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Mathematics 16 Online
OpenStudy (babyslapmafro):

Please help me get started on the following integral (click to see).

OpenStudy (babyslapmafro):

\[\int\limits_{}^{}\frac{ 1 }{ \sqrt{x}(x+1) }dx\]

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Okay, first thing I would suggest is distributing the radical x on the bottom there.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

u = sqrt(x) perhaps.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

u = sqrt(x) would give you a problem when you find du. But u-substitution would be the best method of approach.

OpenStudy (babyslapmafro):

\[\int\limits_{}^{}\frac{ 1 }{ x ^{3/2}+\sqrt{x} }dx\]

OpenStudy (babyslapmafro):

u=x ?

OpenStudy (anonymous):

But du = dx/2sqrt(x) which you have

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Hmm, I see where you're going, but if you just set u = 1/sqrt(x) to begin with your substituted integral will be simpler.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

substituting u=x wouldn't end up changing the problem at all babyslap, I know it's tempting to say that when you're at a loss but remember you're using substitution to try and simplify the problem, not just replace x with a different variable.

OpenStudy (babyslapmafro):

oh right

OpenStudy (anonymous):

u = sqrt(x) du = dx/2sqrt(x) Integral becomes 2du/(u^2+1) which is easy

OpenStudy (babyslapmafro):

\[\int\limits_{}^{}x ^{-3/2}+x ^{-1/2}dx\]

OpenStudy (babyslapmafro):

No sub necessary then right?

OpenStudy (anonymous):

integral becomes -2/u du if you sub 1/sqrt(x) though.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Fractions don't work like that baby 1/(2+3) =/= 1/2 + 1/3

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Just try the substitution u=sqrt(x). It works

OpenStudy (babyslapmafro):

ok

OpenStudy (babyslapmafro):

could i also solve by integrating by partial fractions?

OpenStudy (anonymous):

yes

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Yes but it's more trouble than it's worth. If you can learn to recognize these kinds of substitutions you can just solve the integral in your head.

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