Can substitution be used to find the indefinite integral of 2x/(x+5)^6?

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To find the indefinite integral of 2x/(x+5)^6 using substitution, the appropriate substitution is u = x + 5, leading to du = dx. This substitution simplifies the integral, but the challenge lies in expressing x in terms of u, which is crucial for correctly applying the substitution method. The integrand still contains 2x, which complicates the process. The discussion emphasizes the importance of fully transforming all variables when using u-substitution to avoid confusion. Understanding the relationship between x and u is key to successfully completing the integral.
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Homework Statement


Find the indefinite integral by substitution.

∫2x/(x+5)^6 dx


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I know how to do this using the method of partial fractions, but the book says to use substitution. Is there a way to just do a basic u-substitution with this integrand that I'm just not seeing? Or a way to solve without partial fractions? (we haven't gotten to partial fractions in my class so I feel like there must be some other way).

Thanks!
 
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Use u-substitution. What can you set u equal to?
 
There's a very obvious substitution.
 
haha, thanks guys. I feel like it is pretty obvious but I just don't see it! If you set u=x+5 that gives du=1dx and you're still stuck with the 2x in the numerator. If you set u=2x, you get du=2dx and then you're stuck with the (x+5)^6 in the denominator.

What am I missing?
 
If u = x + 5, what is x in terms of u? When you do a substitution, you don't just replace some of the terms.
 
Got it. Thanks!
 
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