then:

∫ (5/7) (1/x-1) dx +∫ - (3/7)(1/x+6) dx

Gives I think:

5/7ln(x-1) -3/7ln(x+6)But its wrong accordng to the solution. I can post the solution here if you want me to:

The integrand is the expression being integrated, in this case, the rational function \frac{x+4}{x^2+5x-6}

How did you get A+B=1 ?
 
Okey, thanks.

A(x+6) + B(x-1) = x+4

Ax +Bx +6A -B = x+4

Ax + Bx = xA+B =1
 
beaf123 said:
Okey, thanks.

A(x+6) + B(x-1) = x+4

Ax +Bx +6A -B = x+4

Ax + Bx = x


A+B =1

Oh I see, you were comparing coefficients :smile:

Sorry I didn't spot your error before, but you incorrectly solved the simultaneous equations in A and B. 1 - 5/7 = 2/7
 
Oh, I changed it now. It is correct so far, but I don't understand how they get 5/7ln(x-1) -2/7ln(x+6) to become ( from solution): (1/7)ln[(x+6)^2(x-1)^5] + C
 
beaf123 said:
Oh, I changed it now. It is correct so far, but I don't understand how they get

5/7ln(x-1) -2/7ln(x+6)

to become ( from solution):

(1/7)ln[(x+6)^2(x-1)^5] + C
That should be
5/7ln(x-1) + 2/7ln(x+6)​
Then use properties of logarithms to get the desired result.

Of course the given answer includes the constant of integration.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K