Trig substitution integration?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the integration of the function dx/((x^2+1)^2) using trigonometric substitution. The correct substitution involves letting x = tan(θ), which leads to dx = sec^2(θ) dθ. The integral simplifies to ∫cos²(θ) dθ, utilizing the identity cos²(θ) = 1/2(1 + cos(2θ)) for further integration. The final result requires converting back to x using the substitution x = tan(θ).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically cos²(θ) = 1/2(1 + cos(2θ))
  • Knowledge of integration techniques involving trigonometric substitution
  • Familiarity with the secant and tangent functions
  • Ability to perform variable substitutions in integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of trigonometric substitution in integrals
  • Learn about the integration of trigonometric functions, specifically ∫cos²(θ) dθ
  • Explore the implications of variable substitution in calculus
  • Practice integrating functions of the form dx/((x^2+a^2)^n) using trigonometric identities
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on integration techniques, as well as educators looking for examples of trigonometric substitution in action.

emlekarc
Messages
27
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Integrate dx/((x^2+1)^2)


Homework Equations



Tan^2=sec^2-1


The Attempt at a Solution



So I let x=tanx then dx=sec^2x


Then plugging everything in;

Sec^2(x)/(tan^2+1)^2

So it's sec^2/(sec^2x)^2) which is sec^2x/sec^4x

Canceling out the sec^2 gives you

1/sec^2x

Integrate: ln(sec^2x)+C

Is that right?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
emlekarc said:

Homework Statement



Integrate dx/((x^2+1)^2)


Homework Equations



Tan^2=sec^2-1


The Attempt at a Solution



So I let x=tanx then dx=sec^2x

Don't use the same letter in a change of variables. Let ##y=\tan x## so ##dy=\sec^2x dx##.
[Edit, corrections follow] I meant ##x = \tan y## so ##dx =\sec^2 y dy##.
Then plugging everything in;

Sec^2(x)/(tan^2+1)^2

So it's sec^2/(sec^2x)^2) which is sec^2x/sec^4x

Canceling out the sec^2 gives you

1/sec^2x

Integrate: ln(sec^2x)+C

Is that right?

No. That isn't its antiderivative.
 
Last edited:
emlekarc said:

Homework Statement



Integrate dx/((x^2+1)^2)


Homework Equations



Tan^2=sec^2-1


The Attempt at a Solution



So I let x=tanx then dx=sec^2x


Then plugging everything in;

Sec^2(x)/(tan^2+1)^2

So it's sec^2/(sec^2x)^2) which is sec^2x/sec^4x

Canceling out the sec^2 gives you

1/sec^2x

Integrate: ln(sec^2x)+C

Is that right?

Like the man said, use another variable: Let $x=\tan\theta\Rightarrow dx=\sec^2\theta d\theta$ and the integral becomes

\int\frac{dx}{\left(1+x^2\right) ^2}=\int\frac{\sec^2\theta d\theta}{\left(1+\tan^2 x\right) ^2}=\int\frac{d\theta}{\sec^2\theta}=\int\cos^2\theta\, d\theta

now use the identity \cos^2\theta=\frac{1}{2}\left( 1+\cos 2\theta\right) to integrate w.r.t. \theta then use x=\tan\theta to rewrite the functions of \theta as functions of x.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K