Integrating dx / (4+x^2)^2 using Trigonometric Substitution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral of dx / (4+x^2)^2, which involves trigonometric substitution. Participants explore the integration process and the transformations required for solving the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to apply trigonometric substitution, specifically using x = 2 tan(theta) and transforming the integral accordingly. Questions arise about the back substitution process and whether the transformations lead to the correct form. Some participants express confusion regarding the format of the final answer compared to the book's solution.

Discussion Status

The discussion has progressed with participants providing guidance on back substitution and simplification. There is acknowledgment of the steps taken, and some participants have successfully reached a form that matches the book's answer, while others continue to seek clarification on specific transformations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies between their results and the book's answer, leading to discussions about the validity of their transformations and the interpretation of trigonometric identities. There is a recognition of the complexity involved in the integration process without a square root in the original problem statement.

Oribe Yasuna
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Homework Statement


Evaluate the integral:
integral of dx / (4+x^2)^2

Homework Equations


x = a tan x theta
a^2 + x^2 = a^2 sec^2 theta

The Attempt at a Solution


x = 2 tan theta
dx = 2sec^2 theta
tan theta = x/2

integral of dx / (4+x^2)^2
= 1/8 integral (sec^2 theta / sec^4 theta) d theta
= 1/8 integral (cos^2 theta) dtheta
= 1/16 integral 1 + cos 2 theta d theta
= 1/16 [ theta + sin 2 theta / 2 ] + c
= 1/16 [ theta + sin theta cos theta ] + c
= 1/16 [ tan ^-1 x/2 + ? ] + c

"?" is where I get lost.
Did I do the problem wrong? I was really confused when the book gave me a problem without a square root.
 
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Oribe Yasuna said:

Homework Statement


Evaluate the integral:
integral of dx / (4+x^2)^2

Homework Equations


x = a tan x theta
a^2 + x^2 = a^2 sec^2 theta

The Attempt at a Solution


x = 2 tan theta
dx = 2sec^2 theta
tan theta = x/2

integral of dx / (4+x^2)^2
= 1/8 integral (sec^2 theta / sec^4 theta) d theta
= 1/8 integral (cos^2 theta) dtheta
= 1/16 integral 1 + cos 2 theta d theta
= 1/16 [ theta + sin 2 theta / 2 ] + c
= 1/16 [ theta + sin theta cos theta ] + c
= 1/16 [ tan ^-1 x/2 + ? ] + c

"?" is where I get lost.
Did I do the problem wrong? I was really confused when the book gave me a problem without a square root.

Your sub looks fine, and your work up to $$=\frac{\theta}{16}+\frac{sin(2\theta)}{32}+C$$

Go ahead and make your last back sub.
 
a^2 + x^2 = a^2 sec^2 theta
x^2 + 4 = 4 sec^2 theta
sqrt (x^2 + 4) / 2 = sec theta
cos sqrt (x^2 + 4) / 2 = theta

Is this what you mean by back sub?
 
Oribe Yasuna said:
a^2 + x^2 = a^2 sec^2 theta
x^2 + 4 = 4 sec^2 theta
sqrt (x^2 + 4) / 2 = sec theta
cos sqrt (x^2 + 4) / 2 = theta

Is this what you mean by back sub?

You have ##\theta = tan^{-1}(\frac{x}{2})## above, just plug in for theta and simplify.
 
So,

= [ θ/16 + sin (2θ)/32 ] + C
= [ tan^-1 (x/2) / 16 + sin (2 tan^-1 (x/2) / 32 ] + C

Is it okay to plug in tan^-1 (x/2) for θ in sin (2θ) or am I misinterpreting you?
It seems weird.
 
Oribe Yasuna said:
So,

= [ θ/16 + sin (2θ)/32 ] + C
= [ tan^-1 (x/2) / 16 + sin (2 tan^-1 (x/2) / 32 ] + C

Is it okay to plug in tan^-1 (x/2) for θ in sin (2θ) or am I misinterpreting you?
It seems weird.

It's perfectly fine, that's what you needed to do. You had already found above that ##tan(\theta)=\frac{x}{2}##, you could simplify the sin by redoing the double angle formula ##sin(2tan^{-1}(\frac{x}{2}))=2(sin(tan^{-1}(\frac{x}{2}))(cos(tan^{-1}(\frac{x}{2}))## and simplify from your right triangle picture.

Why does it seem weird?
 
= [ tan^-1 (x/2) / 16 + (sin(4/x) cos(4/x))/16 ]

Does it simplify to that?

It seems weird because I don't think I've done it before and the answer in the back of the book is in a different format:
(tan^-1 (x/2) )/ 16 + x/(8(4 + x^2)

Sorry for the messy and inconsistent typing, and thanks for the help.
 
Oribe Yasuna said:
= [ tan^-1 (x/2) / 16 + (sin(4/x) cos(4/x))/16 ]

Does it simplify to that?

It seems weird because I don't think I've done it before and the answer in the back of the book is in a different format:
(tan^-1 (x/2) )/ 16 + x/(8(4 + x^2)

Sorry for the messy and inconsistent typing, and thanks for the help.
No problem, so you havehttps://physicsforums-bernhardtmediall.netdna-ssl.com/data/attachments/73/73867-db7eccc9bcdd5e7324f0dfba67853800.jpg
$$ = \frac{1}{16}(tan^{-1}(\frac{x}{2})+(sin(tan^{-1}(\frac{x}{2}))(cos(tan^{-1}(\frac{x}{2})))$$

Since $$ \theta=tan^{-1}(\frac{x}{2})$$
$$cos(tan^{-1}(\frac{x}{2}))=\frac{2}{\sqrt{x^2+4)}}$$

Do the same for sin, simplify, and you should get the book answer.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I did it! Looks exactly like the book's.

Thanks again.
 
  • #10
Oribe Yasuna said:
I did it! Looks exactly like the book's.

Thanks again.

Anytime, you did all the calculations and setting up correctly, I think the end just through you off.
 

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