Chapter 8: Problem 21
Finding an Indefinite Integral In Exercises \(19-40\) , use a table of integrals to find the indefinite integral. $$\int \frac{2}{x^{3} \sqrt{x^{4}-1}} d x$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The indefinite integral of \( \int \frac{2}{x^{3} \sqrt{x^{4}-1}} \, dx \) is \( \text{arccosh}(x^{2}) + C \)
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Form of the Integral
In this task, the integral is given by \( \int \frac{2}{x^{3} \sqrt{x^{4}-1}} \, dx \). Analyzing this, one can note that possibly a substitution method involving a trigonometric function might simplify it. Identifying substitution can crucially make the calculation process simpler.
02
Substitution
Choose a new variable \( u \), as per the form \( u = x^{2} \). This gives us \( du = 2x \, dx \) and \( dx = \frac{du}{2x} \), which can be simplifed as \( dx = \frac{du}{2u^{\frac{1}{2}}} \), considering \( x = u^{\frac{1}{2}} \). Now the original integral can be re-written with the new variable as: \( \int \frac{2}{u^{ \frac{3}{2}} \sqrt{u^{2} - 1}} \, \frac{du}{2u^{\frac{1}{2}}} \) which simplifies to \( \int \frac{1}{u \sqrt{u^{2} - 1}} \, du \).
03
Simplifying the Integral
In this form, it can now be seen that integral is in the form of \( \int \frac{1}{u \sqrt{u^{2} - 1}} \, du \), which is known from integral table as the result of arccosh(u). Thus, the solution of the integral is simply \( \text{arccosh}(u) + C\), where \(C\) is the constant of integration.
04
Back Substitution
Finally, we substitute \( u \) by the original variable \( x^{2} \), which results in the indefinite integral: \( \text{arccosh}(x^{2}) + C \)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Integration by Substitution
Integration by substitution is a powerful technique used to simplify complex integrals, making them easier to solve. It's like solving a puzzle by first turning it into a much simpler one. In this method, we choose a new variable, often denoted by \( u \), which helps to transform the integral into a simpler form.
- The key idea is to replace a part of the integral by the new variable \( u \), so the integral becomes easier to evaluate. This involves identifying a part of the integral that can be substituted, simplifying the function.
- For example, in the original equation \( \int \frac{2}{x^{3} \sqrt{x^{4}-1}} \, dx \), we cleverly pick \( u = x^{2} \), as it rearranges the complex expression into something manageable.
- Next, we compute \( du \) based on our choice for \( u \), and then express \( dx \) in terms of \( du \). Substituting these into the original integral can turn a daunting task into a straightforward one.
Trigonometric Substitution
Trigonometric substitution is a special case of substitution, particularly useful when dealing with expressions involving square roots. This involves substituting trigonometric identities into the integral to render it into a more standard form.
- This technique is particularly used when integrals include expressions like \( \sqrt{a^2 - x^2} \), \( \sqrt{a^2 + x^2} \), or \( \sqrt{x^2 - a^2} \).
- By transforming these into trigonometric identities, the difficulty of the integral is often greatly reduced. Trigonometric identities can simplify the expression under the square root.
Integral Tables
Integral tables are a valuable resource in calculus. They contain a list of standard integrals that can help students solve complex integrals quickly.
- The tables provide the antiderivatives of many common functions. Essentially, it's like having a cheat sheet where you match parts of your integral to one listed in the table.
- They can save time when the integral is complex, or when an indefinite integral isn't easily solved through standard methods.
- Instead of deriving every integral from scratch, you can look up similar patterns, easing the cumbersome process of integration.