# Trouble with tables

1. Oct 5, 2013

### Jbreezy

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Hi I have a broad quesiton. I'm trying to make something fit the form of something in one of the tables in my book I can't seem to quite make it.
integral (1/2x^3 - 3x^2) dx

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

I just messed with the denomator.
1/(x^2(2x-3))

I can't find something in the tables that fits this. Does anyone have any ideas?

2. Oct 5, 2013

### Saitama

You can write the given integral as:
$$\int \cfrac{dx}{x^2\cdot x\left(2-\cfrac{3}{x}\right)}$$
A substitution would make it very easy. It is easy to spot.

3. Oct 5, 2013

### Jbreezy

I'm sorry I still don't see it. Sub for u = x^2?

4. Oct 5, 2013

### Saitama

You have x^2 in the denominator i.e 1/x^2. This is the derivative of something very familiar.

5. Oct 5, 2013

### Staff: Mentor

What you wrote is this:
$$\int \frac 1 2 x^3 - 3x^2 dx$$

To indicate that 2x3 - 3x2 is in the denominator, put parentheses around the denominator, not the whole fraction, like this 1/(2x3 - 3x2).

6. Oct 5, 2013

### Ray Vickson

Partial fractions.

7. Oct 5, 2013

### Jbreezy

No sure. This would be -1/x whose derivavite is is 1/x^2 are you thinking ln of something? Ray says partial fractions but this is the section where you have to look them up in tables.

8. Oct 5, 2013

### Saitama

Yes, use the substitution 1/x=t.

Partial fractions can also be used.