Question #fcb11

1 Answer
Aug 31, 2017

You are correct: x21x2dx=lnx+x21x21x+C

Explanation:

I=x21x2dx

I'm sure there are other methods of approach, but when I see square roots I immediately think of trig substitutions. Let's try x=secθ, implying that x21=sec2θ1=tan2θ and that dx=secθtanθdθ:

I=tan2θsec2θ(secθtanθdθ)

I=tan2θsecθdθ

I=sec2θ1secθdθ

I=(secθcosθ)dθ

I=ln|secθ+tanθ|sinθ+C

The substitution x=secθ implies the following:

  • tanθ=sec2θ1=x21
  • cosθ=1x
  • sinθ=1cos2θ=11x2=x21x

Thus:

I=lnx+x21x21x+C

You were right!