Solving an Integral with (3x+2)/x(x+2)^2+16x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the integral of the expression (3x+2)/(x(x+2)^2 + 16x), focusing on the algebraic manipulation and integration techniques involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss breaking down the integral into partial fractions and express the numerator in terms of unknown coefficients A, B, and C. There is a question about the correct interpretation of the integral's expression, leading to clarification on its structure. Some participants suggest a substitution method to simplify the integral further.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts at finding coefficients and discussing the next steps in the integration process. There is an indication of helpful guidance being offered regarding substitution, but some participants express uncertainty about how to proceed after certain steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is also a focus on ensuring the correct interpretation of the integral's expression before proceeding with the solution.

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Homework Statement



Integral of (3x+2)/x(x+2)^2+16x

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



That breaks down to

A/x + Bx+c/x^2+4x+20

so 3x+2 = Ax^2+4x+20 + Bx^2 + Cx

then I found the values of A b and C then I can't figure out what to do please help
 
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What did you get for values of a,b,c?

And by the way, is that supposed to be

[tex]\frac{3x+2}{x(x+2)^2+16x}[/tex]?

because the way it's written is

[tex]\frac{3x+2}{x} (x+2)^2 + 16x[/tex]
 
yea that's what its suposed to be
 
And did you by chance get A= 1/10, B = -1/10, C= 26/10?
 
yeaup
 
I don't know what to do after this
 
well, the [itex]\frac{1}{x}[/itex] is pretty easy to handle right? So we'll just focus on the other term. Now, in this case it's better if we express [itex]x^2+4x+20[/itex] as [itex](x+2)^2+16[/itex].

Make the substitution [itex]x+2 = 4 \tan(\theta)[/itex] and don't forget that in this case [itex]dx = 4 \sec^2(\theta) d\theta [/tex]. Substitute everything into your integral and see if it simplifies a bit.[/itex]
 
I don't know what to do after this
 
If you do what I've said to do, and you do it correctly, your integral will become much easier, so just stick with it.
 
  • #10
I don't know what to do after this
 
  • #11
Well why don't you show me what you've got so far and we'll see if we can't see where the problem is, because if you done it correctly the integral is blatantly obvious.
 

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