What is the method for integrating 1/(1+x^n) using roots of polynomials?

In summary, the conversation discusses the integral of the function $\frac{1}{1+x^n}$. The general case is considered, where the roots of the polynomial $1+x^n$ are $x_k = e^{i\frac{2k+1}{n}\pi}$ for $k=0,1,...,n-1$. The expression $\frac{1}{1+x^n}$ can be written as a sum of fractions, and by using the limit in equation (3), the integral can be expressed as a sum of logarithmic terms in equation (4).
  • #1
juantheron
247
1
$(1)\displaystyle \;\; \int\frac{1}{1+x^6}dx$

$(2)\displaystyle \;\; \int\frac{1}{1+x^8}dx$
 
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  • #2
jacks said:
$(1)\displaystyle \;\; \int\frac{1}{1+x^6}dx$

$(2)\displaystyle \;\; \int\frac{1}{1+x^8}dx$

May be is useful to consider the general case...

$\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{1+x^{n}}$ (1)

The root of the polinomial $\displaystyle 1+x^{n}$ are $\displaystyle x_{k}= e^{i\ \frac{2k+1}{n}\ \pi}\ ,\ k= 0.1,...,n-1$ so that is...

$\displaystyle \frac{1}{1+x^{n}} = \sum_{k=0}^{n-1} \frac{r_{k}}{x-x_{k}}$ (2)

... where...

$\displaystyle r_{k}= \lim_{x \rightarrow x_{k}} \frac{x-x_{k}}{1+x^{n}}$ (3)

Now You can integrate (2) 'term by term' obtaining... $\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{1+x^{n}}= \sum_{k=0}^{n-1} r_{k}\ \ln (x-x_{k}) + c $ (4)

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Last edited:

FAQ: What is the method for integrating 1/(1+x^n) using roots of polynomials?

What is an indefinite integral?

An indefinite integral is a mathematical concept that represents the set of all antiderivatives of a given function. It is the inverse operation of differentiation, and it is denoted by the symbol ∫.

How do you solve an indefinite integral?

To solve an indefinite integral, you need to use the rules of integration, such as the power rule, product rule, and chain rule. You can also use integration by parts or substitution to simplify the integral and find the antiderivative.

What is the difference between a definite integral and an indefinite integral?

The main difference between a definite integral and an indefinite integral is that a definite integral has specific limits of integration, while an indefinite integral does not. A definite integral gives a single numerical value, while an indefinite integral represents a set of functions.

Can you use indefinite integrals to find the area under a curve?

Yes, you can use indefinite integrals to find the area under a curve. This is known as the fundamental theorem of calculus, which states that the definite integral of a function can be evaluated by finding the antiderivative of that function.

What are some real-life applications of indefinite integrals?

Indefinite integrals have many real-life applications, such as calculating the distance traveled by an object with varying velocity, finding the work done by a variable force, and determining the growth rate of a population. They are also used in physics, economics, and engineering to model and analyze various systems and phenomena.

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