Integration by partial fraction problem (∫dx/x(x^2 + 4)^2)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the integration of the function ∫dx/x(x^2 + 4)^2, which falls under the topic of integration techniques, specifically partial fractions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup for partial fraction decomposition, with one suggesting a substitution to simplify the process. There is also a focus on ensuring the correct form of the fractions involved.

Discussion Status

Several participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering suggestions for rewriting the integral and clarifying the setup for partial fractions. There is no explicit consensus, but guidance on the correct approach has been provided.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of parentheses in the expression and question whether the original problem statement was accurately interpreted. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity involved in the partial fraction decomposition.

Bimpo
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Homework Statement



I came across a problem that I can't solve
and it is ∫dx/x(x^2 + 4)^2

Homework Equations



None

The Attempt at a Solution


So I'm pretty sure this is to be solved by partial fraction since I am on a chapter on
Integration by partial fraction.

so I started with A/x + (Bx+C/x^2+4) + [Dx+E/(x^2 +4)^2]

and I get a reeeeaallllyy loooonnngg equation once I go around that
Am I on the right track? Or did I make a mistake? is this even to be solved by partial fraction?
 
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First rewrite as \int\frac{1}{x(x^2 + 4)^2} dx

Then turn into partial fractions (lets ignore the integral part for now and focus on the fraction): \frac{A}{x} + \frac{B}{(x^2 + 4)^2} = \frac{1}{x(x^2 + 4)^2}

A (x^2 + 4)^2 + Bx = 1

Solve for A and B and plug back in.
 
Last edited:
Bimpo said:

Homework Statement



I came across a problem that I can't solve
and it is ∫dx/x(x^2 + 4)^2

Homework Equations



None

The Attempt at a Solution


So I'm pretty sure this is to be solved by partial fraction since I am on a chapter on
Integration by partial fraction.

so I started with A/x + (Bx+C/x^2+4) + [Dx+E/(x^2 +4)^2]

and I get a reeeeaallllyy loooonnngg equation once I go around that
Am I on the right track? Or did I make a mistake? is this even to be solved by partial fraction?
First try the substitution u = x2 .

You will still get to work with partial fractions, but they won't be quite as complicated.

I assume your problem is actually \displaystyle \int\ \frac{dx}{x(x^2+4)^2}\,.

Parentheses are important.
 
Bimpo said:
so I started with A/x + (Bx+C/x^2+4) + [Dx+E/(x^2 +4)^2]

and I get a reeeeaallllyy loooonnngg equation once I go around that
Am I on the right track? Or did I make a mistake? is this even to be solved by partial fraction?
You should have written A/x + (Bx+C)/(x^2+4) + (Dx+E)/(x^2+4)^2. As SammyS said, parentheses are important.

Your expansion is fine. If you stick with this approach, you should find A=1/16, B=-1/16, C=0, D=-1/4, and E=0.
 
sorry for late response but thanks for the replies
 

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