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Ch. 8 - Techniques of Integration
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 8, Problem 8.PE.10

Evaluate the integrals in Exercises 9–28. It may be necessary to use a substitution first.
∫ [x / (x² + 4x + 3)] dx

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1
Start by examining the integral: \(\int \frac{x}{x^{2} + 4x + 3} \, dx\). Notice that the denominator is a quadratic expression that can potentially be factored.
Factor the quadratic in the denominator: \(x^{2} + 4x + 3 = (x + 1)(x + 3)\). This will help in simplifying the integral or setting up partial fractions.
Since the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator, consider using partial fraction decomposition. Express \(\frac{x}{(x + 1)(x + 3)}\) as \(\frac{A}{x + 1} + \frac{B}{x + 3}\), where \(A\) and \(B\) are constants to be determined.
Multiply both sides by \((x + 1)(x + 3)\) to clear the denominators: \(x = A(x + 3) + B(x + 1)\). Expand and collect like terms to form an equation in terms of \(x\).
Equate the coefficients of like powers of \(x\) on both sides to solve for \(A\) and \(B\). Once \(A\) and \(B\) are found, rewrite the integral as the sum of two simpler integrals and integrate each term separately.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Integration by Substitution

Integration by substitution is a method used to simplify integrals by changing variables. It involves identifying a part of the integrand as a new variable, which transforms the integral into a simpler form. This technique is especially useful when the integral contains a composite function or a function and its derivative.
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Partial Fraction Decomposition

Partial fraction decomposition breaks down a rational function into simpler fractions that are easier to integrate. This method is applicable when the denominator can be factored into linear or quadratic terms. After decomposition, each simpler fraction can be integrated using basic integral formulas.
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Polynomial Factorization

Polynomial factorization involves expressing a polynomial as a product of its factors. Factoring the denominator, such as x² + 4x + 3, helps in simplifying the integral and applying partial fraction decomposition. Recognizing factorable quadratics is essential for breaking down complex rational expressions.
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Taylor Polynomials