Integration of a function within another function

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the chain rule in differentiation and its counterpart in indefinite integration, specifically through the method of u-substitution. The example integrals presented, such as ∫e^(4x^3+6x^2+8x+9) and ∫sin(x^2) dx, illustrate the challenges faced when attempting to find antiderivatives. The u-substitution technique is highlighted as a critical method, where one sets u = g(x) to simplify the integration process. However, it is emphasized that not all integrals can be solved using this method, particularly when the integrand does not derive from a chain rule calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the chain rule in differentiation
  • Familiarity with indefinite integrals and antiderivatives
  • Knowledge of u-substitution technique in integration
  • Basic concepts of Fresnel integrals and their properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the u-substitution method in detail for various functions
  • Explore the properties and applications of Fresnel integrals
  • Learn advanced integration techniques such as integration by parts
  • Investigate special functions and their integrals, including exponential and trigonometric forms
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians focusing on integration techniques, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of antiderivatives and integration methods.

sarvesh0303
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Homework Statement



In differentiation we use the chain rule to find the derivative of a function within other function [f(g(x))]
Is there any similar method for indefinite integration for example how am I supposed to find the integral
of e^(4x^3+6x^2+8x+9) or sin(x^2).

Homework Equations


none


The Attempt at a Solution


Couldn't reach anywhere!
 
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<br /> \frac {df(g(x))} {dx} = f&#039;(g(x))g&#039;(x)<br /> \Rightarrow \int \frac {df(g(x))} {dx} dx = \int f&#039;(g(x))g&#039;(x) dx<br /> This is sometimes called "u-substitution", meaning one let's u = g(x), then <br /> \int f&#039;(g(x))g&#039;(x) dx = \int f&#039;(u) du = f(u) + C<br /> Finding a u-substitution is a matter of art (which means lots of practice and sometimes luck). But even that does not guarantee you can always take an indefinite analytically. The integrals you listed are of this kind. \int sin(x^2) dx is known as the Fresnel integral.
 
To add to voko's comment, since the u-substitution method is essentially the chain rule in reverse, if the function which you are trying to antidifferentiate did not come as the result of a chain rule calculation, you would not expect the u-substitution method to work. That is why, for example you can work$$
\int xe^{x^2}\, dx$$with the substitution ##u=x^2## but you can't work$$
\int e^{x^2}\, dx$$that way. You can tell that the first comes from a chain rule because, to within a constant, the integrand is the derivative of ##e^{x^2}## with the extra ##x## in the integral coming from the chain rule. That ##x## is missing in the second integral and it can not be worked with the u-substitution or, as it turns out, any other elementary method.
 

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