Solve Improper Integration: \int^{\infty}_{0}\frac{x}{(x^{2}+2)^{2}}dx

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jonathan G
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integration
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the improper integral \(\int^{\infty}_{0}\frac{x}{(x^{2}+2)^{2}}dx\), which falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically improper integrals and integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to evaluate the integral by rewriting it and separating it into multiple integrals, but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their approach. Some participants suggest using a substitution to simplify the integral, while others question the validity of separating the denominator.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering suggestions for different approaches, such as substitution. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the manipulation of the integral, and some participants express confusion over the results they are obtaining.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing steps or misunderstandings in the manipulation of the integral, as well as concerns about the convergence of the integral. Participants are also discussing the implications of limits as \(x\) approaches infinity.

Jonathan G
Messages
19
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


[tex]\int^{\infty}_{0}\frac{x}{(x^{2}+2)^{2}}dx[/tex]


Homework Equations


I am well aware how it is to be done but when I take a stab at it, I just can't seem to get the correct solution. I think I might be missing a step somewhere or simply starting off incorrect.


The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\int ^{\infty}_{0}\frac{x}{(x^{4}+4x+4)}dx[/tex]

Then I separate into 3 different integrals:

[tex]\int ^{\infty}_{0}\frac{1}{x^{3}}dx[/tex] + [tex]\int ^{\infty}_{0}\frac{1}{(4x)}dx[/tex] + [tex]\int ^{\infty}_{0}\frac{x}{4}dx[/tex]

and from there I try solving it the rest of the way but I just can't seem to get a solution that I am satisfied with. The first time I got that it diverges, second time i got divided by zero so I'm not sure which 1 to go with if any.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1/(a+b) ≠ 1/a + 1/b


try putting u=x2+2 into the integral.
 
You can't separate the denominator? So I guess it is the numerators you can separate. OK, I'll try this problem again but without expanding the bottom.
 
OK i got it. It came out to converging to -1/4

Thanks!
 
When you have e^(-2*-infinity) it comes out to e^(infinity) hence infinity?
 
Jonathan G said:
When you have e^(-2*-infinity) it comes out to e^(infinity) hence infinity?

[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow - \infty} e^{ax} =0[/tex]
EDIT: I corrected it, it is [itex]x \rightarrow \infty[/itex]
 
Last edited:
What?!? I thought it was if it was as x-> negative infinity =zero : not when x->positive infinity.
 
Last edited:
Jonathan G said:

Homework Statement


[tex]\int^{\infty}_{0}\frac{x}{(x^{2}+2)^{2}}dx[/tex]

Homework Equations


I am well aware how it is to be done but when I take a stab at it, I just can't seem to get the correct solution. I think I might be missing a step somewhere or simply starting off incorrect.


The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\int ^{\infty}_{0}\frac{x}{(x^{4}+4x+4)}dx[/tex]
You're missing an exponent on one of the terms in the denominator. It should be this:
[tex]\int ^{\infty}_{0}\frac{x}{(x^{4}+4x^2+4)}dx[/tex]

Actually, you didn't do yourself much good by multiplying it out. You could have directly used the substitution that rock.freak667 suggested.
Jonathan G said:
Then I separate into 3 different integrals:

[tex]\int ^{\infty}_{0}\frac{1}{x^{3}}dx[/tex] + [tex]\int ^{\infty}_{0}\frac{1}{(4x)}dx[/tex] + [tex]\int ^{\infty}_{0}\frac{x}{4}dx[/tex]
No, no, no! You really should go back and review how fractions and rational expressions add.
Jonathan G said:
and from there I try solving it the rest of the way but I just can't seem to get a solution that I am satisfied with. The first time I got that it diverges, second time i got divided by zero so I'm not sure which 1 to go with if any.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K