Solving Integral Problem: Stuck on Integration Steps, Need Suggestions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the integral of the function (3x^3 + 4x)/(x^2+1)^2 with a focus on the integration steps involved. Participants are sharing their approaches and seeking clarification on specific integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents their approach to the integral, using substitution with u = x^2 + 1 and expressing the integral in terms of u.
  • Another participant suggests that there is a slight mistake with the signage in the participant's expression after substitution.
  • A subsequent reply corrects the expression to clarify the integration terms, indicating a potential misunderstanding in the integration process.
  • Another participant provides an alternative breakdown of the integral, suggesting a different arrangement of terms and emphasizing the need to evaluate the integrals after simplification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the integration steps, particularly regarding the signs and arrangement of terms. No consensus is reached on the best approach, and multiple interpretations of the integration process are presented.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the simplification of terms and the correctness of the integration steps, which depend on the participants' interpretations of the integral and substitution method.

anderma8
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I'm trying to do the following:

int (3x^3 + 4x)/(x^2+1)^2 dx

I let u = x^2+1 and I eventually get:

int 3(u-1)+4/u^2 du/2 When I further break this down, I get:

1/2 int 3u^-1 -u^-2 du am I on the right track? When I integrate this, I'm thinking that I have to be doing something wrong...

Any suggestions?
 
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It looks fine to me as far as the final line there is a slight mistake with the signage.
 
thanks for the 2nd set of eyes... Maybe it should read:

1/2 int (3u^-1) - (u^-2) du

I end up with 1/2 u^-1 +c or 1/2(x^2 + 1) + c since u=x^2+1
 
You have:

[tex]\int \frac{3x^3+4x}{(x^2+1)^2}dx[/tex]

Put [tex]u=x^2+1 \Rightarrow du=2xdx[/tex]

Which gives:

[tex]\frac{3}{2} \int \frac{du}{u} - \frac{3}{2} \int \frac{du}{u^2} + 2 \int \frac{du}{u^2}[/tex]

If you simplify that it will give you something slightly different to what you have. Its basically just a change of sign. Then all you need to do is evaluate the integrals.
 

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