Trig substitution should be simple but it's driving me nuts

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral \(\int \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2+4}}\,dx\) using trigonometric substitution. The original poster expresses frustration with the process and indicates that their manipulations lead to unexpected results.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of trigonometric substitution, with the original poster attempting to use \(x = 2\tan(\theta)\). There are inquiries about the handling of the differential \(dx\) and the presence of a natural logarithm in the results. Some participants suggest reconsidering the substitution method.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's attempts and pointing out potential mistakes. There is an indication that a simpler substitution might exist, and various interpretations of the integral's manipulation are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of confusion regarding the natural logarithm and the need to account for the differential in the integral, highlighting potential gaps in the original poster's understanding of the substitution process.

pugtm
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Homework Statement


\int x/sqrt{(x^{2}+4)}


Homework Equations


x=2tanx


The Attempt at a Solution


x=2tanx
\int2tan\vartheta/\sqrt{tan^2\vartheta}+4
2/2 *\inttan/sec

\intsin=-cos

now is the part where i am stuck
i know from using substitution that the answr should be \sqrt{x^2+4}
but no matter how i manipulate it, it comes out strange.
all help is appreciated
 
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The integral you're trying to evaluate is
\int\frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2+4}}\,dx
Note the presence of the dx. That's what you forgot to account for when you did the trig substitution.
 
how do you get rid of the natural log at the end?
 
What natural log? You apparently made another mistake.
 
the new integral is
int 2tan(x)sec(x)^2/Sqrt(4tan(x)^2+4)
the sec^2 cancel out making it the integral of 2tan(x)=-2lncos(x)
 
Slow down and look at it more carefully.
\int \frac{2 \tan \theta \ \sec^2\theta}{\sqrt{4\tan^2\theta+4}}\,d\theta = \int \frac{2 \tan \theta \ \sec^2\theta}{2\sqrt{\sec^2\theta}}\,d\theta
 
pugtm said:
i know from using substitution that the answr should be \sqrt{x^2+4}
but no matter how i manipulate it, it comes out strange.
all help is appreciated

I'm not sure that's what you mean, but I hope you noticed that there's a much simpler substitution possible :-)

Anyway, the others are correct about your mistakes :-)
 
thank you all for your timely assistance
 

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