Solving Integral of (4/(x^2+4))2 using Trig Substitution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral of the function (4/(x^2+4))^2, with participants exploring various methods of integration, including trigonometric substitution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to simplify the integral by factoring out constants and considers using trigonometric substitution with the substitution x=2tan(theta). Some participants affirm the viability of this substitution and encourage the use of trigonometric identities.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively sharing their results and methods, with one individual expressing uncertainty about their answer and seeking confirmation from others. There is a mix of approaches being discussed, and some guidance has been offered regarding the substitution method.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention their familiarity with integration techniques such as U-substitution, integration by parts, and partial fractions, indicating a range of prior knowledge. There is also a note of confusion regarding the derivation of certain terms in the integral's evaluation.

mattmannmf
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find the integral:

integral (4/(x^2+4))2

Ill use S for my integral
So what i did so far is move the 4^2 out of the integral and get this:

16 S 1/(x^2+4)^2

I tried using partial fractions but got nothing. I am not sure what to do. So far all I have learned was U sub, integral by parts, partial fractions, and trig substitution.

Would trig substitution work?
if i make x=2tan (theta)

or is there another method i haven't seen yet.
 
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Yes that substitution will work well. Try it and remember your trig identities.
 


the answer i got when i did it was:

.5archtan(x/2) +x(x^2+4) + C

is that what you guys got?
i made x=2tan (theta)
dx= 2sec^2(theta)
 


mattmannmf said:
the answer i got when i did it was:

.5archtan(x/2) +x(x^2+4) + C

is that what you guys got?
i made x=2tan (theta)
dx= 2sec^2(theta)

Your first term is correct, where did you get the x(x2+4) term from?
 


that came from the 2nd half of the equation
i had the integral:
S cos^2 theta
used the power reducing formulas
S (1+cos2 theta)/2
and took derivative (just talking about
= .5 d(theta) + S .5 cos2theta
took derivative and used the double angle formula for the cos 2 theta (its would be .5 sin 2 theta when derivative taken)

and answer came out to be:
.5 arctan (x/2) + .25* 2 sin (theta) cos (theta)

sin theta= x... oh wait i did x*sqr x^2 + 4... not divided
THANKS!
im going to redue my work and show my final answer.
 

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