Solving Integrals Using Substitution

In summary, WolframAlpha suggests that the substitution u=arctan(x) may be the solution to the problem. When doing this substitution, WolframAlpha finds that the original integral is improper because of the infinity as one of the limits of integration. By taking a limit at some point, the result of the integral is obtained.
  • #1
Lancelot59
646
1
I'm attempting to solve the following problem:

[tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} {\frac{x arctan(x)}{(1+x^{2})^{2}}dx}[/tex]

I started with a substitution:

[tex]u=arctan(x), du=\frac{1}{(1+x^{2})}dx[/tex]

This seemed like the right thing to do, but after trying to put it together in several different ways I got nowhere. I looked at what WolframAlpha had to say. It got this after doing the same substitution:

[tex]\int_{}^{} {u sin(u)cos(u)du}[/tex]

I've gone at this for over half an hour now and I've gotten nowhere. Some insight into how this step was made would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
What will happen if you make u=(1+x^2)^2?
 
  • #3
I got this:

[tex]\int_{}^{} {\frac{arctan(x)}{u*4\sqrt{u}du}[/tex]
which can be:
[tex]\int_{}^{} {\frac{arctan(x)}{4u^{\frac{3}{2}}}du}[/tex]

It's not incredibly helpful. I see no way of dealing with that arctangent.
 
  • #4
If u = arctan(x), what does x equal?
 
  • #5
Lancelot59 said:
I'm attempting to solve the following problem:

[tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} {\frac{x arctan(x)}{(1+x^{2})^{2}}dx}[/tex]

I started with a substitution:

[tex]u=arctan(x), du=\frac{1}{(1+x^{2})}dx[/tex]
There is still a factor of x in the numerator that is unaccounted for, so this substitution isn't feasible.
Lancelot59 said:
This seemed like the right thing to do, but after trying to put it together in several different ways I got nowhere. I looked at what WolframAlpha had to say. It got this after doing the same substitution:

[tex]\int_{}^{} {u sin(u)cos(u)du}[/tex]

I've gone at this for over half an hour now and I've gotten nowhere. Some insight into how this step was made would be appreciated.

Use integration by parts, with u = arctan(x) and dv = xdx/((1 + x^2)^2). The resulting integral can be evaluated using a trig substitution.

The original integral is improper because of the infinity as one of the limits of integration, so you will need to take a limit at some point. One way to go about this is to evaluate this integral:
[tex]\int_0^b \frac{x~arctan(x)~dx}{(1 + x^2)^2}[/tex]

Your result of this integral will involve b, so take the limit as b goes to infinity to get your final answer.
 
  • #6
I'll try that solution out. I usually solve the indefinite integral first, then work out the proper solution for the definite integral with the limit.
[tex]-\frac{arctan(x)}{2(1+x^{2})}+\frac{1}{2}\int_{}^{} {(\frac{1}{(1+x^{2})})^{2}dx}[/tex]

I don't see a trig substitution working for that integral. I'll keep working at it.
 
Last edited:
  • #7
Lancelot59 said:
I'll try that solution out. I usually solve the indefinite integral first, then work out the proper solution for the definite integral with the limit.
[tex]-\frac{arctan(x)}{2(1+x^{2})}+\frac{1}{2}\int_{}^{} {(\frac{1}{(1+x^{2})})^{2}dx}[/tex]

I don't see a trig substitution working for that integral. I'll keep working at it.

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

Substitute x = tanθ, the dx = sec^2(θ)dθ

Integration becomes

[tex]\int_{}^{}cos^2(\theta)d(\theta)[/tex]

Substitute [tex]cos^2(\theta)= \frac{1}{2}(1 + cos2(\theta))[/tex]

Now solve the integration.
 
Last edited:
  • #8
Yup, I managed to get it. Thanks for the help.
 

Related to Solving Integrals Using Substitution

What is integration by substitution?

Integration by substitution is a method used to solve integrals by substituting a variable in the integral with a new variable or expression, making the integral easier to solve.

How does integration by substitution work?

Integration by substitution involves using the chain rule in reverse to find the antiderivative of a function. This is done by substituting a variable in the integral with a new variable or expression and then applying the chain rule to find the antiderivative.

When should I use integration by substitution?

Integration by substitution is most useful when the integrand contains a function within a function, such as trigonometric or exponential functions, and the chain rule can be applied to simplify the integral.

What are the steps to perform integration by substitution?

The steps to perform integration by substitution are as follows:

  • Identify the function to be substituted
  • Choose a new variable or expression to substitute with
  • Take the derivative of the new variable or expression
  • Substitute the new variable or expression and its derivative into the integral
  • Simplify the integral using algebraic manipulation
  • Integrate the new expression
  • Substitute the original variable back into the final answer

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using integration by substitution?

Some common mistakes to avoid when using integration by substitution are:

  • Forgetting to take the derivative of the new variable or expression
  • Choosing a new variable or expression that does not simplify the integral
  • Forgetting to substitute the original variable back into the final answer
  • Not simplifying the integral before attempting to integrate

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