Why Does My Integration by Parts Result Differ?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the integration by parts method for the function involving ##\ln x## and ##\frac{\ln x}{x+1}##. The user initially misapplied the integration technique, losing the term ##\ln|x +1|## and ultimately arriving at an incorrect result. The correct solution, as provided by the textbook, is $$\frac{x\ln x}{x+1}-\ln(x+1)+c$$. A suggestion to use substitution with ##u=\frac{1}{x+1}## and ##du=\frac{-dx}{(x+1)^2}## was made to rectify the integration error.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integration techniques, specifically integration by parts.
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions and their properties.
  • Knowledge of substitution methods in calculus.
  • Ability to differentiate functions to verify integration results.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of integration by parts in detail, focusing on common pitfalls.
  • Learn about substitution techniques in calculus, particularly for rational functions.
  • Practice verifying indefinite integrals by differentiating the results.
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, including integration of logarithmic functions.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians seeking to refine their integration skills, and anyone looking to understand common mistakes in integration by parts.

greg_rack
Gold Member
Messages
361
Reaction score
79
Homework Statement
$$\int \frac{lnx}{(x+1)^2} dx$$
Relevant Equations
none
Hi guys,

I've attempted to integrate this function by parts, which seemed to be the most appropriate method... but apparently, I'm getting something wrong since the result doesn't match the right one.
Everything looks good to me, but there must be something silly missing :)
My attempt:
Schermata 2021-03-02 alle 09.16.06.png
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: PhDeezNutz
Physics news on Phys.org
You seem to have gone wrong at the end. There is nothing you can do with ##\frac{\ln x}{x+1}##.
 
PeroK said:
You seem to have gone wrong at the end. There is nothing you can do with ##\frac{\ln x}{x+1}##.
You mean I have gone wrong by collecting ##lnx## at the very end?
 
greg_rack said:
You mean I have gone wrong by collecting ##lnx## at the very end?
Yes, the last three steps seem unnecessary and you've lost the term ##\ln|x +1|## somehow.
 
PeroK said:
Yes, the last three steps seem unnecessary and you've lost the term ##\ln|x +1|## somehow.
Got it, that's actually taking me to nowhere... but still, I can't understand how to reach the solution
$$\frac{xlnx}{x+1}-ln(x+1)+c$$ provided by my textbook.
Is it just a simplification(that apparently I can't see) far from what I've got, or have I got something wrong in integrating?
 
greg_rack said:
Got it, that's actually taking me to nowhere... but still, I can't understand how to reach the solution
$$\frac{xlnx}{x+1}-ln(x+1)+c$$ provided by my textbook.
Is it just a simplification(that apparently I can't see) far from what I've got, or have I got something wrong in integrating?
That combines the two terms you have in ##\ln x##.

PS Although it looks like they got the sign wrong.
 
PeroK said:
That combines the two terms you have in ##\ln x##.
Uhm, but how? I could add the two terms in ##\ln x##, and still end up with a useless simplification
 
greg_rack said:
Uhm, but how? I could add the two terms in ##\ln x##, and still end up with a useless simplification
The answer's wrong. They got the sign wrong on the parts, I suspect.
 
PS You can always check an indefinite integral by differentiating, of course. That's something everyone should know!
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: greg_rack
  • #10
PeroK said:
PS You can always check an indefinite integral by differentiating, of course. That's something everyone should know!
And indeed, differentiating my result, the integration appears to be incorrect, while the book's one is right... where did I get it wrong?🧐
 
  • #11
greg_rack said:
And indeed, differentiating my result, the integration appears to be incorrect, while the book's one is right... where did I get it wrong?🧐
You got the sign wrong, then! Right at the start.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: greg_rack
  • #12
Instead of integration by parts I suggest making the substitution ##u=\frac{1}{x+1}##, ##du=\frac{-dx}{(x+1)^2}##.
 
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: greg_rack
  • #13
PeroK said:
You got the sign wrong, then! Right at the start.
Yes, got it!
Thanks a lot @PeroK :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
26
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K