Theory and Concept
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This problem illustrates the method of substitution, which is useful when the integrand contains a composite function and its derivative, or a constant multiple of that derivative.
The denominator \(x^6+1\) can be expressed as \((x^3)^2+1\), while the numerator \(3x^2\,dx\) is the differential of \(x^3\). This suggests substituting \(t=x^3\) to transform the given integral into a standard inverse trigonometric integral.
The standard integral formula used here is:
For \(a=1\), the formula reduces to:
Here, \(C\) represents the arbitrary constant of integration.
Step-by-step Plan
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Rewrite \(x^6\) as \((x^3)^2\).
Choose the substitution \(t=x^3\).
Differentiate the substitution to obtain \(dt=3x^2\,dx\).
Replace the numerator and denominator in terms of \(t\).
Apply the standard formula for integrating \(\frac{1}{1+t^2}\).
Substitute \(t=x^3\) back into the result and include the constant of integration.
Verify the result by differentiation.
Complete Solution
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Given — \[I=\int \frac{3x^2}{x^6+1}\,dx\]
- Express the denominator in a suitable form.
- Since \(x^6=(x^3)^2\), we can write\[I=\int \frac{3x^2}{(x^3)^2+1}\,dx\]
- Apply the substitution
- Let\[t=x^3\]
- Differentiating both sides with respect to \(x\), we obtain\[\frac{dt}{dx}=3x^2\]
- Multiplying both sides by \(dx\),\[dt=3x^2\,dx\]Thus, the numerator \(3x^2\,dx\) can be replaced by \(dt\), and \(x^3\) can be replaced by \(t\).
- Transform the integral
- Substituting \(t=x^3\) and \(dt=3x^2\,dx\), we get\[I=\int \frac{dt}{t^2+1}\]
- Equivalently,\[I=\int \frac{1}{1+t^2}\,dt\]
- Use the standard integral formula.
- We know that\[\int \frac{1}{1+t^2}\,dt=\tan^{-1}t+C\]
- Therefore,\[I=\tan^{-1}t+C\]
- Substitute the original variable.
- Since \(t=x^3\), substituting back gives\[I=\tan^{-1}(x^3)+C\]
- Hence, the required integral is\[\boxed{\int \frac{3x^2}{x^6+1}\,dx=\tan^{-1}(x^3)+C}\]
Exam Significance
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- Substitution method: This problem tests the ability to identify a suitable substitution that simplifies both the numerator and the denominator.
- Standard integral formula: Students should remember the integral of \(\frac{1}{1+t^2}\), which frequently appears in integration exercises.
- Chain rule connection: Recognising the relationship between differentiation and integration helps students solve composite-function integrals efficiently.
- Stepwise presentation: Writing the substitution, its differential, the transformed integral, and the final answer clearly supports a complete mathematical solution.
- Constant of integration: The arbitrary constant \(C\) must be included in an indefinite integral.
6. Significance for Competitive Entrance Examinations
- JEE Main and Advanced: The problem develops pattern recognition for substitution-based integration and the use of standard inverse trigonometric forms.
- NEET and other entrance examinations: Familiarity with standard integrals helps improve accuracy and reduces the time needed for routine integration problems.
- Higher-level integration: The same substitution principle is useful when an integral contains a composite expression and a corresponding differential factor.
- Derivative-integral relationship: Verification by differentiation is a reliable way to check an antiderivative and identify errors involving powers or coefficients.
Common Mistakes
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- Writing \(x^6=x^3+3\) instead of correctly expressing \(x^6=(x^3)^2\).
- Forgetting that \(dt=3x^2\,dx\), which would leave an incorrect coefficient in the transformed integral.
- Using \(\ln(1+t^2)\) as the antiderivative of \(\frac{1}{1+t^2}\).
- Writing \(\tan^{-1}x^3\) ambiguously instead of \(\tan^{-1}(x^3)\).
- Omitting the constant of integration \(C\).
Key Takeaways
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The substitution \(t=x^3\) converts the given integral into a standard inverse tangent integral.
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The numerator \(3x^2\,dx\) is the differential of \(x^3\), making the substitution direct and convenient.
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The key formula is \(\displaystyle \int\frac{1}{1+t^2}\,dt=\tan^{-1}t+C\).
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Always substitute the original variable back after integrating with respect to the new variable.
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Differentiation provides an effective check of the final answer.