Struggling with Calculating an Integral: Can Someone Help?

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    Integral
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the integral \(\int_0^1{\frac{1}{1+\sqrt{x}}dx}\). Participants explore different methods for solving the integral, including substitution and integration by parts, while addressing issues related to limits and notation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their initial approach using substitution \(u=\sqrt{x}\) and expresses confusion over the resulting logarithmic expression involving \(\ln(0)\).
  • Another participant suggests that the integral can be simplified to \(\int_0^1{\frac{2u}{1+u}du}\) after substitution, indicating a more efficient method.
  • A participant mentions that adding and subtracting 2 in the numerator can lead to a quicker solution than using integration by parts.
  • There is a reference to a potential issue with the integrand blowing up at \(x=1\) due to the logarithmic term, but this is noted as a notation issue.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion reflects a lack of consensus on the best method to solve the integral, with multiple approaches being proposed and some participants expressing confusion over specific steps. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective solution strategy.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the implications of their calculations, particularly concerning limits and the behavior of the integrand at specific points. There are also unresolved mathematical steps related to the substitution and simplification processes.

dragonblood
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I'm having trouble calculating an integral:

\int_0^1{\frac{1}{1+\sqrt{x}}dx}

I decided to do a substitution:

u=\sqrt{x}
du=\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}dx=\frac{1}{2u}dx
thus making the integral look like this:
\int_0^1{\frac{1}{2u}\cdot\frac{1}{1+u}du}
I transformed this integral to:
\int_0^1{\frac{1}{2u}\cdot\frac{1}{1+u}du}=\int_0^1{\frac{A}{2u}+\frac{B}{1+u}du=\int_0^1{\frac{1}{2u}+\frac{(-1/2)}{1+u}du
And tried to solve the integral like this:
\ln|2u|-\frac{1}{2}\ln|1+u|
going from 0 to 1.

However, this means to insert 0 in an ln-expression. Obviously I have done something wrong? Can someone please help?
 
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Nevermind. I did it now.

It was a simple mistake on my part.

The integral should look like:

\int_0^1{\frac{2u}{1+u}du}

after substitution

and then it should be calculated with integration by parts from there.
 
\left.{\frac{1}{1+\sqrt{x}}\right|_{x=1} = \left\{\frac{1}{2},\infty\right\}
 
I'm not entirely sure what that post means trambolin, care to explain?

Dragonblood - The solution comes out must quicker than integration by parts if you add and subtract 2 into the numerator.
 
I meant the -1 is causing the integrand blow up at x=1 for the cause of ln 0. But nevermind it is just the notation stuff...
 
Ah, yes. That is much easier :) Thanks
 

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