Integration by Parts: Solving \int{x^2tan^{-1}xdx}

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral \(\int x^2 \tan^{-1} x \, dx\), focusing on the integration by parts method and the handling of constants during integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the integration by parts technique, with one original poster attempting to clarify the disappearance of a constant term in their solution. Others provide their own attempts at solving the integral and discuss the differentiation of \(\tan^{-1} x\) as part of their reasoning.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts at solving the integral, with some participants questioning the treatment of constant terms in the integration process. There is an acknowledgment of differing interpretations of the results, but no explicit consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes a formatting issue with integral signs on the forum, which may affect clarity. Additionally, there is a mention of assumptions regarding constant terms in the context of indefinite integrals.

dimpledur
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Homework Statement



\intx^2tan^{-1}xdx



The Attempt at a Solution


\int{x^2tan^{-1}xdx}



\int{x^2tan^{-1}xdx} = \frac{x^3}{3}tan^{-1}x-{\frac{1}{3}}\int \frac {x^3}{1+x^2}dx



let {}u=1+x^2, \frac{du}{2}=xdx



\frac{x^3}{3}tan^{-1}x- \frac{1}{6}\int (1-1/u)



\frac{x^3}{3}tan^{-1}x-(x^2/6)-(1/6)+(1/6)ln(x^2+1)



In the answer, there is no -1/6. Help?

I'm not looking for other alternatives. I have the solution for this question, however, I want to know why the 1/6 dissapears
 
Last edited:
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I think that's it... I can't see the integral signs on this site... Although I can on every other site that uses latex.
 
Last edited:
We know that arctan x is differentiable
u = arctan x
du/dx = 1/1+x^2

x^2dx = dv so v = x^3/3

now int udv = uv - int vdu/dx dx
= x^3(arctan x) - int (x^3/3(1+x^2) dx)

let 1+ x^ 2 = t
x^2 = (t-1)

2xdx = - dt
so we get x^3/1(1+x^2) dx
= x^2xdx/(1+x^2)/3
now you can proceed as
= (t-1) (-dt/6)/t
= -1/6(dt- dt/t)
integrating we get -1/6 t + 1/6ln(t) as t >0

substitute the value and get the result
 
Nevermind. My answer was right. I didnt realize that terms without a variable were assumed to be with the constant C.
 
dimpledur said:

Homework Statement



\intx^2tan^{-1}xdx
Put a space between \int and what follows it, like so.
\int x^2tan^{-1}xdx

dimpledur said:

The Attempt at a Solution


\int{x^2tan^{-1}xdx}



\int{x^2tan^{-1}xdx} = \frac{x^3}{3}tan^{-1}x-{\frac{1}{3}}\int \frac {x^3}{1+x^2}dx



let {}u=1+x^2, \frac{du}{2}=xdx



\frac{x^3}{3}tan^{-1}x- \frac{1}{6}\int (1-1/u)



\frac{x^3}{3}tan^{-1}x-(x^2/6)-(1/6)+(1/6)ln(x^2+1)



In the answer, there is no -1/6. Help?

I'm not looking for other alternatives. I have the solution for this question, however, I want to know why the 1/6 dissapears
 

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