Integration by subsitution (give constant value), why?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function \(\int(x^{2}-5)^{2}x \, dx\) using substitution and traditional methods. Participants explore the differences in the constants obtained from each method and the implications of these differences on the final results.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines the steps for integration by substitution, questioning the presence of a constant in one method versus a simple addition in another.
  • Another participant asserts that a constant should be added after integration, emphasizing that any constant is valid unless specified otherwise.
  • A different participant points out a potential error in the integration steps, specifically regarding the constant value derived from the first method.
  • Further discussion arises about the discrepancy between the results of the two methods, particularly the appearance of a constant value of -125 in one method.
  • One participant expresses confusion over why the two methods yield different constants and whether this indicates a mistake in their calculations.
  • Another participant revises their earlier steps, reiterating the importance of including a constant after integration and comparing results from both methods.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a constant should be included after integration, but there is disagreement regarding the specific values of the constants obtained from different methods and whether they should be the same.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the constants derived from different integration methods may not align, leading to questions about the correctness of their approaches and the nature of the constants involved.

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[itex]\int(x^{2}-5)^{2}x dx[/itex]

By substiution:
1. [itex]u = x^{2}-5[/itex]

2. [itex]du = 2x dx[/itex]

3. [itex]\frac{du}{2x}= dx[/itex]

4. [itex]\int u^{2}x \frac{du}{2x}[/itex]

5. [itex]\int u^{2} \frac{1}{2} du[/itex]

6. [itex]\frac{1}{3} u^{3} \frac{1}{2}[/itex]

7. [itex]\frac{1}{6} u^{3}[/itex]

8. [itex]\frac{1}{6} (x^{2}-5)^{3}[/itex]

9. [itex]\frac{1}{6} [x^{6} - 15x^{4} + 75x^{2} +125][/itex]By normal integration factorize the from beginning

from: [itex]\int(x^{2}-5)^{2}x dx[/itex]to [itex]\int [x^{4} - 10x^{2} + 25 ] x dx[/itex]

then: [itex]\int x^{5} - 10x^{3} + 25x dx[/itex]

and finally : [itex]\frac{1}{6} [x^{6} - 15x^{4} + 75x^{2}] + C[/itex]Probably this is a easy one, i been looking on internet, but had hard time to find the right keywords for an explanation...

Question is: the one give me some kind of constant and the other i just add one.. Which one is correct? I mean both gives same result except of one provide a "real" constant value.
 
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A constant should be added in the 6th step of method one.The answers tally.
 
You blundered on step 6. When integrating, you must always add an arbitrary constant after integrating. The cool thing though, is that any constant you get at the end is correct (unless more information is given). There's an infinite number of answers you can get. As long as your constant is a real number, you're fine. That's why we just add a constant C to be general.
 
Aha yes my fault but this doesn't explain why i get 125 value from the first method

since unfactorise [itex](x^{2} - 5)^{3} = x^{6} - 15x^{4} + 75x^{2} - 125[/itex]
 
So why does both methods differs -125/6 ?
 
Sorry I will correct this into new post

By substiution:
1. [itex]u = x^{2}-5[/itex]

2. [itex]du = 2x dx[/itex]

3. [itex]\frac{du}{2x}= dx[/itex]

4. [itex]\int u^{2}x \frac{du}{2x}[/itex]

5. [itex]\int u^{2} \frac{1}{2} du[/itex]

6. [itex]\frac{1}{3} u^{3} \frac{1}{2} + C[/itex]

7. [itex]\frac{1}{6} u^{3} +C[/itex]

8. [itex]\frac{1}{6} (x^{2}-5)^{3} +C[/itex]

9. [itex]\frac{1}{6} [x^{6} - 15x^{4} + 75x^{2} +125] +C[/itex]

So comparing substitution method and normal unfactor in beginning give me different answer

[itex]\frac{1}{6} [x^{6} - 15x^{4} + 75x^{2} +125] +C \neq \frac{1}{6} [x^{6} - 15x^{4} + 75x^{2}] + C[/itex]

Where a value of 126/6 appears (a constant), so the substitution method gives me "2" constants? but 126/6 + C = C ?

Or did i make any mistake somewhere? I mean I know C can be anything sure, but shoulnt C be same for both methods?
 

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