Not seeing how to integrate y/(y+1)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral of the function y/(y + 1) with respect to y. Participants are exploring different methods for integration, particularly focusing on how to manipulate the expression for easier evaluation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the possibility of expressing the integrand as a sum of simpler fractions. One participant suggests rewriting y in terms of y + 1 and -1 to facilitate integration.

Discussion Status

The conversation has progressed with participants offering different approaches to the integral. One participant has acknowledged a breakthrough in understanding the manipulation of the integrand, while others have suggested alternative substitution methods.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication of confusion regarding the initial setup of the integral, and participants are questioning how to best approach the integration of rational functions.

opticaltempest
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Hello,

I cannot figure out how to evaluate the following integral,

\int {\frac{y}{{y + 1}}dy}

If it was y^2+1 then I see how a u-substitution of u=y^2+1 would work.

Thanks
 
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Usually with fractions like this, you'll find you can express what you have as the sum of two or more fractions with the same denominator which are easier to integrate. In this case, try the numerators y+1 and -1.
 
As in, write y = y + 1 - 1.
 
Ok, that is what I was having trouble seeing. Thanks

<br /> \frac{y}{{y + 1}} = \frac{{y + 1}}{{y + 1}} - \frac{1}{{y + 1}} = 1 - \frac{1}{{y + 1}}<br />

<br /> \int {1{\rm }dy - } \int {\frac{1}{{y + 1}}{\rm }} dy = y - \ln \left| {y + 1} \right| + C<br />
 
You could also substitute u = y + 1, du = dy, and get the integral of (u - 1) / u with respect to u.
 

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