STRACT: How to solve a tricky integration problem using multiple substitutions?

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The discussion focuses on solving the indefinite integral \int\frac{6}{x\sqrt{25x^2-1}} dx using multiple substitutions. The initial attempts included substituting u=\sqrt{x^2-\frac{1}{25}}, but complications arose with the denominator. A suggested approach involves substituting x^2=u^2+\frac{1}{25} and then using u=\sqrt{5}\cosh(t) to simplify the integral further. This method leads to a more manageable form that can ultimately be solved.

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Homework Statement



Evaluate the indefinite integral:

Homework Equations



[tex]\int\frac{6}{x\sqrt{25x^2-1}} dx[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried a number of different substitutions, but this last one gets me the closest, I think.

[tex]\int\frac{6}{x\sqrt{25x^2-1}} dx = \frac{6}{5}\int\frac{1}{x\sqrt{x^2-\frac{1}{25}}} dx = \frac{6}{5}\int\frac{x}{x^2\sqrt{x^2-\frac{1}{25}}} dx[/tex]


let [tex]u=\sqrt{x^2-\frac{1}{25}[/tex]

then

[tex]du=\frac{x dx}{\sqrt{x^2-\frac{1}{25}}}}}[/tex]

This is where I want to substitute in, but it doesn't go. [tex]\frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2-\frac{1}{25}}}}}}dx[/tex] fits in, except for the x^2 in the denominator which doesn't work with my substitution. I don't see where to go from here, or what I should have done differently.

Thanks!
 
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Try a trig substitution x=cosecθ
 
2h2o said:

Homework Statement



Evaluate the indefinite integral:

Homework Equations



[tex]\int\frac{6}{x\sqrt{25x^2-1}} dx[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried a number of different substitutions, but this last one gets me the closest, I think.

[tex]\int\frac{6}{x\sqrt{25x^2-1}} dx = \frac{6}{5}\int\frac{1}{x\sqrt{x^2-\frac{1}{25}}} dx = \frac{6}{5}\int\frac{x}{x^2\sqrt{x^2-\frac{1}{25}}} dx[/tex]


let [tex]u=\sqrt{x^2-\frac{1}{25}[/tex]

then

[tex]du=\frac{x dx}{\sqrt{x^2-\frac{1}{25}}}}}[/tex]

This is where I want to substitute in, but it doesn't go. [tex]\frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2-\frac{1}{25}}}}}}dx[/tex] fits in, except for the x^2 in the denominator which doesn't work with my substitution. I don't see where to go from here, or what I should have done differently.

Thanks!

You're almost done: after substituting x^2=u^2+1/25 in the last integral you obtained, just bring 5 back into the integrand and then you need another substitution, basically, think of u=\sqrt(5)*cosh(x). Then you'll be left with a simple integral which is neccessarily required to be given a form like e^t/(1+e^2t) dt. From this point, you need one more substitution and then you are done by going back to x as you begin from this last one, pass t and u to definitely hit x again.

AB
 

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