Solve Integral Error: \int\frac{1+e^x}{1-e^x}dx

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral of the function \(\int \frac{1+e^x}{1-e^x}dx\), which involves various techniques of integration and substitution. Participants are exploring the steps taken to solve the integral and addressing potential errors in the process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to break down the integral into two parts, using substitutions for each. They express uncertainty about the correctness of their approach, particularly regarding the use of absolute values in logarithmic expressions. Another participant points out a correction needed in the original post regarding the sign of an integral.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's calculations. There is an acknowledgment of potential mistakes, and some participants are questioning the assumptions made in the integration process. No consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the extent of guidance provided. The original poster expresses concern about making mistakes with signs, indicating a focus on precision in their calculations.

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

[tex]\int \frac{dx}{1-e^x} + \int \frac{e^x}{1-e^x}dx[/tex]

The second integral can be done by the substitution
[tex]u = 1-e^x[/tex]
[tex]du = -e^x dx[/tex]

So the second integral becomes:
[tex]\int \frac{du}{u} = \ln|u|+C[/tex]
In the first integral, you can use the substituion:
[tex]w = e^x[/tex]
[tex]dw = e^x dx[/tex]

So the first integral becomes:
[tex]\int \frac{dw}{w(1-w)}[/tex]
This can be done by parts and you get:
[tex]\int \frac{dw}{w} + \int \frac{dw}{1-w}[/tex]

These are also both natural logs so you end up with:

[tex]\ln|e^x| - 2\ln|1-e^x| + C[/tex]

[tex]x - 2\ln|1-e^x| +C[/tex]

I had http://integrals.wolfram.com/index.jsp compute this for me and it got:

[tex]x - 2\ln(e^x - 1) +C[/tex]

I think this may have something to do with the absolute value, but I always make stupid mistakes with signs so I thought I'd check...Thanks for the time I probably just wasted.
 
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For some reason it won't let me edit my post... on the fifth line that integral should be
[tex]-\int\frac{du}{u}[/tex]
 
ok thanks a lot, stupid question
 

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