Integrate (xsinx - cosx)/x^2 with Intro Calc Techniques

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function (xsinx - cosx)/x^2, which falls under the subject area of introductory calculus. Participants express confusion regarding the techniques applicable to this integral, particularly given the mention of the Si(x) function, which has not yet been covered in their coursework.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts integration by parts and expresses frustration at encountering a loop in their reasoning. Some participants question the possibility of solving the integral using elementary methods and suggest there may be a typo in the problem statement.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the problem, with some confirming that it cannot be solved using elementary techniques. There is a suggestion to reconsider the problem's formulation, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the Si(x) function and Taylor polynomials, which have not been covered in the participants' studies. The potential for a typo in the problem statement is also noted, which may affect the interpretation of the integral.

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Homework Statement
Evaluate ∫((xsin(x) - cos(x))/x^2. Hint: Use Integration by Parts for sin(x)/x

Problem also attached if that's clearer
Relevant Equations
IBP: ∫u dv = uv- ∫v du
I'm pretty confused here because after getting stuck on this problem, I tossed it into an integral calculator and it said the answer was 2 Si(x) + cos(x)/x + C. In intro calc we definitely haven't learned the Si(x) function or even gotten to any of the Taylor polynomial stuff yet.

I tried IBP for sin(x)/x and got -cos(x)/x - ∫cos(x)/x^2 dx. At first this looked promising, since that is my second term. So I had in total now: -cos(x)/x - 2∫cos(x)/x^2 dx.

To do the integral portion, I integrated again (by parts) to find -2∫cos(x)/x^2 dx= 2*cos(x)/x +2∫sin(x)/x dx.

Putting it all together, the original integral = -cos(x)/x + 2*cos(x)/x +2∫sin(x)/x dx= cos(x)/x +2∫sin(x)/x dx. I seem to be getting into a loop, where the integral of cos(x)/x^2 is related to the integral of the sin(x)/x, but can't seem to simplify the terms.

Help on how to proceed?
 

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Thanks for confirming it can't be solved-- I'll try to see what's up with the problem.
 
scottdave said:
Perhaps there is a typo.
I'd guess the minus sign in the numerator was supposed to be a plus sign.
 
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