What is the integration step used for quadratic factors in the denominator?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of quotients with quadratic factors in the denominator, specifically focusing on the integral of \(\int{\frac{1}{(x^2+1)^n}dx}\) for the case where \(n=1\). Participants explore the steps involved in manipulating the integrand to facilitate integration, particularly through the use of integration by parts.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding a specific step in the integration process where \(x^2\) is rewritten as \(x^2+1-1\) to derive two separate integrals.
  • Another participant suggests finding a common denominator to clarify the manipulation of the integrand.
  • A third participant provides a detailed breakdown of the algebraic manipulation, showing how \(\frac{x^2}{(x^2+1)^2}\) can be expressed as \(\frac{1}{x^2+1} - \frac{1}{(x^2+1)^2}\).
  • A later reply acknowledges the assistance and expresses gratitude for the clarification provided by others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the algebraic manipulation of the integrand, but the initial confusion regarding the integration step remains unresolved for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address any assumptions or limitations regarding the integration techniques or the conditions under which the manipulations are valid.

Polymath89
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Im reading Lang's first course in calculus and can't understand one step that he does when trying to integrate quotients with quadratic factors in the denominator. He's trying to find the integral of \int{\frac{1}{(x^2+1)^n}dx}

but he's first starting with the case where n=1

Then while using integration by parts he gets this integral for \int{vdu} 2 \int{\frac{x^2}{(x^2+1)^2}dx}

then he writes x^2=x^2+1-1 and gets \int{\frac{1}{x^2+1}dx}-\int{\frac{1}{(x^2+1)^2}dx}

now I don't understand why he gets those two integrals as a result of writing x^2 as x^2+1-1, can anybody please help me out here?
 
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Find the common denominator.
 
\frac{x^2}{(x^2+1)^2} = \frac{x^2+1-1}{(x^2+1)^2} = \frac{(x^2+1)-1}{(x^2+1)^2} = \frac{x^2+1}{(x^2+1)^2} - \frac{1}{(x^2+1)^2} = \frac{1}{x^2+1} - \frac{1}{(x^2+1)^2}
 
sorry didn't see that^^ thanks a lot guys.
 

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