Solving Integrals with U-Substitution

  • Thread starter Thread starter mmapcpro
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integral
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an integral involving a rational function with a square root in the denominator, specifically \(\int 1/(1 + \sqrt{2x}) dx\). The subject area is calculus, focusing on techniques of integration, particularly u-substitution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use u-substitution but expresses difficulty in seeing the correct approach. They consider rationalizing the denominator and splitting the integral but encounter challenges. Another participant suggests a specific substitution, leading to further exploration of the relationship between \(u\) and \(x\). The poster then details their substitution process and the resulting integral, questioning the discrepancy between their result and the book's solution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different aspects of the u-substitution method. There is a focus on clarifying the steps involved in the substitution and addressing the apparent difference in results. Guidance has been provided regarding the treatment of constants in the final expression.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a lack of access to an instructor and a long gap since their last calculus study, which may influence their confidence and understanding of the material.

mmapcpro
Messages
41
Reaction score
1
I'm trying to re-study the calculus I learned years ago to resume my degree this fall, so I don't have access to an instructor right now. I'm stuck on a problem that I can't figure out, and it's just bugging me.

Homework Statement



[tex]\int[/tex] 1/(1 + [tex]\sqrt{2x}[/tex]) dx

Homework Equations


I'm trying to use u-substitution, but I am not seeing it.

The Attempt at a Solution



I have thought to rationalize the denominator first, which would allow me to split it up into 2 integrals (1/1-2x) and ([tex]\sqrt{2x}[/tex]/(1-2x) but I get stuck
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Try u=1+sqrt(2x). What's dx in term of u?
 
I set u = 1 + [tex]\sqrt{2x}[/tex], so then u-1 = [tex]\sqrt{2x}[/tex], so 2x = (u -1)[tex]^{2}[/tex]

so then x = 1/2(u - 1)[tex]^{2}[/tex]

then dx = (u - 1)du

so I could set it up as [tex]\int[/tex] (u - 1)du / u

split that up into [tex]\int[/tex] 1du - [tex]\int[/tex] du/u

that leaves me with u - ln|u| + c

making it 1 + [tex]\sqrt{2x}[/tex] - ln|1+[tex]\sqrt{2x}[/tex]| + c

But the solution in the book reads: [tex]\sqrt{2x}[/tex] - ln|1 + [tex]\sqrt{2x}[/tex]| + c

I feel like an idiot...it's been about 10 years since I've done this.
 
Does the +1 simply get absorbed into the constant, C?
 
mmapcpro said:
Does the +1 simply get absorbed into the constant, C?
Yes.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K