How do you find the integral of int dx / (x²+4)²?

2 Answers
Oct 23, 2015

I gave the wrong answer. Sorry!!! It has been too long since I did any Calculus. The correct answer is: x/(8(x^2+4)) + 1/16 arctan(x/2)

My original post deleted

Explanation:

Solution checked in Maple. I need to do a self study refresher on my calculus before I answer any more of that type of question. Sorry again!!!

Oct 23, 2015

I found: 1/16{arctan(x/2)+1/2sin{2arctan(x/2)]}+c but PLEASE check my maths!!!!

Explanation:

I would try to manipulate the denominator setting
x=2t so that dx=2dt:

int(2dt)/(4t^2+4)^2=int(2dt)/(4^2(t^2+1)^2)=1/8intdt/(t^2+1)^2=

now let us set t=tan(u) so that dt=1/cos^2(u)du
and:

=1/8int1/(tan^2(u)+1)^2*1/cos^2(u)du=
=1/8int1/[((sin^2(u)+cos^2(u))/cos^2(u))]^2*1/cos^2(u)du=
=1/8int(cos^4(u))/1*1/cos^2(u)du==1/8intcos^2(u)du=

here we can use integration by parts and solve it as (if you cannot tell me, I'll write it for you, I do not want to make it too long here):

=1/8*1/2(u+1/2sin(2u))+c=

but u=arctan(t) so:

=1/16{arctan(t)+1/2sin[2arctan(t)]}+c=

and t=x/2 so finally...

=1/16{arctan(x/2)+1/2sin{2arctan(x/2)]}+c