Integration w/ trig. substitution (x^2 + 1) / (x^2 - 2x + 2)^2

In summary, the conversation discusses a specific mathematical problem involving integration and potential trigonometric substitutions. The individual asking the question shares their solution and asks for clarification on a discrepancy between their answer and the answer from WolframAlpha. Another individual responds with an explanation of why the two answers differ and offers a tip for adjusting the constant of integration to make fractions proper.
  • #1
SpicyPepper
20
0
Another even numbered problem in my book, so no textbook answer. I checked it in WolframAlpha(WA), but the answer came out slightly different. Hopefully no typos in this writeup.

Homework Statement


[tex]\int \frac{x^2 + 1}{(x^2 - 2x + 2)^2}dx[/tex]

Homework Equations


I factor the denominator:
[tex](x^2 - 2x + 2) = (x - 1)^2 + 1[/tex]

Some potential trig. substitution:
[tex]tan(\Theta) = x - 1[/tex]
[tex]x = tan(\Theta) + 1[/tex]
[tex]dx = sec^2(\Theta)d\Theta[/tex]
[tex](x - 1)^2 + 1 = sec^2(\Theta)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]= \int \frac{x^2 + 1}{((x - 1)^2 + 1)^2}dx[/tex]

[tex]= \int \frac{(tan^2(\Theta) + 2tan(\Theta) + 1) + 1}{(sec^2(\Theta))^2} sec^2(\Theta)d\Theta[/tex]

[tex]= \int sin^2(\Theta)d\Theta + 2\int sin(\Theta)cos(\Theta)d\Theta + 2\int cos^2(\Theta)d\Theta[/tex]

[tex]= \frac{1}{2}\int (1 - cos(2\Theta))d\Theta + 2 \int sin(\Theta)cos(\Theta)d\Theta + 2 \int 1/2(1 + cos(2\Theta))d\Theta[/tex]

[tex]= \frac{1}{2}\Theta - \frac{1}{4}sin(2\Theta) + sin^2(\Theta) + \Theta + \frac{1}{2}sin(2\Theta) + C[/tex]

[tex]= \frac{3}{2}arctan(x-1) + \frac{1}{4}2sin(\Theta)cos(\Theta) + sin^2(\Theta) + C[/tex]

[tex]= \frac{3}{2}arctan(x-1) + (\frac{1}{2})(\frac{x-1}{\sqrt{x^2-2x+2}})(\frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2-2x+2}}) + \frac{(x-1)^2}{x^2-2x+2} + C[/tex]

[tex]= \frac{3}{2}arctan(x-1) + \frac{2x^2-3x+1}{2(x^2-2x+2)} + C[/tex]

However, plugging it into WA, the answer it spits out is:

[tex]= -\frac{3}{2}arctan(1-x) + \frac{x-3}{2(x^2-2x+2)} + C[/tex]

I get the 1st term is the same thing, but in the 2nd term, I ended up with 2x^2-3x+1 instead of just x-3. Anyone see a misstep?

I looked through the steps of WA, but I'm not really familiar with what it's saying.
 
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  • #2
Hi SpicyPepper! :smile:
SpicyPepper said:
[tex]= \frac{3}{2}arctan(x-1) + \frac{2x^2-3x+1}{2(x^2-2x+2)} + C[/tex]

However, plugging it into WA, the answer it spits out is:

[tex]= -\frac{3}{2}arctan(1-x) + \frac{x-3}{2(x^2-2x+2)} + C[/tex]

I get the 1st term is the same thing, but in the 2nd term, I ended up with 2x^2-3x+1 instead of just x-3. Anyone see a misstep?

No, the book's C is your C plus one …

always adjust the constant of integration so as to make any fraction a "proper" one. :wink:
 
  • #3
why is it always so obvious after the fact :p

thx
 

FAQ: Integration w/ trig. substitution (x^2 + 1) / (x^2 - 2x + 2)^2

What is trigonometric substitution?

Trigonometric substitution is a method used to simplify and solve integrals that contain algebraic expressions and radicals. It involves substituting trigonometric identities for certain variables in the integral.

How do you determine which trigonometric substitution to use?

The substitution is determined by looking at the algebraic expression in the integral and finding a trigonometric identity that can be used to simplify it. In the case of (x^2 + 1) / (x^2 - 2x + 2)^2, we can use the identity x^2 + 1 = sec^2θ to substitute for x.

What is the general process for solving an integral with trigonometric substitution?

The general process involves identifying the appropriate trigonometric identity to substitute, making the substitution, simplifying the integral, and then using trigonometric identities and algebraic manipulation to solve for the final answer.

Why is trigonometric substitution useful?

Trigonometric substitution allows us to solve integrals that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to solve using other methods. It can also be used to solve integrals involving inverse trigonometric functions.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using trigonometric substitution?

Some common mistakes include substituting for the wrong variable, not using the correct trigonometric identity, and not simplifying the integral enough before solving. It's important to carefully check each step and make sure all of the algebraic manipulations are correct.

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