Find Antiderivative Help: ∫[(3x+1)/cos^2(3x^2+2x)]dx

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The discussion revolves around finding the antiderivative of the integral ∫[(3x+1)/cos^2(3x^2+2x)]dx using u-substitution. The user initially substituted u = 3x^2 + 2x and derived du = (6x + 2)dx, simplifying the integral to 1/2∫(du)/cos^2(u). Confusion arose regarding the correct manipulation of cos^2(u) and whether two different approaches to rewriting the integral were valid. Ultimately, it was clarified that both approaches were incorrect and that the integral of sec^2(u) should lead to tan(u) + C, emphasizing the importance of correctly identifying the antiderivative. The discussion highlights common pitfalls in integration techniques and the need for careful attention to detail in mathematical manipulation.
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Homework Statement


Find the antiderivative: ∫[(3x+1)/cos^2(3x^2+2x)]dx

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I attempted to use "u substitution" but got stuck towards the end:
u=3x^2+2x
du=6x+2dx
=2(3x+1)dx
du/2=(3x+1)dx

After my substitutions it looks like this:
∫(du)/2cos^2(u) = 1/2∫(du)/cos^2(u)

What do I do with the cos^2?

Thanks for any help that can be given
 
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Rewrite it in terms of ##\sec u##.
 
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Your substitution is the one that will work, but take vela's advice, and write the integrand in terms of sec(u).
 
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vela said:
Rewrite it in terms of ##\sec u##.
So I did this two different ways:
A) du/2cos^2u
=1/2 * 1/tanu *du/tanu
=du/2tan^2u
=(3x+1)/2tan^2(3x^2+2x)

OR

B) 1/2 * 1/tanu *du/tanu
=1/2 *cotu *du/tanu
=cot(du)/2tan(u)
=cot(3x+1)/2tan(3x^2+2x)

Which one if wither is correct? Why?
 
Coltjb7 said:
So I did this two different ways:
A) du/2cos^2u
=1/2 * 1/tanu *du/tanu
=du/2tan^2u
=(3x+1)/2tan^2(3x^2+2x)

OR

B) 1/2 * 1/tanu *du/tanu
=1/2 *cotu *du/tanu
=cot(du)/2tan(u)
=cot(3x+1)/2tan(3x^2+2x)

Which one if wither is correct? Why?
Sorry, I just totally avoided the sec somehow...
du/2cos^2u
=1/2 * 1/cosu * du/cosu
=1/2 * sec * sec *du
(1/2) sec^2u du
1/2 tanu du
1/2 tan(3x^2+2x)(3x+1)
 
Coltjb7 said:
So I did this two different ways:
A) du/2cos^2u
=1/2 * 1/tanu *du/tanu
=du/2tan^2u
=(3x+1)/2tan^2(3x^2+2x)

OR

B) 1/2 * 1/tanu *du/tanu
=1/2 *cotu *du/tanu
=cot(du)/2tan(u)
=cot(3x+1)/2tan(3x^2+2x)

Which one if wither is correct? Why?
It's easy enough to check. Differentiate the result and see if you get the integrand back.
 
Coltjb7 said:
Sorry, I just totally avoided the sec somehow...
du/2cos^2u
=1/2 * 1/cosu * du/cosu
=1/2 * sec * sec *du
(1/2) sec^2u du
1/2 tanu du
1/2 tan(3x^2+2x)(3x+1)
I can follow what you're doing, but you don't make any distinction between an integral and the resulting antiderivative. After you have found the antiderivative, the du goes away. If you follow vela's advice, you'll see that you have a mistake in the last line.

The ##\Sigma## sign on the gray menu bar has all sorts of symbols you can use.
 
Coltjb7 said:
So I did this two different ways:
A) du/2cos^2u
=1/2 * 1/tanu *du/tanu
=du/2tan^2u
=(3x+1)/2tan^2(3x^2+2x)

OR

B) 1/2 * 1/tanu *du/tanu
=1/2 *cotu *du/tanu
=cot(du)/2tan(u)
=cot(3x+1)/2tan(3x^2+2x)

Which one if wither is correct? Why?
Neither. Remember that ##\int sec^2(u)du = tan(u) + C##
 

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