Integration by Parts: Solving Integrals without Laplace Transforms

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the integral of (1/(t² - t)) dt without utilizing Laplace transforms. Participants explore various methods of integration, particularly focusing on integration by parts and partial fractions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest using partial fractions to decompose the integrand and solve for constants. Others propose completing the square and employing hyperbolic substitutions. There are questions regarding the application of integration by parts and the setup of the integral.

Discussion Status

Guidance has been offered regarding the use of partial fractions and completing the square. Multiple approaches are being explored, with participants actively engaging in problem interpretation and reasoning. There is no explicit consensus on a single method yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of avoiding undefined expressions in their approaches, particularly at t = 0 and t = 1, which are critical points in the discussion.

shashankac655
1. How to solve integral of (1/(t2-t))dt
2. to be solved without using laplace transforms
3. integral of( uv)= u*(integral of v) -integral of ((u')*(integral of v)) ... right?

integral of (1/t^2-t) = integral of (1/t)*(1/t-1)dt = (1/t-1)*(log t) - integral((-1/(t-1)2
*logt ...i don't know how to continue.
 
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hi shashankac655! :smile:

Most straightforward way to solve it is using partial fractions.
 
Using shakgoku's suggestion, break up 1/(t2 - t) into A/t + B/(t - 1) and solve for the constants A and B for which the equation 1/(t2 - t) = A/t + B/(t - 1) is an identity (except for t = 0 and t = 1).
 
1/(t2 - t) = A/t + B/(t - 1)

Multiply both sides by t(t - 1). The resulting equation is easy to solve for A & B by setting t = 0 to get A and then t = 1 to get B. This works for this equation since both sides are defined for all t, whereas the previous equation has expressions which are undefined for t = 0 and t = 1.
 
ok thanks...i don't know why i didn't think of that!
 
Or, you can complete the square:

<br /> t^{2} - t = t^{2} - 2 t \, \frac{1}{2} + \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{2} - \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{2} = \left(t - \frac{1}{2}\right)^{2}- \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{2}<br />

and use the hyperbolic substitution:

<br /> t - \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{2} \, \cosh{u}<br />
 

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