Integration via substitution problem.

AI Thread Summary
The integration problem involves integrating x/(x+1)^0.5 using the substitution u^2 = x + 1. The initial calculations led to the expression (2/3)(x + 1)^1.5 - 2(x + 1)^0.5, which was found to be equivalent to the book's answer of (2/3)(x - 2)(x + 1)^0.5 after simplification. The discrepancy arose from not simplifying the expression correctly, and the importance of including the constant of integration was also noted. The discussion highlights the significance of algebraic manipulation in solving integration problems.
Gaz031
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Hi, I'm currently stuck on an integration via substitution problem. I have an answer but the one given in the book of the book is different to mine. I'm wondering where exactly I've gone wrong, if i have:

Q10: Integrate:

x/ (x+1)^0.5 dx. Use the substitution, u^2 = x + 1.

Heres my working:
u^2 = x + 1.
u = (x+1)^0.5
2u(du/dx) = 1
x = u^2 - 1

So, using some substitution:

(u^2 - 1)/u 1dx
(u^2 - 1)/u 2u(du/dx)dx
(u^2 - 1)2 du
(2u^2 - 2) du

Now integrating with respect to u:

(2/3)u^3 - 2u

Substituting u = (x+1)^0.5
(2/3).(x+1)^1.5 - 2.(x+1)^0.5

However, the actual answer given in the back of the book is:

(2/3)(x-2).(x+1)^0.5

Could anyone spot my mistake for me? Thanks a lot.
 
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You haven't made a mistake. (2/3)(x + 1)^1.5 - 2(x + 1)^0.5 = (x + 1)^0.5( (2/3)(x + 1)^1 - 2) = (2/3 * (x - 1)) * (x + 1)^0.5, i.e what the book wrote. Also, don't forget about the constant of integration.
 
Ooops. Their version is just simplified. Trust me to get the part that was new to me right then forget to simplify with basic algebra >_<.
Thanks, sorry for the stupid topic.
 
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