What is the error in my integration leading to ln II?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function $\displaystyle \int\frac{3x^5-2x^3+5x^2-2}{x^3+1}dx$. Participants explore different methods of integration, including substitution and long division, while addressing potential errors in the initial approach.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their method of integration using substitution and expresses confusion about how to proceed after certain steps.
  • Another participant suggests using long division on the integrand to simplify the integration process, proposing an alternative approach.
  • Some participants question whether the initial method used by the first poster is incorrect and suggest abandoning it for a simpler method.
  • A later reply critiques the use of substitution, pointing out potential errors in the manipulation of variables and suggesting a clearer separation of variables.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to solve the integral. Some advocate for the original method while others propose alternative approaches, indicating a lack of agreement on the correctness of the initial approach.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the proper application of substitution and the handling of variables during the integration process. The discussion highlights the complexity of the problem and the different strategies that can be employed.

paulmdrdo1
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i tried to solve this and I got stuck somewhere in my solution. I need help.

$\displaystyle \int\frac{3x^5-2x^3+5x^2-2}{x^3+1}dx$

splitting the integrand i get,

$\displaystyle \int\frac{3x^5}{x^3+1}dx-\int\frac{2x^3}{x^3+1}dx+\int\frac{5x^2}{x^3+1}dx-\int\frac{2}{x^3+1}dx$

by letting

$\displaystyle u\,=\,x^3+1$
$\displaystyle du\,=\,3x^2dx$
$\displaystyle dx\,=\,\frac{du}{3x^2}$
$\displaystyle x^3\,=\,u-1$

by substituting i now have,

$\displaystyle \int\frac{3x^5}{u}\frac{du}{3x^2}-\int\frac{2x^3}{u}\frac{du}{3x^2}+\int\frac{5x^2}{u}\frac{du}{3x^2}-\int\frac{2}{u}\frac{du}{3x^2}$

then,

$\displaystyle \int\frac{x^3}{u}du-\frac{2}{3}\int\frac{x}{u}du+\frac{5}{3}\int\frac{du}{u}-\frac{2}{3}\int\frac{du}{u\,x^2}$

since x^3 = u-1, i rewrote the first integral as $\displaystyle \int\frac{u-1}{u}du$

now i have written all the integrals in terms of u except 2nd and 4th integral

$\displaystyle \int\frac{u-1}{u}du-\frac{2}{3}\int\frac{x}{u}du+\frac{5}{3}\int\frac{du}{u}-\frac{2}{3}\int\frac{du}{u\,x^2}$

getting the indefinite integral of 1st and 3rd integral i get,

$\displaystyle \int udu-\int\frac{du}{u}+\frac{5}{3}\int\frac{du}{u} = u-\ln|u|+\frac{5}{3}\ln|u|$

and substituting the value of u i now have,

$\displaystyle x^3-\ln|x^3+1|+\frac{5}{3}\ln|x^3+1|\,=\,x^3+\frac{2}{3}\ln|x^3+1|$

until here i couldn't continue. i don't know what to do with the 2nd and 4th integral.
can you pinpoint where I'm wrong. thanks!
 
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Re: integration leading to ln II

Using long division on the integrand, you should be able to show that:

$$\frac{3x^5-2x^3+5x^2-2}{x^3+1}=3x^2-2+\frac{2x^2}{x^3+1}$$

Now, integrate term by term. :D
 
Re: integration leading to ln II

MarkFL said:
Using long division on the integrand, you should be able to show that:

$$\frac{3x^5-2x^3+5x^2-2}{x^3+1}=3x^2-2+\frac{2x^2}{x^3+1}$$

Now, integrate term by term. :D

did i use a wrong method in my solution? and if it isn't can you help me continue solving the problem using my method above.
 
Re: integration leading to ln II

paulmdrdo said:
did i use a wrong method in my solution? and if it isn't can you help me continue solving the problem using my method above.

I would abandon what you first tried in lieu of this much easier method. But that's just me.(Tongueout)
 
Re: integration leading to ln II

paulmdrdo said:
$\displaystyle \int\frac{u-1}{u}du-\frac{2}{3}\int\frac{x}{u}du+\frac{5}{3}\int\frac{du}{u}-\frac{2}{3}\int\frac{du}{u\,x^2}$
You are a bit scrambled in your use of the u substitution. Generally when a substitution is made we note the following:
[math]u = f(x) \text{ --> } x = f^{-1}(u)[/math]
[math]du = f'(x) dx \text{ --> } dx = f'^{-1}(u) du[/math]

The notation is a bit abstract so let me use your example:
[math]u = x^3 + 1 \text{ --> } x = (u - 1)^{1/3}[/math]
[math]du = 3x^2 dx \text{ --> } dx = \frac{1}{3}(u - 1)^{-2/3}du[/math]

Note that the x's are all on one side of the equation and the u's are all on the other. This means that you can now proceed from x integrals directly to u integrals.

Try looking at your problem again in light of these relations. I'm suspecting you made a substitution error.

-Dan
 

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