What Is the Correct Approach to Integrate 2*arctan(x) by Parts?

That does not help solve the problem.[/QUOTE]In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving the integral of 2arctanx, with the participants attempting to solve it using integration by parts. However, it is suggested that a substitution of u=1+x^2 may be a more effective approach. The original poster also realizes that their first attempt at integration by parts did not work due to incorrect choices for "u" and "dv".
  • #1
PCSL
146
0

Homework Statement


problem: [itex]\int[/itex]2arctanx dx
2[itex]\int[/itex]arctan dx

u=arctanx
du=1/(1+x2)
v=x
dv=dx

xarctanx-[itex]\int[/itex]x/(1+x2)

integrate by parts a second time...

u=x
du=dx
v=arctanx
dv=1/1+x2

xarctanx-[itex]\int[/itex]arctanx

My final answer I get it 2xarctanx-2xarctanx+2/x2+1 which is obviously wrong. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
PCSL said:

Homework Statement


problem: [itex]\int[/itex]2arctanx dx
2[itex]\int[/itex]arctan dx

u=arctanx
du=1/(1+x2)
v=x
dv=dx

xarctanx-[itex]\int[/itex]x/(1+x2)

Don't go integration by parts here, just do a substitution of u=1+x2
 
  • #3
rock.freak667 said:
Don't go integration by parts here, just do a substitution of u=1+x2
Thanks, I got the answer. This may seem like a dumb question, but how come integration by parts didn't work for this part?
 
  • #4
PCSL said:

Homework Statement


problem: [itex]\int[/itex]2arctanx dx
2[itex]\int[/itex]arctan dx

u=arctanx
du=1/(1+x2)
v=x
dv=dx

xarctanx-[itex]\int[/itex]x/(1+x2)

integrate by parts a second time...

u=x
du=dx
v=arctanx
dv=1/1+x2

xarctanx-[itex]\int[/itex]arctanx

My final answer I get it 2xarctanx-2xarctanx+2/x2+1 which is obviously wrong. Thanks.[/QUOTE]
Because [itex]2/(x^ 1) is the derivative of arctan(x), not the integral.

Your choice of "u" and "dv" are just the results you got from the first integration by parts so you are just reversing the first integration. What you would correctly get is
[tex]x arctan(x)- x arctan(x)+ \int arctan(x)dx= \int arctan(x)dx[/tex]
exactly what you started with.
 

FAQ: What Is the Correct Approach to Integrate 2*arctan(x) by Parts?

What is integration by parts?

Integration by parts is a mathematical method used to find the integral of a product of two functions. It is based on the product rule of differentiation and is used to simplify the integration process.

When should I use integration by parts?

Integration by parts is typically used when the integral of a function cannot be easily found using other integration methods, such as substitution or partial fractions.

What is the formula for integration by parts?

The formula for integration by parts is ∫ u dv = uv - ∫ v du, where u and v are two functions and du and dv are their respective differentials.

What is the process for using integration by parts?

The process for using integration by parts involves choosing which function will be u and which will be dv, integrating dv, differentiating u, and then plugging these values into the integration by parts formula.

Are there any special cases for integration by parts?

Yes, there are a few special cases for integration by parts, such as when one of the functions is a polynomial or when one of the functions is an exponential or logarithmic function.

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