Solve dx/y = dy/x | Integral of 1/sqrt(x^2+1)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion centers around solving the indefinite integral of the form 1/sqrt(x^2 + 1) dx, with participants exploring various approaches and relationships between differentials and integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between differentials dx/y and dy/x, questioning the validity of equating them to the integral of d(x+y)/(x+y). Some suggest using substitutions and identities related to trigonometric and hyperbolic functions to approach the integral.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the relationships between the expressions presented. Some participants offer clarifications on misunderstandings regarding the equations, while others provide alternative methods for evaluating the integral. The discussion reflects a variety of interpretations and approaches without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential confusion arising from the notation used, particularly regarding the representation of variables and differentials. There is an emphasis on the need for additional relations between variables to validate certain equations.

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ibysaiyan said:

Homework Statement



Hi I am trying to solve an indefinite integral of the form 1/ sqrt[ (x^2 +1)] dx..

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Different ways of solving it are posted on the link below. I would like to know the following result :

dx/y = dy/x = d (x+y)/ (x+y) ?

http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/610733/how-to-integrate-int-dx-over-sqrt1-x2?lq=1

Thanks.

If ##1 = 1^2##, then denominator has the form ##\sqrt{x^2 + a^2}##.

Make the substitution ##x = a \tan(\theta)## and use the identity ##\sec^2(x) - \tan^2(x) = 1##.
 
Zondrina said:
If ##1 = 1^2##, then denominator has the form ##\sqrt{x^2 + a^2}##.

Make the substitution ##x = a \tan(\theta)## and use the identity ##\sec^2(x) - \tan^2(x) = 1##.

You have misunderstood my post. I want to know why dx/y = dy/x = \int d (x+y) / (x+y) = ln (x+y) + C

Thanks.
 
Probably the reason he misunderstood is that the equation you have is NOT correct. In fact it doesn't even makes sense- the first two parts are differentials, the last two are not. You need to separate it into two different equations. These are two completely different problems.

If dx/y= dy/x then, multiplying both sides by xy, xdx= ydy. Integrate both sides to find y as a function of x.

The other parts says that \int d(x+y)/(x+ y)= ln(x+ y)+ C. To see that that is true, let u= x+ y and use the fact that \int du/u= ln(u)+ C

But the two have nothing to do with each other.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Probably the reason he misunderstood is that the equation you have is NOT correct. In fact it doesn't even makes sense- the first two parts are differentials, the last two are not. You need to separate it into two different equations. These are two completely different problems.

If dx/y= dy/x then, multiplying both sides by xy, xdx= ydy. Integrate both sides to find y as a function of x.

The other parts says that \int d(x+y)/(x+ y)= ln(x+ y)+ C. To see that that is true, let u= x+ y and use the fact that \int du/u= ln(u)+ C

But the two have nothing to do with each other.

This is why I am stumped.
I am referring to the bottom most solution posted on the following link by juantheron (user): http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/610733/how-to-integrate-int-dx-over-sqrt1-x2?lq=1
 
Observing the integral:

##\int \frac{d(x+y)}{(x+ y)} = \int \frac{1}{(x+ y)} d(x+y) = ln(x+ y)+ C##

Where ##(x + y)## is being treated as the independent. Back subbing for ##y = \sqrt{1 + x^2}## will give you the answer.

Does this alleviate the problem or is the concern something else entirely?
 
Hey there,

This can be done using the technique of trigonometric integration. Please try it out and let me know if you have anymore difficulty.
Thanks
 
Another (more convenient?) way is to substitute x=\sinh u. As turns out, this is in fact a basic integral, involving hyperbolic functions.
 
Zondrina said:
Observing the integral:

##\int \frac{d(x+y)}{(x+ y)} = \int \frac{1}{(x+ y)} d(x+y) = ln(x+ y)+ C##

Where ##(x + y)## is being treated as the independent. Back subbing for ##y = \sqrt{1 + x^2}## will give you the answer.

Does this alleviate the problem or is the concern something else entirely?

Guys thanks for the responses.

My issue is still not resolved. Let me rephrase the question.

I want to know how one can show that \int dx/y = \int d(x+y) / (x+y)
 
  • #10
You can't. Unless there is some additional relation between x and y you haven't told us, such as "x= y", that equation is not true. What is true is that \int dy/y= \int d(x+ y)/(x+ y). That equation is true but is confusing notation because we are using y to represent two different "dummy" variables. I would prefer to write it in the equivalent form \int du/u= \int d(x+ y)/(x+ y) which is clearly true with u= x+ y.
 
  • #11
HallsofIvy said:
You can't. Unless there is some additional relation between x and y you haven't told us, such as "x= y", that equation is not true. What is true is that \int dy/y= \int d(x+ y)/(x+ y). That equation is true but is confusing notation because we are using y to represent two different "dummy" variables. I would prefer to write it in the equivalent form \int du/u= \int d(x+ y)/(x+ y) which is clearly true with u= x+ y.

I was under the impression that maybe there is a way of showing the above relation, but now it all makes sense.

Thanks for the clarification.
 
  • #12
HallsofIvy said:
Probably the reason he misunderstood is that the equation you have is NOT correct. In fact it doesn't even makes sense- the first two parts are differentials, the last two are not. You need to separate it into two different equations. These are two completely different problems.

If dx/y= dy/x then, multiplying both sides by xy, xdx= ydy. Integrate both sides to find y as a function of x.

The other parts says that \int d(x+y)/(x+ y)= ln(x+ y)+ C. To see that that is true, let u= x+ y and use the fact that \int du/u= ln(u)+ C

But the two have nothing to do with each other.

It IS correct.

It is a simple consequence of the fact that ##\frac ab = \frac cd \implies \frac ab = \frac cd = \frac{a+c}{b+d}## for nonzero ##a,b,c,d##. This is trivial to prove.

Juantheron (on MathSE) is merely replacing some of the variables with infinitesimals to come up with a rather interesting way to evaluate the integral. He starts by defining ##y^2 = x^2 + 1##, which then leads to ##ydy = xdx##. That allows him to go to ##\frac{dx}{y} = \frac{dy}{x}= \frac{dx + dy}{x + y} = \frac{d(x+y)}{x+y}##, and he uses that to evaluate the original integral.

Some may balk at this "fast and loose" use of the Leibniz notation, but it is sound.
 
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