Chapter 7: Problem 40
Make a substitution to express the integrand as a rational function and then evaluate the integral. \( \displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{2 \sqrt{x + 3} + x} \)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Substitute \( u = \sqrt{x+3} \) and transform the integral to evaluate it.
Step by step solution
01
Identify a Suitable Substitution
Let's start by recognizing that the expression under the square root can be reorganized using substitution. We'll set a new variable, say, \( u = \sqrt{x + 3} \). From this, we derive \( x = u^2 - 3 \).
02
Differentiate the Substitution
To change variables, differentiate the substitution. If \( u = \sqrt{x+3} \), differentiating gives us \( du = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x+3}} dx \) or equivalently, \( dx = 2u \, du \).
03
Express the Integrand in Terms of u
Substitute \( x = u^2 - 3 \) and \( dx = 2u \, du \) back into the original integral. The integrand becomes:\[\int \frac{2u \, du}{2u + (u^2 - 3)}\]This simplifies to:\[\int \frac{2u \, du}{u^2 + 2u - 3}\]
04
Complete the Square for the Denominator
Notice that the expression \( u^2 + 2u - 3 \) can be completed to form a perfect square. It becomes:\[u^2 + 2u - 3 = (u + 1)^2 - 4\]
05
Perform Partial Fraction Decomposition
We can express the fraction using partial fractions. The denominator \((u+1)^2 - 4\) can be factored as \((u - 1)(u + 3)\). Write:\[\frac{2u}{(u - 1)(u + 3)} = \frac{A}{u - 1} + \frac{B}{u + 3}\]Solve for \(A\) and \(B\) by multiplying through and equating coefficients.
06
Integrate the Rational Function
After finding \(A\) and \(B\), integrate each term separately:\[\int \frac{A}{u - 1} \, du + \int \frac{B}{u + 3} \, du\]These yield logarithmic solutions. Combine them to find the whole solution in terms of \(u\).
07
Substitute Back to x
Substitute \( u = \sqrt{x + 3} \) back into the integrated result to express the integral in terms of \(x\). Simplify the result if possible.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Substitution Method
The substitution method is a fundamental technique used in calculus to simplify and evaluate complex integrals. It involves substituting a part of the integrand with a new variable, making the integral easier to solve. In our exercise, we needed to make the integral more manageable by choosing an appropriate substitution.
- First, identify a part of the integrand that can be replaced. Here, we chose to substitute the expression under the square root.
- The substitution made was: \( u = \sqrt{x + 3} \), transforming the integral significantly.
- By differentiating the substitution, we found \( dx = 2u \, du \), allowing us to replace \( dx \) in terms of \( du \).
Rational Functions
A rational function is any function that can be expressed as the ratio of two polynomials. Understanding rational functions is key to solving the given integral after substitution converted it into a rational expression.
- After substituting, our integral becomes: \( \int \frac{2u \, du}{u^2 + 2u - 3} \)
- This expression is rational because it's a polynomial in the numerator divided by another polynomial in the denominator.
Partial Fraction Decomposition
Partial fraction decomposition is a method used to break down complex rational expressions into simpler fractions that are easier to integrate. In this exercise, it was applied to the integrand after substitution.
- The denominator, \( u^2 + 2u - 3 \), was rewritten through factoring as \((u - 1)(u + 3)\). This allowed for decomposition.
- We expressed \( \frac{2u}{(u - 1)(u + 3)} \) as \( \frac{A}{u - 1} + \frac{B}{u + 3} \) by solving for \( A \) and \( B \).
- Once the rational function is decomposed, each simpler fraction can be integrated separately, simplifying the overall integral computation.
Definite Integrals
Definite integrals are a key concept in calculus that give the signed area under a curve in an interval and can determine accumulated quantities. While this exercise focuses on indefinite integration, understanding definite integrals aids in seeing the broader application of these techniques.
- Definite integrals provide a numerical result, associated with the limits of integration \( a \) and \( b \), using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
- If integration limits were given, evaluating the result from \( a \) to \( b \) would replace \( x \).
- This topic is crucial for problems involving accumulation, such as area, volume, and in real-world applications.