Integration by Parts: Solving \int \frac{x^3e^{x^2}}{(x^2+1)^2}

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
4 replies · 2K views
Zhalfirin88
Messages
137
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



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

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, this problem is hard, so I thought to use u = x3ex2
so du = x2ex2(3+2x2) dx
and dv = (x2+1)-2 then v = -2(x2+1)-1 Please check v though to make sure my algebra is right.

so then using the by parts formula:
[tex]\int \frac{x^3e^{x^2}}{x^2+1} = \frac{x^3e^{2x}}{2(x^2+1)} - \int \frac{x^2e^{x^2}(3+2x^2)}{2(x^2 +1)}[/tex] But where do I go from here?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I wouldl start with u = x2/(x2 + 1)2 and dv = xex2. No guarantee that this will get you anywhere, but a useful strategy is to make dv the most complicated expression that you can integrate.
 
Notice the fact that you have x^3 on the top. Try a u-sub with u = (1 + x^2). After that, use parts cleverly and you'll get your answer.
 
This is one of those cases where there are several plausible alternatives for picking the parts, but only one works. You just have to mess around. Hint: if you pick u=x^2*e^(x^2) then du=(2xe^(x^2)+2x^3e^(x^2))dx=2(1+x^2)*e^(x^2)*x*dx. Notice the (1+x^2) factor in du. You need that.
 
Zhalfirin88 said:
and dv = (x2+1)-2 then v = -2(x2+1)-1 Please check v though to make sure my algebra is right.

You don't get that v for your choice of dv. You probably meant

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

but that's still wrong because you would need a 2x in the in the numerator of dv.