Solving Integral Trouble: How to Fit 1/(x^2(2x-3)) into Tables

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral of the function 1/(2x^3 - 3x^2) and the challenge of fitting it into a known form from a reference table. Participants are exploring methods to manipulate the expression for easier integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss rewriting the integral and consider substitutions to simplify the expression. There is mention of using partial fractions and questioning how to properly format the denominator.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered suggestions, including the use of substitutions and partial fractions. There is ongoing exploration of different approaches, but no consensus has been reached on a specific method to proceed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of needing to reference a table for integration techniques, which influences their approach to the problem.

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Homework Statement



Hi I have a broad quesiton. I'm trying to make something fit the form of something in one of the tables in my book I can't seem to quite make it.
integral (1/2x^3 - 3x^2) dx


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I just messed with the denomator.
1/(x^2(2x-3))

I can't find something in the tables that fits this. Does anyone have any ideas?
 
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Jbreezy said:

Homework Statement



Hi I have a broad quesiton. I'm trying to make something fit the form of something in one of the tables in my book I can't seem to quite make it.
integral (1/2x^3 - 3x^2) dx


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I just messed with the denomator.
1/(x^2(2x-3))

I can't find something in the tables that fits this. Does anyone have any ideas?

You can write the given integral as:
$$\int \cfrac{dx}{x^2\cdot x\left(2-\cfrac{3}{x}\right)}$$
A substitution would make it very easy. It is easy to spot.
 
I'm sorry I still don't see it. Sub for u = x^2?
 
Jbreezy said:
I'm sorry I still don't see it. Sub for u = x^2?

You have x^2 in the denominator i.e 1/x^2. This is the derivative of something very familiar. :rolleyes:
 
Jbreezy said:

Homework Statement



Hi I have a broad quesiton. I'm trying to make something fit the form of something in one of the tables in my book I can't seem to quite make it.
integral (1/2x^3 - 3x^2) dx
What you wrote is this:
$$ \int \frac 1 2 x^3 - 3x^2 dx$$

To indicate that 2x3 - 3x2 is in the denominator, put parentheses around the denominator, not the whole fraction, like this 1/(2x3 - 3x2).
 
Jbreezy said:

Homework Statement



Hi I have a broad quesiton. I'm trying to make something fit the form of something in one of the tables in my book I can't seem to quite make it.
integral (1/2x^3 - 3x^2) dx


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I just messed with the denomator.
1/(x^2(2x-3))

I can't find something in the tables that fits this. Does anyone have any ideas?

Partial fractions.
 
Pranav-Arora said:
You have x^2 in the denominator i.e 1/x^2. This is the derivative of something very familiar. :rolleyes:

No sure. This would be -1/x whose derivavite is is 1/x^2 are you thinking ln of something? Ray says partial fractions but this is the section where you have to look them up in tables.
 
Jbreezy said:
No sure. This would be -1/x whose derivavite is is 1/x^2 are you thinking ln of something? Ray says partial fractions but this is the section where you have to look them up in tables.

Yes, use the substitution 1/x=t.

Partial fractions can also be used.
 

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