Chapter 7: Problem 24
Perform the indicated integrations. \(\int \frac{x^{3}}{x^{4}+4} d x\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The integral is \(\frac{1}{4} \ln |x^4 + 4| + C\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify substitution
To make the integration easier, look for a substitution that simplifies the denominator. Notice that the derivative of the denominator, \(x^4 + 4\), is related to the numerator. Let's set \(u = x^4 + 4\).
02
Calculate derivative of substitution
Differentiate \(u\) with respect to \(x\): \(\frac{du}{dx} = 4x^3\). This implies that \(du = 4x^3 dx\).
03
Solve for dx
From \(du = 4x^3 dx\), solve for \(dx\). This gives \(dx = \frac{du}{4x^3}\).
04
Substitute in the integral
Substitute \(u = x^4 + 4\) and \(dx = \frac{du}{4x^3}\) into the integral. The integral becomes \(\int \frac{x^3}{u} \cdot \frac{du}{4x^3} = \frac{1}{4} \int \frac{1}{u} du\).
05
Integrate with respect to u
The integral \(\frac{1}{4} \int \frac{1}{u} du\) is a standard natural logarithm integral. It is equal to \(\frac{1}{4} \ln |u| + C\), where \(C\) is the constant of integration.
06
Back-substitute for u
Replace \(u\) with \(x^4 + 4\) in the solution, which gives \(\frac{1}{4} \ln |x^4 + 4| + C\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Definite Integrals
Definite integrals are used to calculate the accumulated sum of a function within a specific interval. They have clear lower and upper limits, which define the range of integration. When you compute a definite integral, you'll be determining the net area between the curve of the function and the x-axis over the given interval. It is represented as \ \( \int_{a}^{b} f(x) \, dx \) where \(a\) and \(b\) are the limits of integration.
The outcome of a definite integral is a specific number that describes this accumulated quantity. Some key points to remember about definite integrals include:
The outcome of a definite integral is a specific number that describes this accumulated quantity. Some key points to remember about definite integrals include:
- The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus connects differentiation and integration, asserting that integration is essentially the inverse operation of differentiation.
- They are practical for solving real-world problems, such as finding distance or area.
- Unlike indefinite integrals, they do not include a constant of integration because they yield a numerical result.
Indefinite Integrals
Indefinite integrals represent a family of functions and are used to find antiderivatives. They don’t have specific bounds like definite integrals and thus include a constant of integration, denoted as \(C\), because the antiderivative is not unique. The general form for an indefinite integral is \ \( \int f(x) \, dx = F(x) + C \), where \(F(x)\) is any antiderivative of \(f(x)\).
In the original exercise, the indefinite integral \( \int \frac{x^{3}}{x^{4}+4} dx \) was evaluated by substitution, resulting in \( \frac{1}{4} \ln |x^4 + 4| + C \). Some critical aspects of indefinite integrals include:
In the original exercise, the indefinite integral \( \int \frac{x^{3}}{x^{4}+4} dx \) was evaluated by substitution, resulting in \( \frac{1}{4} \ln |x^4 + 4| + C \). Some critical aspects of indefinite integrals include:
- They signify the reverse process of differentiation.
- The constant \(C\) represents the infinite number of antiderivatives available for a function.
- They help solve differential equations and model natural phenomena.
Calculus Techniques
Calculus techniques, such as substitution, are invaluable for solving complex integrals. Substitution is a method used to simplify integrals, making them more manageable to solve. This technique works by changing variables, essentially transforming a challenging integral into a simpler, more familiar form. The process typically involves these steps:
- Select an appropriate substitution \(u = g(x)\) that simplifies the integral, often involving setting the substitution to part of the integrand that resembles a derivative of something present in the function.
- Differentiate \(u\) with respect to \(x\) to find \(du\), and solve for \(dx\).
- Rewrite the integral in terms of \(u\), thus reducing the complexity of the problem.