So Can you find the integral of \frac{3x^2-4x+5}{(x-1)(x^2+1)} \ dx?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the integral of the function \(\frac{3x^2-4x+5}{(x-1)(x^2+1)}\) with a focus on various methods of integration, including partial fractions and manipulation of the integrand. Participants explore different approaches and share their reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the derivative of the denominator to rewrite the numerator and split the integral into two parts.
  • Another participant proposes manipulating the integrand into a sum of simpler fractions, leading to a specific integration result, though they express uncertainty about their calculations.
  • A later reply challenges the correctness of a differentiation result related to one of the proposed integrals, suggesting an alternative method might be easier.
  • One participant outlines a partial fraction decomposition approach, deriving coefficients for the fractions and presenting the resulting integrals, concluding with a specific expression for the integral.
  • Several participants express agreement with the partial fraction method, with one noting they would have used it themselves if they had more time.
  • Another participant mentions the "ABC" method for partial fractions, suggesting it is commonly found in calculus textbooks.
  • One participant elaborates on the integration of \(\int\frac{3}{1+x^2}dx\), providing a detailed explanation of the derivative rule for inverse functions and confirming the result of the integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the best method for solving the integral, as participants present multiple approaches and express differing opinions on their effectiveness. Some participants agree on the validity of the partial fraction method, while others propose alternative strategies.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about specific steps in their calculations and the correctness of their approaches. There are unresolved details regarding the manipulation of the integrand and the differentiation of logarithmic terms.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and enthusiasts of calculus, particularly those interested in integration techniques and partial fraction decomposition.

optics.tech
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Hi,

Can anyone tell me how can I find the integral of [tex]\frac{3x^2-4x+5}{(x-1)(x^2+1)} \ dx[/tex] ?

Thanks
 
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I found a very nice way: what is the derivative of the denominator? Now write the numerator as that + something else and split into two integrations.
 
Im not sure if this is the easiest way to do it but u can manipulate the equation to

((x-3)/(x^2 +1))+ (2/x-1)
Then u split it up into a 3rd fraction so what you get is
(x/x^2 +1) -(3/x^2 +1) + (2/x-1) dx
then what u integrate i think u should get
1/2 ln (x^2 +1) - 1/3 ln (x^2 +1) + 2 ln (x-1) + c
I might have done something wrong since I am too lazy to double check but i think the general idea is enough for u to be able to do it.

Sorry i don't know how to draw the integral sign or fractions otherwise it could have been expressed with more clarity.
 
MrSparky said:
(x/x^2 +1) -(3/x^2 +1) + (2/x-1) dx
then what u integrate i think u should get
1/2 ln (x^2 +1) - 1/3 ln (x^2 +1) + 2 ln (x-1) + c

You're not entirely correct: -1/3 ln(x^2 + 1) gives - (2/3) x / (x^2 + 1) when differentiated, instead of - 3 / (x^2 + 1).

Your approach is probably possible though, although I humbly think that mine is easier ;)
 
CompuChip said:
You're not entirely correct: -1/3 ln(x^2 + 1) gives - (2/3) x / (x^2 + 1) when differentiated, instead of - 3 / (x^2 + 1).

Your approach is probably possible though, although I humbly think that mine is easier ;)

oops, guess i misread that part when working it out, but yea your method is most likely better than mine.
 
Sorry I have forgotten. If I am not wrong, it's a partial fraction:

[tex]\frac{3x^2-4x+5}{(x-1)(x^2+1)}=\frac{A}{x-1}+\frac{Bx+C}{x^2+1}[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{A(x^2+1)+(Bx+C)(x-1)}{(x-1)(x^2+1)}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{Ax^2+A+Bx^2-Bx+Cx-C}{(x-1)(x^2+1)}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{(A+B)x^2-(B-C)x+A-C}{(x-1)(x^2+1)}[/tex]

[tex]A + B = 3 \ ...... \ (1)[/tex]

[tex]-(B-C)=-4 \ ...... \ (2)[/tex]

[tex]A-C=5 \ ...... \ (3)[/tex]

from equation 1, 2, and 3, I can obtain:

[tex]A=2, B=1, C=-3[/tex]

so the fraction can be modified as:

[tex]\frac{2}{x-1}+\frac{x-3}{x^2+1}[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{2}{x-1}+\frac{x}{x^2+1}-\frac{3}{x^2+1}[/tex]

so

[tex]\int\frac{3x^2-4x+5}{(x-1)(x^2+1)} \ dx=\int(\frac{2}{x-1}+\frac{x}{x^2+1}-\frac{3}{x^2+1}) \ dx[/tex]

[tex]=2\int\frac{1}{x-1} \ dx+\int\frac{x}{x^2+1} \ dx-3\int\frac{1}{x^2+1} \ dx[/tex]

[tex]=2 \ ln(x-1)+\frac{1}{2} \ ln(x^2+1)-3 \ arctan \ x+C[/tex]

Is it correct?

Thanks in advance
 
Looks fine to me!
You can always do the differentiation and check that it works out :-p
 
It is and not only that it was the way I was going to tackle it yesterday if I'd of had time. Kudos.

I've not seen the ABC method before, I'd of done it manually myself. Interesting stuff.
 
I've not seen the ABC method before, I'd of done it manually myself. Interesting stuff.

Hi The Dagda,

You can find the "ABC" method in most of elementary calculus textbook called "partial fraction", I suggest you to search it in the index :biggrin:.

Thanks!
 
  • #10
optics.tech said:
Hi The Dagda,

You can find the "ABC" method in most of elementary calculus textbook called "partial fraction", I suggest you to search it in the index :biggrin:.

Thanks!

They didn't teach it that way, but then my course wasn't standard. I have a maths textbook I bought separately though, I'll look it up, cheers.
 
  • #11
The last part of above integration [tex](\int\frac{3}{1+x^2}dx)[/tex] is:

The Derivative Rule of Inverse Function:

[tex](f^{-1})'(x)=\frac{1}{f'(f^{-1}(x))}[/tex]

With

[tex]y=f(x)=tan \ x[/tex]
[tex]y^{-1}=f^{-1}(x)=tan^{-1}x[/tex]
[tex]y'=f'(x)=sec^2x[/tex]

So

[tex](f^{-1})'(x)=\frac{1}{sec^2(tan^{-1}x)}[/tex]

since

[tex]sec^2u=1+tan^2u[/tex]

then

[tex](f^{-1})'(x)=\frac{1}{sec^2(tan^{-1}x)}=\frac{1}{1+tan^2(tan^{-1}x)}[/tex]

also

[tex]tan(tan^{-1}x)=x[/tex]

again

[tex](f^{-1})'(x)=\frac{1}{sec^2(tan^{-1}x)}=\frac{1}{1+tan^2(tan^{-1}x)}=\frac{1}{1+x^2}[/tex]

therefore

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}(tan^{-1}x)=\frac{1}{1+x^2}[/tex]

So

[tex]\int\frac{3}{1+x^2}dx[/tex]

[tex]=3\int\frac{1}{1+x^2}dx[/tex]

[tex]=3 \ tan^{-1}x + C[/tex]

[tex]=3 \ arctan \ x + C[/tex]
 

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