How Do You Correctly Solve This Definite Integral Problem?

In summary, the conversation discusses the evaluation of the integral \int^1_0 \frac {dx}{(x+1)^2} using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. There are some errors in the initial solution attempt, and the correct solution involves making a substitution and using the integration limits. Additionally, it is mentioned that the answer should not depend on the variable x, but should be a real number.
  • #1
courtrigrad
1,236
2
If I want to evaluate: [tex] \int^1_0 \frac {dx}{(x+1)^2} [/tex] I need to use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus right? SO wouldn't I have to solve [tex] \int^b_a
\frac{dx}{(x+1)^2} = \frac{(x+1)^3}{3} = \frac {8}{3} - \frac {1}{3} [/tex]? But the answer is [tex] \frac {1}{2} [/tex]
 
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  • #2
There are a lot of errors there.How about making a substitution ??

Daniel.

P.S.You evaluated wrongly another integral,not the one u were supposed to...
 
  • #3
you're gona integrate that function.
between the limits 1 and 0
1/(x+1)^2 is the same as (x+1)^-2 {to the power neg two}
when you integrate you add 1 to the power

(x+1)^(-2+1) {to the power neg one}
and then divide by this new value of the power
(x+1)^-1
-1
rearanging the equation gives -1/(x+1)
when you sub 1 for x you get -1/2
when you sub 0 for x you get 1
-1/2 + 1 you get 1/2
 
  • #4
I got it. It's [tex] \int^1_0 \frac {dx}{(x+1)^2} = \frac {-1}{x+1} [/tex]
So [tex] F(1) - F(0) = \frac {1}{2} [/tex]
 
  • #5
courtrigrad said:
I got it. It's [tex] \int^1_0 \frac {dx}{(x+1)^2} = \frac {-1}{x+1} [/tex]

Not really...What about the integration limits?

As for the limit part,could u rewrite it in an intelligible form...?

Daniel.
 
  • #6
I am not sure what you mean. I was just using the fact that [tex] \int^b_a f(u) \ du = F(b) - F(a) [/tex]. Why wouldn't my answer be correct?

Thanks
 
  • #7
Because it shouldn't depend on "x"...It should be a real number...Not a function...

Daniel.
 
  • #8
Where did the rest of the limit go??

Daniel.
 

FAQ: How Do You Correctly Solve This Definite Integral Problem?

What is a definite integral?

A definite integral is a mathematical concept used to find the area under a curve between two points on a graph. It represents the accumulation of a quantity over a specific interval.

How do you evaluate a definite integral?

To evaluate a definite integral, you must take the antiderivative of the integrand (the function inside the integral) and then plug in the upper and lower limits of integration. The resulting value is the area under the curve between those two points.

What is the difference between a definite and indefinite integral?

A definite integral has specific limits of integration and will result in a single numerical value. An indefinite integral does not have limits and represents a family of functions that differ only by a constant.

Why is the definite integral important?

The definite integral is important because it allows us to calculate the total accumulation of a quantity over a specific interval. It has many applications in real-world scenarios, such as calculating the total distance traveled by an object or the total amount of water flowing through a pipe.

What are some common techniques for evaluating definite integrals?

Some common techniques for evaluating definite integrals include substitution, integration by parts, and the use of trigonometric identities. Other methods include using tables of integrals or numerical integration techniques such as the trapezoidal rule or Simpson's rule.

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