Solve Double Integration: \int\frac{x^2-y^2}{(x^2+y^2)^2}dx

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the expression \(\int \frac{x^2 - y^2}{(x^2 + y^2)^2} dx\), which is part of a double integration problem. Participants are exploring various methods to approach this integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants have suggested several methods including integration by parts, trigonometric substitution, and partial fractions. There are discussions about splitting the integral and manipulating the integrand to facilitate integration.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active with multiple participants offering different strategies. Some participants express challenges with their attempts, while others provide alternative methods and insights into the manipulation of the integrand.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of partial fractions, particularly in relation to the expressions derived from the integral. Participants are questioning the assumptions made in their approaches and exploring various algebraic manipulations.

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\int \frac{x^2 - y^2}{(x^2 + y^2)^2} dx

Above is an integration involved in a double integration, I know the answers via TI-89, but I am trying to find out how to get them :frown: I have tried trig substitution, u sub, integration by parts, etc. etc. And I am out of ideas. Can anyone please help?

Thanks!
 
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Do you know partial fractions?
 
First of all, label your original integral as, say, I

I=\int \frac{x^2 - y^2}{(x^2 + y^2)^2} dx

Then split the integral into two separate integrals, one where x^2 is in the numerator, and other where y^2 is in the numerator.

With the first integral (the numerator x^2 one), integrate this by parts with the aim of maxing the denominator of your integral (x^2 + y^2).

After you have done this, look at the complete expression for I (substituting into this the integration-by-parts you just carried out).The integrals which remain (the one involving y^2 in the numerator, and the integral which is left from integration by parts), combine them both back into one single integral, with the integrand expressed as a single fraction. Compare this integral with the the expression for I on the first line (i.e. the expression above). You should then have an algebraic equation in I, which you can solve.
 
Do a trig substitution with x = y Tan[theta], dx = y (Sec[theta])^2. This will reduce your function to something resembling a trig identity that can easily be integrated.
 
Partial fractioning is probably the easiest way as StatusX suggested.
 
StatusX said:
Do you know partial fractions?

Yea I tried that but you end up with

x^2 - y^2 = A(x^2 + Y^2) + B(x^2 + Y^2)

And when you set x^2 = -y^2 you would end up with -2y^2 =0 which really isn't a helpful expression :(
 
Why would you set x^2=-y^2? You need to write:

\frac{x^2-y^2}{(x^2+y^2)^2} = \frac{Ax+B}{x^2+y^2}+\frac{Cx+D}{(x^2+y^2)^2}

Then solve for A,B,C,D.
 
Last edited:
There's a quicker way to manipulate the integrand into a form which ia easier to integrate if you say that

<br /> (x^2 + y^2) = (x+iy)(x-iy)<br />

and

<br /> x^2 - y^2 = \frac{1}{2}\left[(x+iy)^2 + (x-iy)^2\right]<br />

So,

<br /> \frac{x^2 - y^2}{(x^2 + y^2)^2} = \frac{1}{2}\frac{(x+iy)^2 + (x-iy)^2}{(x+iy)^2(x-iy)^2}<br />
 

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