Calculus Integration Problem: Need Help from Math Experts!

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on solving a complex calculus integration problem involving the integral of the form \(\int \frac{dx}{(2x + 1) \sqrt{x^2 - x}}\). Participants suggest various methods, including U-substitution with \(u = x^2 - x\) and partial fraction decomposition. The consensus indicates that completing the square and careful algebraic manipulation are crucial for arriving at the solution. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the properties of rational functions and the correct application of integration techniques.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus integration techniques, specifically U-substitution and partial fractions.
  • Familiarity with completing the square in algebra.
  • Knowledge of rational functions and their properties.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving square roots.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study U-substitution in calculus, focusing on its application in integration.
  • Learn about completing the square and its relevance in solving integrals.
  • Research partial fraction decomposition and its use in integrating rational functions.
  • Practice solving integrals involving square roots and algebraic expressions.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those tackling integration problems, as well as educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods in advanced mathematics.

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Math experts please come!

b]1. Homework Statement [/b]

Calculus, integration

Homework Equations


http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/6091/questiontc3.jpg


The Attempt at a Solution



used method:changing variable, by part, trigo etc but no avail.:confused: Please help me solve it, thanks.
 
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SD, Your kidding, right? Didn't your high school math teacher make you do a "time out" whenever misused the square root that way?
 
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Rewrite the argument x^2-x by "completing the square" . "u" substitution follows.
 
rasensuriken said:
b]1. Homework Statement [/b]

Calculus, integration

Homework Equations


http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/6091/questiontc3.jpg


The Attempt at a Solution



used method:changing variable, by part, trigo etc but no avail.:confused: Please help me solve it, thanks.


Did you try a U substition with U = X^2 - X and dU = 2x - 1 dx?
 
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When you meet the problem asking you to integrate something like:
\int \frac{dx}{(ax + b) ^ {m} \sqrt{c x ^ 2 + dx + e}}, what you should do is to let:
ax + b = \frac{1}{t}
--------------------
So, here, we go:
\int \frac{dx}{(2x + 1) \sqrt{x ^ 2 - x}}
For \sqrt{x ^ 2 - x} to be valid, x can only be in the interval ] - \infty ; 0 ] \unity [1 ; + \infty [
Let
2x + 1 = \frac{1}{t} \quad \mbox{or} \quad x = \frac{1}{2} \left( \frac{1}{t} - 1 \right)
\Rightarrow 2dx = -\frac{dt}{t ^ 2}
The integral becomes:
- \int \frac{\frac{dt}{2 t ^ 2}}{\frac{1}{t} \sqrt{ \left[ \frac{1}{2} \left( \frac{1}{t} - 1 \right) \right] ^ 2 - \frac{1}{2} \left( \frac{1}{t} - 1 \right)}}

= - \int \frac{dt}{2t\sqrt{ \left[ \frac{1}{4} \left( \frac{1}{t ^ 2} - \frac{2}{t} + 1 \right) \right] - \left( \frac{1}{2t} - \frac{1}{2} \right)}}

= - \int \frac{dt}{2t\sqrt{\frac{1}{4 t ^ 2} - \frac{1}{t} + \frac{3}{4}}}

= - \int \frac{dt}{t \sqrt{\frac{1}{t ^ 2} - \frac{4}{t} + 3}}

= \pm \int \frac{dt}{\sqrt{1 - 4t + 3 t ^ 2}}
Can you go from here? :)
 
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Forget what I had written here
 
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gammamcc said:
I vote for Man Monkey's approach.

Won't work because the integrand has dx/(2x-1) and not (2x-1)dx.

The best approach here is partial fraction decomp.

Let 1=A(2x-1) + B(x^2-x)^1/2

Set x=1 , A=1
Set x=1/2 , B=2i

Then integrate the new functions 1/(x^2-x)^1/2 and 2i/(2x-1)

EDIT: The function 1/(x^2-x)^1/2 can be broken down further into |x^1/2|(x-1)^1/2 or into ((x-x^1/2)(x+x^1/2))^1/2, though the first of these two should look familiar.
 
