Integrating a Rational Function with a Cubic Denominator

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Ocis
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integral
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the rational function (x^2) / (2x^3 - 3)^2. Participants explore methods of substitution and the handling of variables during integration, focusing on the steps involved in simplifying the expression and integrating it correctly.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Ocis presents the integral and describes an initial approach using substitution, expressing confusion about the cancellation of terms and the role of x in the process.
  • Another participant suggests integrating 1/6u^2 with respect to u as a next step.
  • Ocis questions whether 1/u^2 can be expressed as u^-2 and proceeds to derive the integral, indicating a developing understanding of the integration process.
  • A later reply clarifies that the x^2 in the numerator cancels out during substitution, leading to no x remaining in the expression.
  • Ocis expresses gratitude and indicates a better understanding after the clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion shows a progression in understanding the integration process, with participants generally agreeing on the steps involved, though initial confusion about variable handling is present.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the initial confusion regarding the substitution process and the treatment of variables, indicating some assumptions about the integration steps may be missing.

Ocis
Messages
24
Reaction score
0
Determine the integral (x^2) / (2x^3 - 3)^2

This is probably easier than I expect but I have been attempting it using substitution...?
u = (2x^3 -3)
du/dx = 6x^2
dx = du / 6x^2

x^2 / (u^2) . du / 6x^2 - then I lose it because of the canceling out, and I'm unsure what happens to the x's...

I know the answer is -1/6 (2x^3 - 3) + C, but would appreciate the working I miss out. Or if I am attempting it using the wrong methods.

Many thanks,

Ocis
 
Physics news on Phys.org
you get [tex]\int[/tex]1/6u^2 du, so now integrate 1/u^2 with respect to u
 
Thank you for the reply.

Ok so can I say that 1/u^2 = u^-2 ?
if so it would become 1/6 . (u^-1 / -1) = -1/6 (u) ? = -1/6 (2x^3 - 3) + C

Ok if that is right I think I understand a little more but just get confused with what to do with the x^2 as the numerator...?
 
dx=du/6[tex]x^{2}[/tex]
when you substitute this in the expression the x^2 in the numerator cancels out, so there is in fact no x left in the expression.
 
Ok I understand now, thank you very much.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K