Integrating a complicated polynomial

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the expression t = 1/(1+r²) with respect to r. Participants are exploring the nature of the integral and the methods for solving it, particularly focusing on trigonometric substitution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to integrate the expression and considers a substitution method. Some participants suggest using trigonometric identities and substitutions, while others express confusion about the integration process and the use of LaTeX formatting.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering hints and discussing various approaches. There is a mix of attempts and clarifications, with some guidance provided regarding trigonometric substitution. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final solution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants question the classification of the expression as a polynomial versus a rational expression. There are also mentions of issues with LaTeX formatting that may affect the clarity of the discussion.

Mathpower
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Homework Statement


Hi
An integration question:
t= 1/(1+r2)

Can you please show me how to integrate with respect to r. Thank you.



The Attempt at a Solution


∴t = (1+r2)-1
I then tried substituting u = 1+r^2 but that didn't work!
Is there a trick with this?
 
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Well I'll hint and say it has to do with an inverse trig function.
 
Just so I understand, you're trying to find the integral of this?
[tex]\int \frac{1}{1+r^2}\,dr[/tex]
BTW, what you have after the t is not a polynomial, but a rational expression.
Mathpower said:

The Attempt at a Solution


∴t = (1+r2)-1
I then tried substituting u = 1+r^2 but that didn't work!
Is there a trick with this?
Yes, it's called trigonometric substitution. Try r = tan u.
 
eumyang...thank you...yes that's what i meant.
 
NO idea! I tried r= tan u
1/(1+(tan u)^2)...
Too me that just seems even more worse!

Then (LET: < be integral sign/ integrand)
[itex] = <1/(1+u) dr<br /> = <(1/(1+u)) (secu)^2 du<br /> = <((secu)^2/(1+u)) du[/itex]
Stuck...

and my latex is not working as well? Have I typed the wrong code?
 
Last edited:
Mathpower said:
NO idea! I tried r= tan u
1/(1+(tan u)^2)...
Too me that just seems even more worse!

Then (LET: < be integral sign/ integrand)
[itex] = <1/(1+u) dr<br /> = <(1/(1+u)) (secu)^2 du<br /> = <((secu)^2/(1+u)) du[/itex]
Stuck...
No no, put the two attempts together:
[tex]\int \frac{1}{1+r^2}\,dr = \int \frac{1}{1+\tan^2 u}\,\sec^2 u \, du[/tex]
You know your trig identities, right?

EDIT: Regarding LaTeX, that's because you're using the wrong tags. It should be tex or itex in the brackets, not latex.
 
Delete this. See below
 
Last edited:
Oh wait is the answer:
u because 1+tan^2 u = sec^2 u
then
[tex]= ∫1 du<br /> =u + C[/tex]
=tan(r)^-1 + C

Thank you for your help.
 
Last edited:
Mathpower said:
oh wait is the answer u because 1+tan^2 u = sec^2 u
then <1
If you mean
[tex]\int 1[/tex]
...then you're missing something.
Mathpower said:
=u
=tan(r)^-1 + C
Do you mean
[itex]\tan r^{-1} + C[/itex]
or
[itex]\tan^{-1} r + C[/itex]?
 
  • #10
Opps... I meant [tex]tan<sup>-1</sup> r+C[/tex]

Thank you so much for your help. Sorry for being lazy.
 

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