Chapter 7: Problem 76
Solve without using integral tables. Calculate the integral \(\int \frac{1}{(x-a)(x-b)} d x\) for (a) \(a \neq b\) (b) \(a=b\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
For (a) \( \int \frac{1}{(x-a)(x-b)} \, dx = \frac{1}{a-b} \ln \left| \frac{x-a}{x-b} \right| + C \). For (b), \( \int \frac{1}{(x-a)^2} \, dx = -\frac{1}{x-a} + C \).
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Integral Type and Initial Approach for (a)
The integral \( \int \frac{1}{(x-a)(x-b)} \, dx \) suggests the use of partial fraction decomposition because its denominator is a product of linear factors. Since \( a eq b \), the expression can be split into simpler fractions.
02
Set Up Partial Fraction Decomposition for (a)
Express the integrand as the sum of partial fractions: \( \frac{1}{(x-a)(x-b)} = \frac{A}{x-a} + \frac{B}{x-b} \). Multiply through by the denominator \((x-a)(x-b)\) to get \(1 = A(x-b) + B(x-a)\).
03
Solve for Coefficients A and B (a)
To find \(A\) and \(B\), substitute convenient values for \(x\). First, set \(x = a\) to eliminate \(B\): \(1 = A(a-b) \Rightarrow A = \frac{1}{a-b}\).Then, set \(x = b\) to eliminate \(A\):\(1 = B(b-a) \Rightarrow B = \frac{-1}{a-b}\).
04
Integrate Each Partial Fraction (a)
Substitute \(A\) and \(B\) back into the partial fractions:\(\int \frac{1}{(x-a)(x-b)} \, dx = \int \left( \frac{1}{a-b} \cdot \frac{1}{x-a} - \frac{1}{a-b} \cdot \frac{1}{x-b} \right) \, dx\).This splits into two easy integrals:\(= \frac{1}{a-b} \ln |x-a| - \frac{1}{a-b} \ln |x-b| + C\).
05
Simplify the Result (a)
Combine the logarithms:\( \frac{1}{a-b}(\ln|x-a| - \ln|x-b|) = \frac{1}{a-b} \ln \left| \frac{x-a}{x-b} \right| + C\).
06
Analyze Case for (b), when \(a = b\)
When \(a = b\), the expression \((x-a)(x-b) = (x-a)^2\) and the integral becomes \(\int \frac{1}{(x-a)^2} \, dx\). This form requires a different approach.
07
Integrate for Case (b)
The integral \(\int \frac{1}{(x-a)^2} \, dx\) is a standard form. The antiderivative of \(\frac{1}{u^2}\) where \(u = x-a\) is \(-\frac{1}{u} + C\). Thus, \(\int \frac{1}{(x-a)^2} \, dx = -\frac{1}{x-a} + C\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Partial Fraction Decomposition
Partial Fraction Decomposition is a technique to break down complex rational expressions into simpler ones, making integration easier. This tool is particularly useful when dealing with integrals where the denominator is a product of linear or quadratic terms. By decomposing such expressions, they can be rewritten as a sum of fractions that are easier to integrate.
Here's how it works:
Here's how it works:
- Identify the type of fraction: Ensure your denominator is a product of distinct linear factors, as seen in \(\frac{1}{(x-a)(x-b)}\).
- Set up the decomposition: Express the fraction as a sum of individual fractions, like \(\frac{1}{(x-a)(x-b)} = \frac{A}{x-a} + \frac{B}{x-b}\).
- Clear the denominator: Multiply through by the common denominator to eliminate fractions. This represents the equation \(1 = A(x-b) + B(x-a)\).
- Solve for coefficients: Use strategic values of \(x\) to solve for \(A\) and \(B\), often setting \(x = a\) and \(x = b\) to simplify calculation.
Integration Techniques
When integrating functions, employing the right integration technique is crucial for simplifying calculations. In this context, the partial fraction decomposition is an integration technique that transforms a complex integrand into simpler components.
Once the decomposition is achieved:
Once the decomposition is achieved:
- Integrate each term individually: Each term in the partial fraction has a standard integration form. For instance, \( \int \frac{1}{x-a} \, dx = \ln |x-a| + C\).
- Combine results: After integrating individual fractions, combine the results. For our example, the integration results in terms like \(\frac{1}{a-b} \ln|x-a| - \frac{1}{a-b} \ln|x-b|\).
- Simplify: Simplify expressions further using logarithmic identities when possible, resulting in cleaner, more elegant solutions like \(\frac{1}{a-b} \ln \left| \frac{x-a}{x-b} \right| + C\).
Definite vs Indefinite Integrals
Understanding the difference between definite and indefinite integrals is essential in calculus.
- Indefinite Integrals: These represent a family of functions, characterized by the integration constant \(C\), indicating an antiderivative of a function. The solution format like \(\ln \left| \frac{x-a}{x-b} \right| + C\) is an indefinite integral because it incorporates arbitrary constants.
- Definite Integrals: These calculate the exact area under a curve between two limits, providing a single numerical value. Unlike indefinite integrals, definite integrals do not include \(C\) since the arithmetic of the limits cancels it out.