Integration by parts with my work

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on integrating the function arctan(1/x) using integration by parts. The correct approach involves setting u = arctan(1/x) and dv = dx, leading to the calculation of du and v for the integration by parts formula. An alternative method is also suggested, noting that arctan(1/x) can be expressed as arccot(x), which may simplify the integration process. The initial confusion stemmed from mixing variables z and x in the integration attempt.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integration techniques, specifically integration by parts.
  • Familiarity with inverse trigonometric functions, particularly arctan and arccot.
  • Ability to perform variable substitutions in integrals.
  • Knowledge of differentiation to compute du and v from u and dv.
NEXT STEPS
  • Practice integration by parts with different functions to solidify understanding.
  • Explore the properties and applications of inverse trigonometric functions.
  • Learn about variable substitution techniques in calculus.
  • Study the relationship between arctan and arccot to enhance integration strategies.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on integration techniques, and educators looking for examples of integration by parts involving inverse trigonometric functions.

mpgcbball
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



integrate arctan(1/x)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



z=arctan(1/x)
dx=-dz(x^2-1)

now its the integral of z(x^2-1)dz

let u =X^2-1
du=2x
dv=-udu
v=-u^2/2

integral=(x^2-1)(-u^2/2) - int (-u^2)(2x)

this is where i got stuck but i think I am doing the z substitution incorrectly. is it even necessary to sub z?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You got stuck because you're trying to integrate the term z(x^2-1)dz which has x's and z's in it!

We want to calculate \int\tan^{-1}(1/x)dx. Do this by parts, and take u=arctan(1/x) and dv=dx. You need to then calculate du and v, and use the usual integration by parts formula: \int udv= uv-\int vdu

(Alternatively, you could note that arctan(1/x)=arccot(x) and proceed from here)
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
7K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K