Chapter 8: Problem 6
The integrals in Exercises \(1-44\) are in no particular order. Evaluate each integral using any algebraic method or trigonometric identity you think is appropriate. When necessary, use a substitution to reduce it to a standard form. $$ \int \frac{d x}{x-\sqrt{x}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(2 \ln \left| 1 - \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}} \right| + C.\)
Step by step solution
01
Simplify the Integrand
Note that the integrand is \( \frac{1}{x - \sqrt{x}} \). To simplify this expression, consider using the substitution \( u = \sqrt{x} \). Then, \( x = u^2 \), and \( dx = 2u \, du \). This leads to the transformation of the integrand and the differential: \( \frac{1}{x - \sqrt{x}} = \frac{1}{u^2 - u} \) and \( dx = 2u \, du \).
02
Substitute and Adjust the Integral
Substituting \( u = \sqrt{x} \) into the integral, we have:\[\int \frac{1}{x - \sqrt{x}} \, dx = \int \frac{1}{u(u-1)} \, 2u \, du = 2 \int \frac{1}{u-1} \, du.\]
03
Simplify Using Partial Fraction Decomposition
The expression \( \frac{1}{u^2 - u} \) can be decomposed using partial fractions. Since the denominator factors as \( u(u-1) \), the partial fraction decomposition is:\[\frac{1}{u(u-1)} = \frac{A}{u} + \frac{B}{u-1}.\]Solving for \( A \) and \( B \) gives:\[A(u-1) + Bu = 1.\]By setting \( u = 0 \), \( A = -1 \). By setting \( u = 1 \), \( B = 1 \). Thus, \( \frac{1}{u(u-1)} = \frac{1}{u} - \frac{1}{u-1}. \)
04
Integrate Using Decomposition
Substitute back into the integral:\[2 \int \left( \frac{1}{u-1} - \frac{1}{u} \right) du = 2 \left( \ln |u-1| - \ln |u| \right).\]This simplifies to:\[2 \ln \left| \frac{u-1}{u} \right| = 2 \ln \left| \frac{\sqrt{x} - 1}{\sqrt{x}} \right|.\]
05
Back-substitute the Original Variable
Now, substitute \( u = \sqrt{x} \) back into the expression:\[2 \ln \left| \frac{\sqrt{x} - 1}{\sqrt{x}} \right| = 2 \ln \left| 1 - \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}} \right|.\] Thus, the final result is \[2 \ln \left| 1 - \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}} \right| + C,\]where \( C \) is the constant of integration.
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 fantastic tool in integration that can simplify complex integrals. The idea here is to transform the integral into a form that is easier to solve. For example, consider the function with a square root term like in our original problem.
- Substitution can change variables, making the integral easier to handle.
- In the problem, we used the substitution \( u = \sqrt{x} \), transforming the integrand into a simpler algebraic form.
- As a result, differential \( dx \) needs to be transformed into terms of \( du \), hence \( dx = 2u \, du \).
Partial Fraction Decomposition
Partial fraction decomposition is an algebraic technique that helps break down complex rational expressions into simpler fractions. Thus, it becomes easier to integrate.
- An expression like \( \frac{1}{u(u-1)} \) is decomposed into simpler fractions: \( \frac{A}{u} + \frac{B}{u-1} \).
- Finding constants \( A \) and \( B \) involves solving linear equations by strategically choosing values of \( u \).
- For instance, by letting \( u = 0 \), we find \( A = -1 \), and by setting \( u = 1 \), determined \( B = 1 \).
Trigonometric Identities
While this specific integral did not require trigonometric identities, they're indeed valuable in integration. They are essential in transforming integrals that involve trigonometric functions into more manageable forms.
- Identities such as \( \sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta = 1 \) are often used to simplify expressions.
- They can help convert back and forth between products and sums using formulas like the angle sum identities.
- These identities become crucial especially in integrals involving trigonometric products or squared functions.
Simplifying Integrals
Simplifying integrals is a fundamental step in solving complex problems. It involves a combination of algebraic manipulation and selection of suitable methods.
- Algebraic simplification may involve combining like terms or splitting fractions using algebraic identities.
- The goal is to convert the integral into a form that matches known formulas or is simple enough for basic integration techniques like substitution or partial fractions to be applied.
- In the example given, by handling the integrand \( \frac{1}{x - \sqrt{x}} \), the integral was restructured into a simpler integral \( \frac{1}{u(u-1)} \), which could then be easily decomposed.