# Homework Help: Integrate x^2 / (x^2 + a^2)^3/2 dx

1. Feb 21, 2015

### Ray Beaver

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

My solution has two terms divided by a which is in error. I am a volunteer math coach to some junior college students and can't find my error in the problem. Its been a while since I earned my masters in electrical engineering.

The issue is the presencce of the variable "a" in the denominator of two of the terms in the answer. I can't imagine why the "a"s are not in the correct answer.

2. Relevant equations
The problem requires solution by trigonometric substitution. All other equations are listed in my attempt at the problem.

3. The attempt at a solution
My work is all on the solution attempt.

#### Attached Files:

• ###### Problem 10.jpg
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2. Feb 21, 2015

### WWGD

Seems like an $x=atan \theta$ or $x=asec \theta$ would work.

3. Feb 21, 2015

### Ray Beaver

The solution I provided attempts to use x = a tan theta but the solution is incorrect

4. Feb 21, 2015

### WWGD

Is the solution an indefinite (general) or definite integral (numerical value)?

EDIT: Nevermind, I did not read carefully and did not see the 3/2 exponent. Please ignore and let me
rethink. It is a variant of the one with power 1/2, but needs some changes.

Last edited: Feb 21, 2015
5. Feb 21, 2015

### Ray Beaver

The solution is listed at the bottom of the attempt I posted and is indefinite.

6. Feb 21, 2015

### Ray Beaver

The solution at the bottom of the solution page is missing a minus sign in front of the first term, my mistake in listing the correct answer. My answer has that term correct, but is in error in the argument of the natural log.