Integrating x√(1+x²) Without Trig Functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function x√(1+x²)dx. Participants are exploring various methods to solve this integral without resorting to trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts integration by parts but questions its necessity. Some participants suggest using a substitution method instead, specifically u = 1 + x². Others express confusion regarding the substitution process and the resulting expressions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing different substitution methods and their implications. Some have provided potential solutions, while others are questioning the correctness of their approaches and expressing uncertainty about their calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of avoiding trigonometric functions, which may influence the choice of methods discussed. Participants are also considering the implications of constants during integration.

rwinston
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Hi

I am trying to integrate

[tex]x \sqrt{1+x^2}dx[/tex]

by parts...but it seems to involve trigonometric functions - is it possible to solve this integral without using trig functions?


Thx
 
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Why are you trying to use integration by parts? This is a very simple integral if you use an appropriate substitution.
 
The simple substitution is u2=1+x2.
 
Mathman's solution is the easiest, but you probably could do it by parts.
 
mathman said:
The simple substitution is u2=1+x2.
Might confuse him/her.

Just let u = radican.

u=1+x^2
 
Hmm. Ok if u = 1 + x^2

[tex]du = 2x dx[/tex]

[tex]\int x \sqrt{1+x^2}dx = \frac{1}{2}\int \sqrt{1+x^2}2xdx[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2} \int\sqrt{u}du[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{3} (1+x^2)^{\frac{3}{2}}[/tex]

But if I take u^2=1+x^2

[tex]u = \sqrt{1+x^2}[/tex]

[tex]du = \frac{x}{\sqrt{1+x^2}}dx[/tex]

[tex]\int{x\sqrt{1+x^2}dx} = \sqrt{1+x^2}\int{\sqrt{1+x^2}\frac{x}{\sqrt{1+x^2}}dx}[/tex]

[tex]=\sqrt{1+x^2}\int{u du}[/tex]

[tex]=\sqrt{1+x^2} \frac{{\sqrt{1+x^2}}^2}{2}[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{(1+x^2)^{\frac{3}{2}}}{2}[/tex]

I must be making a mistake somwhere...
 
rwinston said:
Hmm. Ok if u = 1 + x^2

[tex]du = 2x dx[/tex]

[tex]\int x \sqrt{1+x^2}dx = \frac{1}{2}\int \sqrt{1+x^2}2xdx[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2} \int\sqrt{u}du[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{3} (1+x^2)^{\frac{3}{2}}[/tex]

But if I take u^2=1+x^2

[tex]u = \sqrt{1+x^2}[/tex]

[tex]du = \frac{x}{\sqrt{1+x^2}}dx[/tex]

[tex]\int{x\sqrt{1+x^2}dx} = \sqrt{1+x^2}\int{\sqrt{1+x^2}\frac{x}{\sqrt{1+x^2}}dx}[/tex]

[tex]=\sqrt{1+x^2}\int{u du}[/tex]

[tex]=\sqrt{1+x^2} \frac{{\sqrt{1+x^2}}^2}{2}[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{(1+x^2)^{\frac{3}{2}}}{2}[/tex]

I must be making a mistake somwhere...
No, he meant to use u^2

So ...

[tex]u^2=1+x^2 \rightarrow udu=xdx[/tex]

And remember that you can only pull out constants:

[tex]c\int f(x)dx[/tex]
 
wow, substitutions are so much mess. Try this way:

x.sqrt(1+x^2)

think about sqrt(1+x^2)
it has integral
(1+x^2)^3/2 --- [ref 1]

it has derivative 3x (1+x^2)^0.5

But, in original thing we only have x.sqrt(1+x^2)

so, you need 1/3 with [ref 1]
 

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