How can we use integration by parts to prove the formula for $J_{n+1}$?

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  • Thread starter Chris L T521
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In summary, integration by parts is a technique used to evaluate integrals of products of functions. It can be used to prove mathematical formulas, including the formula for $J_{n+1}$, by simplifying integrals into more familiar forms. There are specific conditions and restrictions for using this technique, and one can improve their skills through practice and understanding underlying principles.
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Chris L T521
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Thanks to those who participated in last week's POTW! Here's this week's problem!

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Problem: Let $J_n=\displaystyle\int\frac{\,dx}{(x^2+1)^n}$. Use integration by parts to prove that
\[J_{n+1} = \left(1-\frac{1}{2n}\right)J_n+\left(\frac{1}{2n}\right) \frac{x}{(x^2+1)^n}.\]

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  • #2
This weeks question was correctly answered by BAdhi, MarkFL and Sudharaka. You can find BAdhi's solution below:

It is given that,$$J_n=\int \frac{1}{(x^2+1)^n} \, dx$$
If we consider $\int \frac{1}{(x^2+1)^n} \, dx$ and with integral by parts,
$$\begin{align*}
\int \frac{1}{(x^2+1)^n} \, dx &= \int \frac{d\,x}{dx}\cdot \frac{1}{(x^2+1)^n} \, dx\\
&=x\cdot \frac{1}{(x^2+1)^2}-\int x\cdot \left[\frac{-2nx}{(x^2+1)^{(n+1)}}\right]\,dx\\
&=\frac{x}{(x^2+1)^2}+2n\int \frac{x^2}{(x^2+1)^{(n+1)}} \,dx\\
\frac{1}{2n}J_n&=\left(\frac{1}{2n}\right) \frac{x}{(x^2+1)^2}+\int \frac{x^2}{(x^2+1)^{(n+1)}} \,dx
\end{align*}$$
By adding $-J_n$ to both sides,
$$\begin{align*}
-J_n +\frac{1}{2n}J_n&=\left(\frac{1}{2n}\right) \frac{x}{(x^2+1)^2}+\int \frac{x^2}{(x^2+1)^{(n+1)}} \,dx-J_n\\
\left(\frac{1}{2n}-1\right) J_n & = \left(\frac{1}{2n}\right) \frac{x}{(x^2+1)^2}+\int \frac{x^2}{(x^2+1)^{(n+1)}} -\frac{1}{(x^2+1)^n}\,dx\\
&=\left(\frac{1}{2n}\right) \frac{x}{(x^2+1)^2} + \int \frac{x^2-(x^2+1)}{(x^2+1)^{(n+1)}}\,dx\\
&=\left(\frac{1}{2n}\right) \frac{x}{(x^2+1)^2}-\underbrace{\int \frac{1}{(x^2+1)^{(n+1)}}\,dx}_{J_{(n+1)}}\\
&=\left(\frac{1}{2n}\right) \frac{x}{(x^2+1)^2}-J_{(n+1)}
\end{align*}$$
By adjusting,
$$J_{(n+1)}=\left(1-\frac{1}{2n}\right) J_n+\left(\frac{1}{2n}\right) \frac{x}{(x^2+1)^2}$$
 

FAQ: How can we use integration by parts to prove the formula for $J_{n+1}$?

1. What is integration by parts?

Integration by parts is a mathematical technique used to evaluate integrals of products of functions. It involves breaking down a complicated integral into simpler parts and using the product rule of differentiation to simplify the integral.

2. How is integration by parts used to prove the formula for $J_{n+1}$?

By using integration by parts, we can simplify the integral representation of $J_{n+1}$ and reduce it to a more familiar form, which can then be evaluated using known integration techniques. This allows us to prove the formula for $J_{n+1}$ in a systematic and mathematically rigorous way.

3. Can integration by parts be used to prove other mathematical formulas?

Yes, integration by parts is a versatile technique that can be used to prove many different mathematical formulas, particularly those involving integrals and derivatives.

4. Are there specific conditions or restrictions for using integration by parts?

Yes, integration by parts requires that the integrand can be expressed as a product of two functions, and that at least one of these functions can be easily integrated or differentiated.

5. How can one practice and improve their skills in using integration by parts?

The best way to improve one's skills in using integration by parts is through practice and working through various examples and problems. Additionally, studying and understanding the underlying principles and concepts of integration and differentiation can also aid in mastering this technique.

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