What is the integral of (x^2+1)/(e^x+1) from -1 to 1?

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In summary, an integral is a mathematical concept used to calculate the area under a curve on a graph. To solve an integral, specific rules and techniques such as substitution or integration by parts are used. The notation used in integrals, ∫, represents the integral symbol and the limits of integration determine the range of the variable being integrated. To solve a specific integral, one can use various methods such as substitution.
  • #1
anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Evaluate \(\displaystyle \int_{-1}^{1} \dfrac{x^2+1}{e^x+1}\,dx\).

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  • #2
Congratulations to castor28 for his correct solution(Cool), which you can find below:
We write the expression as:
$$
\int_{-1}^0{\frac{x^2+1}{e^x+1}dx}+\int_0^1{\frac{x^2+1}{e^x+1}dx}
$$
We have:
\begin{align*}
\int_{-1}^0{\frac{x^2+1}{e^x+1}dx} &= -\int_1^0{\frac{x^2+1}{e^{-x}+1}dx}\\
&=+\int_0^1{\frac{x^2+1}{e^{-x}+1}dx}
\end{align*}
and the expression becomes:
$$
\int_0^1{(x^2+1)\left(\frac{1}{e^x+1}+\frac{1}{e^{-x}+1}\right)\,dx}
$$
On the other hand, we have:
$$
\frac{1}{e^x+1}+\frac{1}{e^{-x}+1} = \frac{e^x+e^{-x}+2}{1+e^x+e^{-x}+1}=1
$$
and we are left with:
$$
\int_0^1{(x^2+1)\,dx} = \left[\frac{x^3}{3}+x\right]_0^1 = {\bf\frac43}
$$
 

FAQ: What is the integral of (x^2+1)/(e^x+1) from -1 to 1?

What is an integral?

An integral is a mathematical concept that represents the area under a curve in a graph. It is used to find the total value of a function over a given interval.

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

The integral of a function can be used to calculate important quantities such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration in physics. It can also be used to find the total value or quantity of a function.

What does the notation "dx" mean in the integral?

The notation "dx" represents the infinitesimal change in the independent variable (usually denoted as x) over which the integral is being evaluated. It is used to indicate that the integral is a sum of infinitely small rectangles under the curve.

How do you solve the integral of (x^2+1)/(e^x+1) from -1 to 1?

To solve this integral, you can use the substitution method or integration by parts. Both methods involve breaking down the function into simpler forms and using mathematical rules to solve it.

Can the integral of (x^2+1)/(e^x+1) from -1 to 1 be evaluated without using calculus?

No, the integral of (x^2+1)/(e^x+1) from -1 to 1 cannot be evaluated without using calculus. Integration is a fundamental concept in calculus and it is necessary to solve this type of problem.

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