Integrating 1/(Z^2 + A^2) - something wrong?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the integration of the function \(\int \frac{1}{2t^2+4} \mathrm{d}t\) and the discrepancies observed between two methods of solving it. The first method yields \(\frac{1}{2} \arctan{(\frac{\sqrt{2}t}{2})} + c\), while the second method introduces an extra factor of \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\). The confusion arises from the omission of the \(\sqrt{2}\) factor in the differential \(dt\) in the first integral, which leads to the inconsistency. The correct application of integration techniques is crucial for accurate results.

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Homework Statement


[tex]\int \frac{1}{2t^2+4} \mathrm{d}t[\tex]<h2>Homework Equations</h2><br /> [tex]\int \frac{1}{Z^2+A^2} \mathrm{d}Z = \frac{1}{A} \arctan{(\frac{Z}{A})} + c[/tex]<h2>The Attempt at a Solution</h2><br /> Looks quite easy, but this is what's annoying me: the two methods below should be identical, but something's gone wrong and I can't work out what. For some reason, the second method gives an extra factor of 1/sqrt(2) at the front. Why aren't they both the same?<br /> <br /> [tex]\int \frac{1}{2t^2+4} \mathrm{d}t = \int \frac{1}{(\sqrt{2t})^2+2^2} \mathrm{d}t = \frac{1}{2} \arctan {(\frac{\sqrt{2}t}{2})} + c[/tex]<br /> <br /> [tex]\int \frac{1}{2t^2+4} \mathrm{d}t = \frac{1}{2} \int \frac{1}{t^2+2} = \frac{1}{2 \sqrt{2}} \arctan{(\frac{\sqrt{2} t}{2})}+c[/tex]<br /> <br /> With very many thanks,<br /> <br /> Froskoy.[/tex]
 
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Are you sure that c represents the same value in each?
 
Froskoy said:

Homework Statement


[tex]\int \frac{1}{2t^2+4} \mathrm{d}t[\tex]<br /> <br /> <br /> <h2>Homework Equations</h2><br /> [tex]\int \frac{1}{Z^2+A^2} \mathrm{d}Z = \frac{1}{A} \arctan{(\frac{Z}{A})} + c[/tex]<br /> <br /> <br /> <h2>The Attempt at a Solution</h2><br /> Looks quite easy, but this is what's annoying me: the two methods below should be identical, but something's gone wrong and I can't work out what. For some reason, the second method gives an extra factor of 1/sqrt(2) at the front. Why aren't they both the same?<br /> <br /> [tex]\int \frac{1}{2t^2+4} \mathrm{d}t = \int \frac{1}{(\sqrt{2t})^2+2^2} \mathrm{d}t = \frac{1}{2} \arctan {(\frac{\sqrt{2}t}{2})} + c[/tex]<br /> <br /> [tex]\int \frac{1}{2t^2+4} \mathrm{d}t = \frac{1}{2} \int \frac{1}{t^2+2} = \frac{1}{2 \sqrt{2}} \arctan{(\frac{\sqrt{2} t}{2})}+c[/tex]<br /> <br /> With very many thanks,<br /> <br /> Froskoy.[/tex]
[tex] <br /> You forgot to use [itex]\sqrt{2} dt[/itex] in the first integral.<br /> <br /> RGV[/tex]
 

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