U substitution and integration by parts

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the methods of integration, specifically focusing on integration by parts and u-substitution. Participants are examining the applicability and efficiency of these techniques in solving integrals involving products of functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss when integration by parts is appropriate and compare it to u-substitution. Questions arise regarding the legality of using products of functions in integrands and the precision required in defining u and dv.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing insights on the methods and questioning the assumptions behind their applicability. Some guidance on the use of integration by parts versus u-substitution has been offered, but no consensus has been reached regarding the best approach for the problem at hand.

Contextual Notes

There are concerns about the legality of certain substitutions and the nature of the integrands being discussed. Participants are navigating the complexities of integration techniques and their respective conditions for use.

robertjford80
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I would think because of this

Screenshot2012-05-23at73955PM.png


The following problem:

Screenshot2012-05-23at72700PM.png


At this stage they should use integration by parts:

Screenshot2012-05-23at74154PM.png


However, maybe integration by parts is only useful when one of the parts is e^x ln or a trigonometric formula.
 
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Integration by parts can be useful whenever the integrand is a product of two functions. But it is not always the easiest method to use. For instance, the integral \int(u-1)\sqrt{u}du=\int(u^{3/2}-u^{1/2})du can easily be solved using the power rule in reverse. Of course, you could solve it using integration by parts as well, but it's just more work than is necessary.
 
good, thanks.
 
What would be your u and what would be your dv?

Using integration by parts might work, but I feel that even if it does work it will be much more work than using u substitution.Is the problem here that you don't find the u substitution they used to be 'legal'?
 
Yea, it doesn't seem legal, because I thought you couldn't take the product of two functions in an integrand.
 
robertjford80 said:
Yea, it doesn't seem legal, because I thought you couldn't take the product of two functions in an integrand.

You need to work on being more precise. The integrand of \int_0^1 x^2 \mathrm{d}x is the product of two functions but is clearly integrable.
 

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