Why Is This Integral Challenging?

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SUMMARY

The integral \(\int{x^3}\sqrt{1+x^2}dx\) can be effectively solved using the substitution \(u=1+x^2\), leading to the differential \(du=2xdx\). This substitution simplifies the integral to \(\frac{1}{2}\int(u-1)\sqrt{u}du\), which can be further broken down into two simpler integrals: \(\int{u^{\frac{3}{2}}}du\) and \(\int{u^{\frac{1}{2}}}du\). The final result requires careful attention to coefficients, as errors in multiplication can lead to incorrect conclusions, as noted by the participants in the discussion.

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Homework Statement



Hello. I have a simple integral here that has been stumping me for the last 30 minutes. It appears that my basic integration skills have gotten very rusty.

Homework Equations



\int{x^3}\sqrt{1+x^2}dx

The Attempt at a Solution


I am pretty sure a simple substitution will do, but I have yet to find it. I have tried simplifying the expression various ways, integration by parts, and I have also tried a few substitutions. Any ideas?
 
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u=1+x^2 will do it.
 
The substitution x=tan(u) also works.
 
Thank you Dick and Jgens.

\int{x^3}\sqrt{1+x^2}dx

Let u=1+x^2\rightarrowdu=2xdx

\int{x^3}\sqrt{1+x^2}dx=\frac{1}{2}\int(u-1)\sqrt{u}du

\frac{1}{2}\int(u-1)\sqrt{u}du=\frac{1}{2}(\int{u^{\frac{3}{2}}}du-\int{u^{\frac{1}{2}}du)

\int{u^{\frac{3}{2}}}du=\frac{2}{5}u^{\frac{5}{2}}

\int{u^{\frac{1}{2}}du=\frac{2}{3}u^{\frac{3}{2}}

\frac{1}{2}\int(u-1)\sqrt{u}du=\frac{2}{10}u^{\frac{5}{2}}-\frac{2}{6}u^{\frac{3}{2}}It appears I made a mistake somewhere. I believe my result should be multiplied by 1/2, and I can't find where I left that out.
 
Nevermind. I guess the second part of the problem is incorrect. Mathematica has arrived at the same conclusion as this also. Thanks for all the help.
 

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