Integration by Parts: Does the Choice of u and dv Matter?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the integration of the function $$\int x^{3}cos(x^{2})dx$$ using integration by parts. The user initially attempted to solve the integral by choosing $$u=cos(x^{2})$$ and $$dv=x^{3}dx$$, leading to an incorrect result. A correct substitution method involves letting $$u=x^{2}$$, which simplifies the integration process. The conclusion is that while the choice of $$u$$ and $$dv$$ can vary, it is crucial to ensure that the derivatives and integrals are calculated correctly to achieve the right answer.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integration techniques, specifically integration by parts.
  • Familiarity with substitution methods in calculus.
  • Knowledge of differentiation rules for trigonometric functions.
  • Ability to manipulate and simplify integrals involving polynomial and trigonometric functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the integration by parts formula and its applications in various scenarios.
  • Learn about substitution methods in calculus, focusing on when to apply them effectively.
  • Explore common mistakes in integration, particularly in choosing $$u$$ and $$dv$$.
  • Practice solving integrals involving products of polynomials and trigonometric functions.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on integration techniques, as well as educators looking for examples of common integration pitfalls.

mrg
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Homework Statement
$$ \int x^{3}cos(x^{2})dx$$

The attempt at a solution
OK, so I am aware that there is a way in which to do this problem where you do a substitution (let $$u=x^{2}$$ to do a substitution before you integrate by parts), and I was able to get the answer right using this method. The thing is, I tried it a different way first, and after triple checking it, I feel like I should have gotten it right. It doesn't matter what I choose to let u and dv equal, right? I should get the right answer no matter what I choose (assuming I did things correctly, of course).
Here's my work:

$$u=cos(x^{2})$$
$$du=-2xsin(x^{2})$$
$$v=\frac{x^{4}}{4}$$
$$dv=x^{3}dx$$

$$\frac{x^{4}cos(x^{2})}{4}+\frac{1}{2}\int x*sin(x^{2})dx$$

$$u_2=sin(x^{2})$$
$$du_2=2xcos(x)$$
$$v_2=\frac{x^{2}}{2}$$
$$dv_2=x$$

$$\frac{x^{4}cos(x^{2})}{4}+\frac{1}{2}(\frac{x^{2}sin(x^{2})}{2}-\int x^{3}cos(x^{2})dx)$$

Since this last integral is the same as the one we started with, we can now say that
$$I=A+B-\frac{1}{2}I$$
Hence
$$\frac{3}{2}I=A+B$$
Multiplying both sides by two over three...
$$\frac{x^{4}cos(x^{2})}{6}+\frac{x^{2}sin(x^{2})}{6}$$Thanks for your time and any help you can offer me.
 
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mrg said:
Homework Statement
$$ \int x^{3}cos(x^{2})dx$$
The attempt at a solution
OK, so I am aware that there is a way in which to do this problem where you do a substitution (let $$u=x^{2}$$ to do a substitution before you integrate by parts), and I was able to get the answer right using this method. The thing is, I tried it a different way first, and after triple checking it, I feel like I should have gotten it right. It doesn't matter what I choose to let u and dv equal, right? I should get the right answer no matter what I choose (assuming I did things correctly, of course).
Here's my work:
$$u=cos(x^{2})$$
$$du=-2xsin(x^{2})$$
$$v=\frac{x^{4}}{4}$$
$$dv=x^{3}dx$$

$$\frac{x^{4}cos(x^{2})}{4}+\frac{1}{2}\int x*sin(x^{2})dx$$...

Thanks for your time and any help you can offer me.
So, are you asking why your result isn't correct?

##\displaystyle v\,du = (-1/2)x^5\sin(x^2)\,dx\ \text{ not } (-1/2)x\sin(x^2)\,dx\ .##
 
I knew it was something stupid. No idea where I got x from. Thanks Sammy.
 

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