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(x^2-x)^(1/2) = x - x^(1/2) is not true. You can check by multiplying the RHS with itself.
 
Schrödinger's Dog said:
What they're equivalent, just trying to help? Thought it might be easier if he got rid of the sqrt.:smile:

\sqrt{4^{2}-4}=\sqrt{16-4}=\sqrt{12}=2=4-\sqrt{4}
Fascinating..
 
  • #10
arildno said:
\sqrt{4^{2}-4}=\sqrt{16-4}=\sqrt{12}=2=4-\sqrt{4}
Fascinating..

OK my bad. I was thinking of \sqrt{x^2} - \sqrt{x}

In my defence I had just finished a long and arduous day at work and wasn't really thinking:eek: sorry.

I deleted it, still the shame lives on... I'll go bury myself under a pile of soil and pretend I'm dead :smile:

For my next trick I'll prove Fermat's last theorem in a new and exciting way whilst drunk :/
 
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  • #11
going with my first reply

Opps, I got fooled. Monkey Man's answer seemed so slick. I now vote for my own approach. It boils down to a constant times integral of
1/(u sqrt(u^2 -a^2))


"complete the square."

I don't trust partial fractions since we don't have a rational function.
 
  • #12
gammamcc said:
I don't trust partial fractions since we don't have a rational function.

Your kidding right? So 1/((2x-1)(x^2-x)^1/2) is not a rational function?
 
  • #13
Nope, It's not. Rational functions are ratios of polynomials.
 
  • #14
So 1/x is no longer rational?
 
  • #15
is too

(no square root in that one)
 
  • #16
what does the square root matter?
 
  • #17
In that case, u=2x-1

1/u(((u+1)2)^2-(u+1)/2)^1/2
 
  • #18
Plastic Photon said:
what does the square root matter?
Look up the definition of a polynomial.
 
  • #19
Thanks vietdao29. Ya i can go from there...I am a form 4 student studying integration on my own. Hope these can help me in form 5 and form 6.
 
  • #20
There is an easier way. I had the quickest way expect that I got diss'ed over partial fractions. You shouldn't have to rely on megaformulas.
 
  • #21
u=\sqrt{x^2-x}
du=\frac{(2x-1)dx}{2\sqrt{x^2-x}}
\int{\frac{dx}{(2x-1)\sqrt{x^2-x}}}=\int{\frac{2du}{(2x-1)^2}}=\int{\frac{2du}{4u^2+1}}
 
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  • #22
I agree except for the last step.
 
  • #23
In case no one was paying attention, see my attachment for the quick way.
 

Attachments

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  • #24
tim_lou said:
u=\sqrt{x^2-x}
du=\frac{(2x-1)dx}{2\sqrt{x^2-x}}
\int{\frac{dx}{(2x-1)\sqrt{x^2-x}}}=\int{\frac{2du}{(2x-1)^2}}=\int{\frac{2du}{4u+1}}

\int{\frac{2du}{(2x-1)^2}}=\int{\frac{2du}{(2u)^2+1}} Very easy now, form of arctan integral.
 
  • #25
I don't agree. Forgetting what "u" is and applying bad algebra. Is anyone reading my attachment?
 
  • #26
We can't. Your attachment is "Pending Approval" by a Mentor to make sure your not a predator give us viruses :)

Bad algebra? Where did he forget what u was?
 
  • #27
gammamcc said:
In case no one was paying attention, see my attachment for the quick way.

that is the solution
 
  • #28
Gib Z said:
Bad algebra? Where did he forget what u was?


Because

u=/sqrt{x^2-x}

{(2x-1)^2}={4x^2}-4x+1={4u^2}+1
 
  • #29
oops, forgot the square...fixed. hehe:biggrin:
 
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  • #30
OK PP. I needed more convincing.
 

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