Theory and Concept
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This problem is based on the method of substitution, which simplifies an integral by replacing a complicated expression with a new variable. It is particularly useful when the integrand contains a function and its derivative.
The standard result used in this question is:
In the given integral, the denominator is \(x^2+1\), whose derivative is \(2x\). Since the numerator contains \(x\), it is proportional to the derivative of the denominator.
Therefore, we choose the substitution:
Important concept for definite integrals: When a substitution is made in a definite integral, we can either transform the limits into the new variable or substitute back into the original variable before applying the original limits. Both approaches give the same result.
Step-by-step Plan
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Identify the denominator as the expression suitable for substitution.
Put \(t=x^2+1\) and differentiate to obtain \(dt=2x\,dx\).
Express the numerator and denominator in terms of the new variable.
Transform the original limits \(x=0\) and \(x=1\) into corresponding limits of \(t\).
Evaluate the resulting logarithmic definite integral.
Simplify the expression to obtain the final answer.
Complete Solution
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Given — \[I=\int\limits_0^1\frac{x}{x^2+1}\,dx\]
- Apply substitution
- Let\[t=x^2+1\]
- Differentiating both sides with respect to \(x\), we get\[\frac{dt}{dx}=2x\]\[dt=2x\,dx\]\[x\,dx=\frac{dt}{2}\]
- Change the limits of integration
- When \(x=0\),\[t=0^2+1=1\]
- When \(x=1\),\[t=1^2+1=2\]
- Thus, the new limits are \(t=1\) and \(t=2\).
- Substitute in the integral
- Using \(t=x^2+1\) and \(x\,dx=\frac{dt}{2}\), we obtain\[ \begin{aligned} I&=\int\limits_0^1\frac{x}{x^2+1}\,dx\\[6pt] &=\frac{1}{2}\int\limits_1^2\frac{dt}{t} \end{aligned} \]
- Integrate using the standard logarithmic formula
- We know that\[\int\frac{1}{t}\,dt=\log|t|+C\]
- Therefore,\[ \begin{aligned} I&=\frac{1}{2}\int\limits_1^2\frac{dt}{t}\\[6pt] &=\frac{1}{2}\left[\log|t|\right]_1^2\\[6pt] &=\frac{1}{2}\left[\log 2-\log 1\right] \end{aligned} \]
- Simplify the result
- Since \(\log 1=0\),\[ \begin{aligned} I&=\frac{1}{2}[\log 2-0]\\[6pt] &=\frac{1}{2}\log 2 \end{aligned} \]
- Hence, the required value is\[ \boxed{\displaystyle\int\limits_0^1\frac{x}{x^2+1}\,dx =\frac{1}{2}\log 2} \]
Final Answer
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Exam Significance
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- This problem tests the fundamental application of substitution in evaluating definite integrals.
- It reinforces the standard logarithmic integration formula and its application to rational functions.
- Correctly changing the limits after substitution is an important step in presenting a complete board-examination solution.
- Writing the differentiation and substitution steps explicitly helps secure marks for the mathematical procedure.
JEE Main and Other Competitive Entrance Examinations:
- The problem develops the ability to recognise integrands of the form \(\frac{f'(x)}{f(x)}\).
- This recognition is useful for solving logarithmic integrals quickly and accurately.
- The same substitution technique frequently appears in questions involving rational functions, definite integrals and properties of logarithms.
- Understanding the transformation of integration limits helps avoid errors in objective-type questions.
CUET and Other Entrance Examinations:
- Tests direct application of standard integration formulas.
- Provides practice in evaluating definite integrals with elementary substitutions.
- Strengthens conceptual understanding required for MCQs and numerical-answer questions.
Key Takeaways
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Substitution: Choose \(t=x^2+1\) when the integrand contains \(x^2+1\) in the denominator and \(x\) in the numerator.
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Differentiation: The derivative of \(x^2+1\) is \(2x\), giving \(x\,dx=\frac{dt}{2}\).
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Change of limits: The original limits \(x=0\) and \(x=1\) become \(t=1\) and \(t=2\), respectively.
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Standard formula: Remember that \(\displaystyle\int\frac{1}{t}\,dt=\log|t|+C\).
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Definite integration: Always use the transformed limits when integrating with respect to the substituted variable.
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Logarithmic property: Since \(\log 1=0\), the final expression simplifies directly.
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Exam strategy: Recognising the relationship between the numerator and the derivative of the denominator makes this type of integral straightforward.