Simple Integral Help: Evaluate x^2*ln(x)dx

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral of the function x^2 * ln(x) with respect to x. Participants are exploring integration techniques, particularly integration by parts.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply integration by parts, initially choosing u = ln(x) and dv = x^2. They express confusion regarding the correct expressions for du and v, questioning their understanding of differentiation and integration.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively clarifying the setup for integration by parts. Some have provided corrections regarding the integral of x^2, leading to a revised understanding of the components involved in the integration process. There is a collaborative effort to ensure the original poster's reasoning aligns with the correct mathematical principles.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating common pitfalls in integration, specifically the distinction between differentiation and integration. The original poster's initial confusion reflects typical challenges encountered in applying integration techniques.

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Homework Statement



Evaluate the following integral:

[integral](x^2)*ln(x)dx

Homework Equations



I believe this is substitution by parts...

The Attempt at a Solution



I chose u = ln(x), and dv = x^2. The problem I am having is I can't figure out what du and v should be, because I am thinking too much and confusing myself. If u = ln(x), then du should simply be 1/x, right? And if dv = x^2, then to get v, you just need the integral of x^2, which is just 2x. Is that right?

If those are right, then how come I come up with the following answer, which I don't believe is right (and I will laugh if it is but I really don't think so):

2x*lnx - 2x + C

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
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The INTEGRAL of x^2 isn't 2x.
 
ebk11 said:
And if dv = x^2, then to get v, you just need the integral of x^2, which is just 2x. Is that right?

No. You have differentiated, not integrated.
 
Well that's what I was confused about.

When you are setting up a substitution by parts problem...when you get u, you differentiate to get the du...and then you integrate to get v from dv, right?

So it should be x^3/3, not 2x?
 
ebk11 said:
So it should be x^3/3, not 2x?

Correct. Technically speaking you'd have:

u = ln x
dv = x2 dx
 
fss said:
Correct. Technically speaking you'd have:

u = ln x
dv = x2 dx

Okay, so I got du = 1/xdx, and v = x^3/3

Then, I did: lnx * x^3/3 - [integral]x^3/3 * 1/xdx

then: lnx * 1/3*x^3 - 1/3[integral]x^3/xdx

which simplifies to: lnx * 1/3 * x^3 - 1/3[integral]x^2dx

which is: lnx * 1/3 * x^3 - 1/3[integral]x^3/3 + C

final answer: ln(x) * 1/3 * x^3 - 1/9 * x^3 + C

Does that seem right?

Thanks in advance for reading this all over...
 
Looks like you got it to me.
 

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