Chapter 5: Problem 54
Exer. \(53-56:\) Evaluate the integral by (a) the method of substitution and (b) expanding the integrand. In what way do the constants of integration differ? $$ \int\left(x^{2}+4\right)^{2} x d x $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The integral is \( \frac{(x^2 + 4)^3}{6} + C_1 \) or \( \frac{x^6}{6} + 2x^4 + 8x^2 + C_2 \). Constants differ by a constant.
Step by step solution
01
Simplify the Integral Using Substitution
To use substitution, identify the composite function and set it equal to a new variable. Let \( u = x^2 + 4 \). The derivative of \( u \) with respect to \( x \) is \( du = 2x \, dx \), hence \( x \, dx = \frac{1}{2} du \). Substitute these into the integral:\[ \int (x^2 + 4)^2 x \, dx = \int u^2 \cdot \frac{1}{2} \, du = \frac{1}{2} \int u^2 \, du \]
02
Integrate in Terms of Substitution Variable
Now, integrate with respect to \( u \):\[ \frac{1}{2} \int u^2 \, du = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{u^3}{3} + C_1 = \frac{u^3}{6} + C_1 \]Substitute back \( u = x^2 + 4 \) to get the integral in terms of \( x \):\[ \frac{(x^2 + 4)^3}{6} + C_1 \]
03
Simplify the Integral by Expanding the Integrand
Rewrite the integrand by expanding \( (x^2 + 4)^2 \):\[ (x^2 + 4)^2 = (x^2)^2 + 2 \cdot x^2 \cdot 4 + 4^2 = x^4 + 8x^2 + 16 \]This changes the integral to:\[ \int (x^4 + 8x^2 + 16) x \, dx \]
04
Integrate the Expanded Function
Distribute \( x \) into the expanded polynomial:\[ \int (x^5 + 8x^3 + 16x) \, dx \]Integrate term by term:\[ \int x^5 \, dx = \frac{x^6}{6} \]\[ \int 8x^3 \, dx = 2x^4 \]\[ \int 16x \, dx = 8x^2 \]Combine the integrated terms:\[ \frac{x^6}{6} + 2x^4 + 8x^2 + C_2 \]
05
Compare Constants of Integration
In both parts, determine the constants of integration. The constants \( C_1 \) and \( C_2 \) may differ, as indefinite integrals always include an arbitrary constant. These constants account for any function vertically shifted by a constant amount.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding the Substitution Method
The substitution method is a helpful technique to simplify integral calculations. It can make complex expressions manageable by using a new variable to replace part of the integrand. In the problem provided, we let the expression \( x^2 + 4 \) equal \( u \). This simplifies the integrand considerably. Differentiating \( u \) with respect to \( x \) gives us \( du = 2x \, dx \). This allows the integral to be rewritten in terms of \( u \), making the computation simpler.
- Finding the substitution: Identify a part of the integrand that, when replaced with a single variable, simplifies the calculation process.
- Adjusting the differential: Substitute both the selected expression and its corresponding differential. For example, from \( x \, dx = \frac{1}{2} du \), we unify the expression in terms of \( du \).
- Re-substitution: After integrating, substitute back the original expression to express the solution in terms of the original variable.
What Is Integrand Expansion?
Integrand expansion involves rewriting a part of the integrand as a polynomial to simplify integration. In the problem example, we express \( (x^2 + 4)^2 \) as a polynomial. By expanding it into \( x^4 + 8x^2 + 16 \), each term becomes easier to integrate individually. This method is often used when integrals involve expressions raised to powers.
- Expanding polynomials: Apply algebraic identities or direct multiplication to rewrite the expression.
- Simplifying the integrand: Break down composite expressions into sums of monomials, making term-by-term integration easier.
- Applying the integral: Integrate each term separately, which often allows using basic integration rules without additional substitution.
The Importance of Constants of Integration
In indefinite integrals, a constant of integration is always present. This constant signifies the spectrum of possible vertical shifts of the anti-derivative function, meaning there are infinitely many solutions that differ by a constant.
- Arbitrary constants: Denoted as \( C_1 \) or \( C_2 \), these constants accommodate the indefinite nature of indefinite integrals.
- Components of solutions: Each method for solving an integral (e.g., substitution, expansion) might lead to different constants, but the solution's form matters more than the constant’s specific value.
- Graphical interpretation: The constant affects the vertical position of the curve but not its shape.