Chapter 7: Problem 31
The integral $$ \int \frac{x}{x^{2}+4} d x $$ can be evaluated either by a trigonometric substitution or by the substitution \(u=x^{2}+4 .\) Do it both ways and show that the results are equivalent.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Both methods yield \( \frac{1}{2} \ln |x^2 + 4| + C \).
Step by step solution
01
Substitution Method
Let us perform a substitution by letting \( u = x^2 + 4 \). Then, the derivative is \( du = 2x \, dx \). We can rearrange this to get \( x \, dx = \frac{1}{2} du \). Substitute this into the integral:\[\int \frac{x}{x^{2}+4} \, dx = \int \frac{1}{u} \cdot \frac{1}{2} \, du = \frac{1}{2} \int \frac{1}{u} \, du.\]This integral becomes:\[\frac{1}{2} \ln |u| + C = \frac{1}{2} \ln |x^2 + 4| + C.\]So, the result of this method is \( \frac{1}{2} \ln |x^2 + 4| + C \).
02
Trigonometric Substitution Method
For trigonometric substitution, recognize that the denominator suggests using a tangent substitution. Let \( x = 2 \tan \theta \), which gives \( dx = 2 \sec^2 \theta \, d\theta \). Then:\[x^2 + 4 = 4\tan^2\theta + 4 = 4(\tan^2\theta + 1) = 4\sec^2\theta.\]Thus, our integral becomes:\[\int \frac{2 \tan \theta}{4 \sec^2 \theta} \, 2 \sec^2 \theta \, d\theta = \int \frac{2 \tan \theta}{4} \, d\theta = \frac{1}{2} \int \tan \theta \, d\theta.\]The integral of \( \tan \theta \) is\[\int \tan \theta \, d\theta = \ln |\sec \theta| + C.\]Thus, our integral becomes:\[\frac{1}{2} \ln |\sec \theta| + C.\]
03
Returning from Trigonometric Substitution
Now we need to express \( \ln |\sec \theta| \) in terms of \( x \). Recall \( \sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta} = \sqrt{1 + \tan^2\theta} \), so we have:\[\sec \theta = \sqrt{1 + \left(\frac{x}{2}\right)^2} = \frac{\sqrt{x^2 + 4}}{2}.\]Thus, \( \ln |\sec \theta| = \ln \left|\frac{\sqrt{x^2 + 4}}{2}\right| \), which can be split using properties of logarithms into:\[\ln |\sec \theta| = \ln |\sqrt{x^2 + 4}| - \ln 2.\]Therefore, \( \frac{1}{2} \ln |\sec \theta| = \frac{1}{2} (\ln |\sqrt{x^2 + 4}| - \ln 2) = \frac{1}{2} \ln |x^2 + 4| - \frac{1}{2} \ln 2 \).After adding the constant, our result matches previous step \( \frac{1}{2} \ln |x^2 + 4| + C \) after incorporating the constant of integration.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
trigonometric substitution
Trigonometric substitution is a powerful technique used in integral calculus when the integrand contains expressions like \(a^2 + x^2\), \(x^2 - a^2\), or \(a^2 - x^2\). These expressions suggest a relation to trigonometric identities.
When you see \(x^2 + a^2\), it's useful to let \(x = a \tan \theta\). This substitution simplifies the integral, often utilizing the Pythagorean identity \(1 + \tan^2 \theta = \sec^2 \theta\).
Here's why this method works beautifully:
When you see \(x^2 + a^2\), it's useful to let \(x = a \tan \theta\). This substitution simplifies the integral, often utilizing the Pythagorean identity \(1 + \tan^2 \theta = \sec^2 \theta\).
Here's why this method works beautifully:
- Converts complex algebraic integrands into simpler trigonometric forms.
- Uses known derivatives of trigonometric functions like \(\tan\), \(\sin\), or \(\cos\).
- Allows conversion back to the original variable once integrated, relating \(\theta\) back to \(x\).
u-substitution
U-substitution, or integration by substitution, is an integral calculus technique often taught as a natural extension of the chain rule. It's about making integrals less daunting by substituting a complicated portion of the integral with a single variable \(u\).
Here's how it generally proceeds:
U-substitution is like untangling a knot in calculus, simplifying what can appear to be a daunting integral.
Here's how it generally proceeds:
- Identify a portion of the integral to substitute, usually the part that complicates the differentiation.
- Let \(u\) represent this part, differentiating to find \(du\). Adjust your integral accordingly.
- Recast the integral in terms of \(u\), which should result in a much simpler form.
- Integrate and, finally, revert \(u\) back to the original variable.
U-substitution is like untangling a knot in calculus, simplifying what can appear to be a daunting integral.
definite integrals
Definite integrals represent the accumulation of quantities, often thought of as the "net area" under a curve between two points. Unlike indefinite integrals that include a constant of integration, definite integrals produce a specific numerical value.
To solve a definite integral, we:
Integrals across specified ranges benefit greatly from these techniques, easing the process of computing exact areas or accumulated quantities.
To solve a definite integral, we:
- Evaluate the indefinite integral.
- Apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, using the limits of integration (the two endpoints).
- Calculate the difference between the integral at these limits, \(F(b) - F(a)\).
Integrals across specified ranges benefit greatly from these techniques, easing the process of computing exact areas or accumulated quantities.