How Do You Evaluate the Integral of a Rational Function?

In summary, to evaluate the integral $\int (x+2)/(x^2+1)\, dx$, you can use the substitution $u = x^2+1$ to rewrite it as $\int 1/u\, du$ and then use the fact that $\int 1/x\, dx = \ln|x| + C$ to solve it. For the second integral, $\int 1/(x^2+1)\, dx$, you can use the substitution $x = \tan u$ to rewrite it as $\int \tan u\, du$ and then use the fact that $\int \tan u\, du = -\ln|\cos u| + C$ to solve it. Comb
  • #1
karush
Gold Member
MHB
3,269
5
$\textsf{evaluate}$
\begin{align}
\displaystyle
{I}&={\int{\frac{x+2}{x^2+1}dx}}\\
&=\int{\frac{x}{x^{2}{+1}}dx{\ +\ 2}\int{\frac{1}{x^{2}{+1}}}}{\ }dx\\
u&=x^{2}+1 \therefore \frac{1}{2x}du=dx\\
x&=\sqrt{u-1}\\
\end{align}
...?

$\textit{calculator answer.?}$

$\dfrac{\ln\left(x^2+1\right)}{2}
+2\arctan\left(x\right)+C$
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Re: int ratioanal function

Since $du = 2x\, dx$, then $(1/2)du = dx$. So $x\, dx/(x^2 + 1) = (1/2)du$. Take it from there.

As for the other integral, use a tangent substitution.
 
  • #3
Re: int ratioanal function

$\textsf{substitute $x=\tan(u)
\therefore dx=\sec^2(u)$ }$
\begin{align}
\displaystyle
&=2\int\frac{\tan\left({u}\right)}
{\tan^2(u)+1}
\cdot \sec^2(u )\, du
=2\int \tan\left({u}\right) \, du
=-2\ln\left({\cos\left({u}\right)}\right)+C
\end{align}
$\textsf{substitute u=arctan{x}}$

$\textit{this doesn't seem to be headed towards the answer}$

$\textit{calculator answer}$

$\dfrac{\ln\left(x^2+1\right)}{2}
+2\arctan\left(x\right)+C$
 
  • #4
Re: int ratioanal function

The tangent substitution was meant for the second integral

$$2\int \frac{1}{x^2 + 1}\, dx$$

and not the integral $\int x\, dx/(x^2 + 1)$. I already explained how to evaluate that integral with the $u$ you had already chose, namely, $u = x^2 + 1$.
 
  • #5
Re: int ratioanal function

so...
$\textsf{solving}\\$
\begin{align}
\displaystyle
I_a&=\int \frac{x}{x^{2}+1} \, dx \\
u&=x^{2}+1 \therefore \frac{1}{2x}du=dx\\
\textit{u substitution}\\
&=\frac{1}{2} \int \frac{1}{u}du =\frac{\ln\left({u}\right)}{2}\\
\textit{backsubstition }\\
I_a&=\dfrac{\ln\left(x^2+1\right)}{2}
\end{align}
$\textsf{solving}\\$
\begin{align}
\displaystyle
I_b &= 2 \int \frac{1}{x^{2}+1} \, dx\\
x&=\tan(u) \therefore dx=\sec^2(u) du \\
u&=\arctan(x) \\
\textit{u substitution }\\
I_b &= 2 \int \frac{1}{\tan^{2}u+1} \, \sec^2(u) du \\
&=2 \int 1 du= 2u\\
\textit{backsubstition}\\
I_b&=2\arctan{(x)}
\end{align}$\textit{$I_a + I_b +C = $}$$\dfrac{\ln\left(x^2+1\right)}{2}
+2\arctan\left(x\right)+C$
 
Last edited:
  • #6
I would simply write:

\(\displaystyle I=\int\frac{x+2}{x^2+1}\,dx=\frac{1}{2}\int \frac{2x}{x^2+1}\,dx+2\int \frac{1}{x^2+1}\,dx=\frac{1}{2}\ln(x^2+1)+2\arctan(x)+C\)
 
  • #7
Re: int ratioanal function

karush said:
so...
$\textsf{solving}\\$
\begin{align}
\displaystyle
I_a&=\int \frac{x}{x^{2}+1} \, dx \\
u&=x^{2}+1 \therefore \frac{1}{2x}du=dx\\
\textit{u substitution}\\
&=\frac{1}{2} \int \frac{1}{u}du =\frac{\ln\left({u}\right)}{2}\\
\textit{backsubstition }\\
I_a&=\dfrac{\ln\left(x^2+1\right)}{2}
\end{align}
$\textsf{solving}\\$
\begin{align}
\displaystyle
I_b &= 2 \int \frac{1}{x^{2}+1} \, dx\\
x&=\tan(u) \therefore dx=\sec^2(u) du \\
u&=\arctan(x) \\
\textit{u substitution }\\
I_b &= 2 \int \frac{1}{\tan^{2}u+1} \, \sec^2(u) du \\
&=2 \int 1 du= 2u\\
\textit{backsubstition}\\
I_b&=2\arctan{(x)}
\end{align}$\textit{$I_a + I_b +C = $}$$\dfrac{\ln\left(x^2+1\right)}{2}
+2\arctan\left(x\right)+C$
Your work here is correct.
 

FAQ: How Do You Evaluate the Integral of a Rational Function?

What is the definition of an integral of a rational function?

The integral of a rational function is defined as the inverse operation of differentiation. It is used to find the original function when its derivative is given.

How is the integral of a rational function calculated?

The integral of a rational function is calculated using a variety of techniques, including substitution, integration by parts, and partial fractions. The specific method used depends on the complexity of the function.

Can any rational function be integrated?

Yes, any rational function can be integrated, although some may require more advanced techniques to calculate the integral.

What is the purpose of finding the integral of a rational function?

Finding the integral of a rational function is useful for solving a variety of real-world problems, such as finding areas and volumes, calculating work and displacement, and determining the average value of a function.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when integrating a rational function?

Yes, some common mistakes to avoid when integrating a rational function include forgetting to add the constant of integration, making algebraic errors when simplifying the function, and incorrectly applying integration rules.

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