Chapter 5: Problem 33
Find each indefinite integral by the substitution method or state that it cannot be found by our substitution formulas. $$ \int \frac{x^{3}+x^{2}}{3 x^{4}+4 x^{3}} d x $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( \frac{1}{12} \ln|3x^4 + 4x^3| + C \)
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Denominator as a Potential Substitution
Look at the integral \( \int \frac{x^{3}+x^{2}}{3 x^{4}+4 x^{3}} \, dx \). Notice that the denominator \( 3x^4 + 4x^3 \) looks like a good candidate for substitution because its derivative is similar to the numerator.
02
Set Up the Substitution
Let \( u = 3x^4 + 4x^3 \). Calculate the derivative: \( \frac{du}{dx} = 12x^3 + 12x^2 \). This means \( du = (12x^3 + 12x^2) \, dx \).
03
Modify the Integral with Substitution
Rearrange the expression for \( du \) to match the integral's numerator: \( du = 12x^3 + 12x^2 \, dx \). We need to express \( x^3 + x^2 \, dx \), which can be rewritten as \( \frac{1}{12} du \). The integral becomes \( \int \frac{1}{12} \cdot \frac{1}{u} \, du \).
04
Solve the Simplified Integral
Evaluate the integral \( \int \frac{1}{12} \cdot \frac{1}{u} \, du = \frac{1}{12} \int \frac{1}{u} \, du \). The antiderivative of \( \frac{1}{u} \) is \( \ln|u| \). Thus, the solution is \( \frac{1}{12} \ln|u| + C \), where \( C \) is the constant of integration.
05
Substitute Back to Original Variables
Replace \( u \) with the expression in terms of \( x \): \( u = 3x^4 + 4x^3 \). The final answer is \( \frac{1}{12} \ln|3x^4 + 4x^3| + C \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Substitution Method
The substitution method is a powerful tool in calculus to simplify integrals. When faced with a complex integral, like \( \int \frac{x^{3}+x^{2}}{3 x^{4}+4 x^{3}} \, dx \), we can try to transform it into something more manageable. The key is identifying a part of the integral, often the denominator, that can be substituted with a new variable, \( u \).
- Choose a Substitution: Look for a function in the integral whose derivative also appears. Here, the denominator \( 3x^4 + 4x^3 \) is chosen because its derivative, \( 12x^3 + 12x^2 \), resembles the numerator.
- Change of Variables: After choosing \( u = 3x^4 + 4x^3 \), differentiate to express \( du \) in terms of \( dx \). In this case, \( du = (12x^3 + 12x^2) \, dx \).
- Reformulate the Integral: Replace all instances of the original variable \( x \) with \( u \). This transforms the integral into \( \int \frac{1}{12} \cdot \frac{1}{u} \, du \).
Calculus Integration
Integration in calculus is the process of finding the antiderivative or the integral of a function. It is the reverse operation of differentiation. With problems involving integration, the goal is to determine the area under a curve or find a function whose derivative results in the original integrand.
- Indefinite Integrals: These are integrals without specified limits. They represent a family of functions plus an arbitrary constant \( C \). For example, \( \int \frac{1}{u} \, du \) is \( \ln|u| + C \).
- Integration Techniques: There are several techniques to solve integrals, such as substitution, integration by parts, and partial fraction decomposition. The substitution method is particularly helpful with integrals involving composite functions.
- Symbolism and Notation: The integral sign \( \int \) represents integration, and the small \( dx \) indicates the variable of integration. Indefinite integrals don’t have bounds, unlike definite integrals that calculate a numerical value over an interval.
Derivative in Integration
In integration, understanding derivatives is crucial as it allows us to find antiderivatives or integrals. The derivative rules are used to reverse-engineer functions to uncover their integrals. This relationship is often dealt with in the substitution method.
- Connection with Differentiation: The fundamental theorem of calculus establishes the link between differentiation and integration. If you differentiate the result of an integral, you should retrieve the original function within the domain.
- Using Derivatives for Substitution: Recognizing the derivative of a function within the integrand can facilitate the substitution, making it easier to solve the integral. For instance, knowing that \( d(3x^4 + 4x^3)/dx = 12x^3 + 12x^2 \) helps in forming the \( du \) needed in substitution.
- Checking for Errors: Once you've integrated, differentiate your result to check your work. If your derivative matches the original integrand, you've likely integrated correctly. This is a helpful tool for verifying the accuracy of your solution.