How Do You Manually Integrate \(\frac{dx}{x(a\sqrt{x}+b)}\)?

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The integral \(\int \frac{dx}{x (a \sqrt{x} + b)}\) was presented as a challenge for manual integration. A solution was found using an online tool, yielding \(\frac {\ln{x} - 2 \ln{(a \sqrt{x} + b)}}{b}\). Users suggested using the substitution \(u = \sqrt{x}\) and employing partial fractions decomposition for a more straightforward solution. The discussion highlighted the importance of partial fractions as a useful technique, especially in contexts like LaPlace Transforms. Overall, the thread emphasizes the need for effective manual integration strategies.
Grogs
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I ran into the following (general form) integral today while working on an engineering problem:

<br /> \int \frac{dx}{x (a \sqrt{x} +b)}<br />

I ran it through 'integrals.com' and came up with the following solution:

<br /> \frac {\ln{x} - 2 \ln{(a \sqrt{x} + b)}}{b}<br />

which is fine for the purpose of solving the problem, but I'd like to be able to work it by hand. I tried integration by parts, but any choice of u and dv I could think of only made it messier. I also couldn't think of an appropriate u substitution.

Thanks in advance,

Grogs
 
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Try u=\sqrt{x}
With the use of partial fractions decomposition, the result easily follows.
 
Thanks arildno.

Partial fractions is one of those skills I relearn once a year or so when I need to do a LaPlace Transform and then quickly forget.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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