Integrate (x^3 + x^2)/(1 + x^4) using substitution?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function (x^3 + x^2)/(1 + x^4). Participants are exploring methods of integration, particularly focusing on substitution techniques and partial fraction decomposition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to manipulate the expression by factoring and breaking it into simpler terms but struggles with the integration of the resulting components. Some participants suggest using substitution, specifically u = x^4 + 1, while others propose factoring the denominator into quadratics and applying partial fraction decomposition.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing various approaches, including substitution and partial fractions, but there is no clear consensus on the best method. Some express confusion about the application of partial fraction decomposition and seek clarification on how to proceed with their attempts.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention that they have not learned certain techniques, such as partial fraction decomposition, which adds to the complexity of the discussion. There is also a sense of frustration regarding the difficulty of the problem and the various methods being explored.

ritwik06
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Integrate the following:

(x^3+x^2)/(1+x^4)

I have been taught only integration by substitution. My teacher told me that this can be solved using that ith some trick.

I have tried for a long time. All that I can do was to convert the numerator to x^2(x+1)
and the denominator to (x^2-1)^2+2x^2
but without sucess.

Next I tried to break the given thing into two terms. it helped a little but I was again stuck on the second term, ie. , i couldn't again find out the integration of x^2/(1+x^4)



Please hlp me. Its maddening.
 
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Is it easy to find the integral of (x^2)/(1+x^4)
Please help me?
 
I have not tried this, but you could try factoring 1+x^4 into two quadratics, then do partial fraction decomposition.
 
[tex]\int\frac{x^{2}}{1+x^{4}}[/tex]

Can this be determined?
 
Big-T said:
I have not tried this, but you could try factoring 1+x^4 into two quadratics, then do partial fraction decomposition.

its difficult to factorize [tex]x^{4}+1[/tex].
Moreover,
can u please tell me about partial fractions decomposition? I haven't learned it yet.
 
ritwik06 said:
[tex]\int\frac{x^{2}}{1+x^{4}}[/tex]

Can this be determined?

Have you tried the obvious substitution u= x4+ 1??
 
HallsofIvy said:
Have you tried the obvious substitution u= x4+ 1??
yes,
it yields the following:
0.25[tex]\int\frac{1}{u \sqrt[4]{(u-1)}}[/tex]du
But does this help or more complicate the problem?
 
Last edited:
Please help? If u think it can't be done with substitution. Please tell me about the other method, if any. Just a brief idea.
 
[tex]1+x^4 = 1+2x^2+x^4 - 2x^2=(1+x^2)^2-2x^2=(1-\sqrt 2 x + x^2)(1+\sqrt 2 x+x^2)[/tex].

As to partial fraction decomposition, I suggest you have a look in your textbook or at wikipedia or other webpages.
 
  • #10
Big-T said:
[tex]1+x^4 = 1+2x^2+x^4 - 2x^2=(1+x^2)^2-2x^2=(1-\sqrt 2 x + x^2)(1+\sqrt 2 x+x^2)[/tex].

As to partial fraction decomposition, I suggest you have a look in your textbook or at wikipedia or other webpages.

Yeah, I have read now about partial fractions. It means to cahnge the given thing into sum of 2 fractions. But hile trying to change:
[tex]\frac{x^{2}}{1+x^{4}}[/tex]
in the form of
[tex]\frac{A}{1-x\sqrt{2}+x^{2}}[/tex]+[tex]\frac{B}{1+x\sqrt{2}+x^{2}}[/tex]
I get the following equation:
[tex]x^{2}[/tex]=(A+B)x[tex]^{2}[/tex]+(A+B)(2[tex]\sqrt{x}[/tex]+1)

I cannot solve further for A and B. Can u do it?

Its one hell out of the other. What should I do? Please help me! and try it out before answering. Thanks for all efforts!
 
  • #11
Anyone going to help me out? Please!
 
  • #12
Your fractions should be of the form:
[tex]\frac{Ax+B}{1-x\sqrt{2}+x^{2}} + \frac{Cx+D}{1+x\sqrt{2}+x^{2}}[/tex].
 

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