Solving an Integral Problem: Finding the Definite Integral

[duelle]

1. The problem
Find the definite integral.
\int \frac {t^2 - 3}{-t^3 + 9t + 1} dt2. The attempt at a solution
The answer is the book made it seem like the rule \int \frac {du}{u} = ln|u| + C was used. Here's what I got:
u = -t^3 + 9t + 1
du = -3t^2 + 9\;dt
-\frac{1}{3}du = t^2 + 9\;dt
Obviously this won't work out, so is there something I'm overlooking that anyone can point out?

 

[a9211l]

yes that rule is used, but when you take du, you're entire quantity needs to be multiplied by dt.

 

[tim_lou]

the last line of your calculation is wrong.

notice that it should be:
-\frac{1}{3}du=(t^2-3)dt

you forgot changing the dt.

 

[Spiro09]

you've got the right substitution. By rearranging your du formula for dt you'll get:

dt = -du/(3(t^2-3))
and it will cancel out leaving you with the simple integral

 

[duelle]

Wow, I feel dumb. Thanks for pointing that out, though.