This problem is FRUSTRATING me SO Much

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the indefinite integral of the expression x^2/(x-1). The original poster expresses frustration with the setup provided in their textbook, which breaks the integral into two separate parts after performing long division.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the process of breaking down the integral and question the steps involved in long division and completing the square. There is an attempt to clarify the algebraic manipulation leading to the separate integrals.

Discussion Status

The conversation reflects a mix of understanding and confusion, with some participants providing clarifications about algebraic identities and the process of completing the square. There is no explicit consensus, but guidance has been offered regarding the algebraic techniques discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention prior knowledge of algebraic concepts such as the difference of squares and completing the square, indicating that some foundational knowledge may be assumed. There is also a reference to the educational background where these concepts are typically learned.

BuBbLeS01
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Homework Statement


Find the indefinite integral...
X^2/ X-1

In my book they set it up as 2 separate integrals...
X+1 + 1/X-1

I figured they got that from long division but I am not getting that answer. So can someone please tell me how they got those 2 separate integrals
 
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[tex]\int\frac{x^2}{x-1}dx[/tex]

[tex]\int\frac{x^2-1+1}{x-1}dx[/tex]

[tex]\int\left[\frac{(x+1)(x-1)}{x-1}+\frac{1}{x-1}\right]dx[/tex]

[tex]\int\left(x+1+\frac{1}{x-1}\right)dx[/tex]

Does this make a little more sense?
 
Last edited:
Yes it makes more sense but I just want to make sure I understand what you did..

In part B you completed the square...(But I thought it would be (X^2 + 1) - 1)
 
I did not complete the square, and plus, you do not have a linear factor - so you shouldn't even consider it.

[tex]x^2-1=(x+1)(x-1)=\mbox{Difference of Squares}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Oh...I don't think we've used that before...I will have to look it up...thank you!
 
BuBbLeS01 said:
Oh...I don't think we've used that before...I will have to look it up...thank you!
BuBbLeS, you have used it plenty of times (you learn it in junior high or HS). You just forgot! No worries, go look it up and you'll be like oh yeah ... I remember that :p
 
I hope so lol!

I have another question on another problem...
I am trying to complete the square...

I have 6x - x^2
Then I did (6/2)^2 = 9
So I end up with (-x^2 + 6x + 9) - 9
I need to end up with 9 - (x - 3)^2
Can I make (-x^2 + 6x + 9) to (x^2 + 6x + 9) because the x is squared so it will be positive or is that negative mean like -(x^2)??
And (x - 3)^2 gets me x^2 - 6x + 9 so I am a little confused...
 
Before you complete the square, make sure that the coefficient of your leading term is a positive one.

[tex]6x-x^2[/tex]

[tex]-(x^2-6x+9-9)[/tex]

[tex]-(x^2-6x+9)+9[/tex]

[tex]9-(x-3)^2[/tex]
 
Ohhhh...thank you so much!
 
  • #10
So you solved it, yes?
 

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