Solving Integral Recursion: Proving I(n) for n∈ℕ0

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    Integral Recursion
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving a recursive formula for the integral \( I(n) = \int \frac{1}{(1+x^2)^n} \, dx \) where \( n \in \mathbb{N}_0 \). Participants explore various approaches to derive the formula and discuss specific cases of the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to begin proving the recursive formula for \( I(n) \).
  • Another suggests learning LaTeX for better clarity in presenting mathematical expressions.
  • Hints are provided to rewrite the integral in different forms to facilitate solving it.
  • Participants discuss using integration by parts and suggest substitutions to simplify the integral.
  • There are multiple rewrites of the integral involving \( x^2 \) and how it can be expressed in terms of \( I(n) \) and \( I(n+1) \).
  • Some participants propose rearranging equations to isolate \( I(n+1) \) and verify the derived expressions.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the prohibition of certain values for \( n \) in the context of the derivation.
  • One participant notes that setting \( n=0 \) leads to a correct equation involving an arbitrary constant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the steps to manipulate the integral and the recursive relationship, but there are differing opinions on the best approach to prove the formula and the implications of certain values of \( n \). The discussion remains unresolved regarding the final proof.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the values of \( n \) and the implications of the recursive formula, particularly concerning the prohibition of \( n=0 \) and \( n=1 \) in certain contexts.

Alexx1
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Can someone help me with this? I don't know how to begin

I(n) = integral 1/(1+x^2)^n dx with n ∈ ℕ0

Than: ∀ n ∈ ℕ0, n≠1 : I(n) = 1/(2(n-1)) * x/((1+x^2)^(n-1)) + (2n-3)/(2(n-1)) * I(n-1)

I have to prove this, but I don't know how to start
 
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Learn latex for beginning

[tex]I_n=\int \frac{dx}{(1+x^2)^n}[/tex]

Try to do this integral for [tex]n=0,2,3...[/tex]
 
Hint:
Write:
[tex]I_{n}=\int{1}*\frac{1}{(1+x^{2})^{n}}dx[/tex]
 
Last edited:
arildno said:
Hint:
Write:
[tex]I_{n}=\int{1}*\frac{1}{(1+x^{2})^{n}}dx[/tex]

I know, than I can do:

u = 1/((1+x^2)^n) --> du = (-2nx)/((1+x^2)^(n+1))s
dv = 1 --> v = x

= x/((1+x^2)^n) + 2n integral x^2/((1+x^2)^(n+1))

But what now?
 
Rewrite:
[tex]\frac{x^{2}}{(1+x^{2})^{n+1}}=\frac{x^{2}+1-1}{(1+x^{2})^{n+1}}=\frac{1}{(1+x^{2})^{n}}-\frac{1}{(1+x^{2})^{n+1}}[/tex]
See if that helps..:smile:
 
arildno said:
Rewrite:
[tex]\frac{x^{2}}{(1+x^{2})^{n+1}}=\frac{x^{2}+1-1}{(1+x^{2})^{n+1}}=\frac{1}{(1+x^{2})^{n}}-\frac{1}{(1+x^{2})^{n+1}}[/tex]
See if that helps..:smile:

For the moment I have:

I(n) = x/((1-2n)((1+x^2)^n)) - (2n/(1-2n))*I(n+1)

What do I have to do next?
 
Solve that equation for I(n+1) instead, and report back!
 
arildno said:
Solve that equation for I(n+1) instead, and report back!

I(n+1) = x/((x^2+1)^(n+1)) + 2(n+1)*(I(n+1)-I(n+2))
 
No!
Just rearrange, and get:

[tex]I_{n+1}=\frac{1}{2n}\frac{x}{(1+x^{2})^{n}}+\frac{2n-1}{2n}I_{n}[/tex]
Verify this, and then see if you manage the last step in the derivation on your own.
 
  • #10
arildno said:
No!
Just rearrange, and get:

[tex]I_{n+1}=\frac{1}{2n}\frac{x}{(1+x^{2})^{n}}+\frac{2n-1}{2n}I_{n}[/tex]
Verify this, and then see if you manage the last step in the derivation on your own.

Ok, now I see it, you have to change n into n-1 and than you get the result
Thank you very much!
 
  • #11
Alexx1 said:
Ok, now I see it, you have to change n into n-1 and than you get the result
Right!
Note that in our derivation n=0 is prohibited, and by the index change this entails prohibition on n=1 instead
Thank you very much!
My pleasure! :smile:
 
  • #12
arildno said:
Right!
Note that in our derivation n=0 is prohibited, and by the index change this entails prohibition on n=1 instead

My pleasure! :smile:

n ∈ ℕ0

with ℕ0 , I meant: 'all the natural numbers except for 0'
 
  • #13
Alexx1 said:
n ∈ ℕ0

with ℕ0 , I meant: 'all the natural numbers except for 0'
I know.

Note, however, that with just prior to dividing with 2n, we have the equation:

2nI(n+1)=x/(1+x^2)^{n}+(2n-1)I(n)

Note that setting n=0 here yields: 0=x-I(0), which is correct, up to an arbitrary constant C...
 

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