Integration-problem using u-substitution

  • Thread starter Thread starter johann1301
  • Start date Start date
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 2K views
johann1301
Messages
216
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



∫(ex)/(2ex+2)dx

Homework Equations



and I am told to use:

u=2ex+2

The Attempt at a Solution



If i use u=2ex+2 as the task says;

du/dx = 2ex and dx =du/2ex

∫(ex)/(u)du/2ex=∫(1)/(2u)du=1/2ln|u| + c =1/2ln|2ex+2|

according to the book the answer should be 1/2ln|ex+1|

however if i use u =ex+1 and write the integral 1/2∫(ex)/(ex+1)dx i get the correct answer. Where am i going wrong?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
they are both correct, the only difference is the constant of integration, which you don't know anyway. Hint: write 2ex+2 as a constant times ex+1, and then make use of the properties of logarithms to see that you get the same answer (without caring about the constant of integration, since you don't know it anyway).