Struggling with Finding the Anti-Derivative of (4+u)/u?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the anti-derivative of the expression (4+u)/u, which falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different methods for breaking down the integral, including splitting the numerator and rewriting terms. Questions arise regarding the correctness of simplifications and the integration process.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with each other's attempts, providing feedback and corrections. Some guidance has been offered regarding the simplification of terms, and there is a recognition of errors in the integration process. Multiple interpretations of the steps are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on ensuring correct algebraic manipulation before proceeding with integration, and participants are reflecting on their understanding of the relationship between terms in the expression.

kemmy
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Homework Statement


Find the anti-derivative: \int[(4+u)/u]du

The Attempt at a Solution


I've tried a couple different ways to find this anti-derivative and I know I keep missing something.
I tried to split it up into \int(4+u)(u^-1)du
but then I think I do something wrong because I end up getting 4ln|u|.

Any help you could give would be much appreciated- I've tried this problem so many times and I just can't figure out what I'm missing. Thanks.
 
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Try breaking up your numerator (i.e. (a+b)/c = a/c + b/c).
 
Thanks. I just tried that, and it helped a little- but I'm still getting the wrong answer, according to the textbook.

so I split the equation up into [(4/u)+(u/u)] then I rewrote that to [(4)(1/u) + (u)(1/u)]
from that I got 4ln|u| + (1/2)(u^2) ln|u|. What am I still doing wrong??

If anyone could set me on the right path, that would be fantastic, thanks.
 
Be careful! (u)(1/u)=1, not u^2.
 
The first part of your answer looks fine. Why did you change u/u into u(1/u)? Before integrating what does u/u equal?
 
Oh! I think I've got it...
so 4+u/u to (4/u)+ (u/u) to 4(1/u)+(u/u) cancel out the u/u to equal 1 and turn it to
4ln|u|+x+c.
right?
Thanks for all the help!
 
Right! Just one minor point, you're integrating with respect to u, so it's actually 4 ln |u| + u, not x :)
 
Ack! okay...I think I can remember to catch that u.
Thanks so much for all your help!
 

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