Integration question, u substitution

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the indefinite integral ∫\frac{\sqrt{x}}{\sqrt{x}-3}dx, which falls under the subject area of integral calculus, specifically focusing on techniques such as u-substitution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial attempts at substitution, particularly using u = \sqrt{x} - 3, and the challenges faced with the differential du not aligning with the integrand. There are considerations of splitting the integral and how to manage the terms in the denominator.

Discussion Status

Several participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering hints and alternative perspectives on the substitution method. There is a recognition of the complexity introduced by the denominator, and participants are encouraged to explore different substitutions and manipulations without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on ensuring that the substitutions made align with the integrand, and participants are questioning the effectiveness of their approaches due to the structure of the integral. The original poster expresses some uncertainty about the clarity of the problem setup.

jonc1258
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The problem statement
Evaluate the indefinite integral

∫[itex]\frac{\sqrt{x}}{\sqrt{x}-3}[/itex]dx

The attempt at a solution
My first thought was to substitute u for √(x)-3, but then du would equal [itex]\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}[/itex]dx, and there's no multiple of du in the integrand.

Next, I tried splitting up the problem like this:
∫[itex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}-3}[/itex]*[itex]\sqrt{x}[/itex]
When u is substituted for the [itex]\sqrt{x}[/itex], du still equals[itex]\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}[/itex]dx , but the minus 3 in the denominator of the first factor prevents cleanly substituting a multiple of du for [itex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}-3}[/itex]dx.

Any ideas or hints?
 
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Notice that if ##u = \sqrt{x} - 3##, then ##u + 3 = \sqrt{x}##.

Since ##\displaystyle du = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}} dx, 2\sqrt{x}\ du = dx##

Does this make things easier?
 
[itex]\sqrt{x}dx= (x/\sqrt{x})dx= (\sqrt(x)^2)(dx/\sqrt{x})= (u+3)^2du[/itex]
 
The denominator is kind of hard to see, it's sqrt(x)-3. Thanks for all the replies, I'll see if I can figure it out
 
Last edited:
jonc1258 said:
The problem statement
Evaluate the indefinite integral

∫[itex]\frac{\sqrt{x}}{\sqrt{x}-3}[/itex]dx

The attempt at a solution
My first thought was to substitute u for √(x)-3, but then du would equal [itex]\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}[/itex]dx, and there's no multiple of du in the integrand.
If [itex]\displaystyle \ \ du=\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}dx=\frac{1}{2u}dx\,,[/itex]

then [itex]\displaystyle \ \ dx=2u\,du\ .[/itex]

Next, I tried splitting up the problem like this:
∫[itex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}-3}[/itex]*[itex]\sqrt{x}[/itex]
When u is substituted for the [itex]\sqrt{x}[/itex], du still equals[itex]\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}[/itex]dx , but the minus 3 in the denominator of the first factor prevents cleanly substituting a multiple of du for [itex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}-3}[/itex]dx.

Any ideas or hints?
 

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