Theory and Concept
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This problem involves the method of integration by partial fractions, which is particularly useful when the integrand is a rational function (a ratio of two polynomials).
The given integrand has a cubic polynomial in the denominator. To integrate it, we first factorise the denominator into linear factors and then express the rational function as a sum of simpler fractions.
Important concepts and formulas:
1. Factorisation of the denominator:
2. Partial fraction decomposition for three distinct linear factors:
3. Standard integration formulas:
Important observation: While integrating \(\frac{1}{1-x}\), the derivative of \(1-x\) is \(-1\). Therefore, a negative sign appears in its integral.
Step-by-step Plan
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Factorise the denominator \(x-x^3\) into three distinct linear factors.
Express the resulting rational function in partial fractions by introducing constants \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\).
Multiply both sides by the common denominator and compare coefficients of corresponding powers of \(x\).
Determine the values of the unknown constants.
Substitute the constants into the partial fraction expression.
Integrate each simpler fraction separately using standard logarithmic integration formulas.
Combine the logarithmic terms and include the arbitrary constant of integration.
Complete Solution
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Given — \[I=\int\frac{dx}{x-x^3}\]
- Factorise the denominator
- Taking \(x\) common from the denominator, we get:\[I=\int\frac{dx}{x(1-x^2)}\]
- Using the identity \(a^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b)\), we have:\[1-x^2=(1-x)(1+x)\]
- Therefore,\[I=\int\frac{dx}{x(1+x)(1-x)}\]
- Resolve into partial fractions
- Since the denominator consists of three distinct linear factors, we assume:\[\frac{1}{x(1+x)(1-x)}=\frac{A}{x}+\frac{B}{x+1}+\frac{C}{1-x}\]
- Taking the LCM on the right-hand side, we obtain:\[\frac{1}{x(1+x)(1-x)}=\frac{A(1+x)(1-x)+Bx(1-x)+Cx(x+1)}{x(1+x)(1-x)}\]
- Equating the numerators,\[1=A(1-x^2)+Bx(1-x)+Cx(x+1)\]
- Expanding the terms,\[1=A-Ax^2+Bx-Bx^2+Cx+Cx^2\]
- Rearranging and collecting the coefficients of like powers of \(x\),\[1=A+(B+C)x+(-A-B+C)x^2\]
- Compare the coefficients.
- Comparing the coefficients of corresponding powers of \(x\) on both sides, we get the following equations:
Comparing the constant terms
\[A=1 \tag{1}\] Comparing the coefficients of \(x\):
\[B+C=0 \tag{2}\]Comparing the coefficients of \(x^2\):
\[-A-B+C=0\tag{3}\]- Calculate the values of \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\)
- From equation (1),\[A=1\]
- Substituting \(A=1\) in equation (3),\[-1-B+C=0\]\[C-B=1\tag{4}\]
- We already have equation (2):\[B+C=0\tag{4}\]
- Adding equations (2) and (4),\[ \begin{aligned} &(C-B)+(B+C)=1+0\\ &C-B+B+C=1\\ &2C=1\\ &\boxed{C=\frac{1}{2}} \end{aligned} \]
- Substituting \(C=\frac{1}{2}\) in equation (2),\[ \begin{aligned} B+C&=0\\ B+\frac{1}{2}&=0\\ B&=-\frac{1}{2} \end{aligned} \]
- Thus, the required constants are:\[\boxed{A=1,\quad B=-\frac{1}{2},\quad C=\frac{1}{2}}\]
- Substitute the constants into the partial fractions
- Substituting the values of \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\), we obtain:\[\frac{1}{x(1+x)(1-x)}=\frac{1}{x}-\frac{1}{2(x+1)}+\frac{1}{2(1-x)}\]
- Therefore, the original integral becomes:\[I=\int\left[\frac{1}{x}-\frac{1}{2(x+1)}+\frac{1}{2(1-x)}\right]dx\]
- Integrate each term separately
- Using the linearity property of integration,\[I=\int\frac{dx}{x}-\frac{1}{2}\int\frac{dx}{x+1}+\frac{1}{2}\int\frac{dx}{1-x}\]
- Now, using the standard integration formulas:\[ \int\frac{dx}{x}=\ln|x| \]\[ \int\frac{dx}{x+1}=\ln|x+1| \]
- For the third integral, put \(u=1-x\). Then,\[u=1-x,\quad du=-dx\]
- Therefore,\[ \begin{aligned} \int\frac{dx}{1-x} &=-\int\frac{du}{u}\\ &=-\ln|u|\\ &=-\ln|1-x| \end{aligned} \]
- Substituting these results into the original expression,\[ \begin{aligned} I &=\ln|x| -\frac{1}{2}\ln|x+1| -\frac{1}{2}\ln|1-x|+C\\ &=\ln|x| -\frac{1}{2} \left[\ln|x+1|+\ln|1-x|\right]+C \end{aligned} \]
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Using the logarithmic identity:\[\ln a+\ln b=\ln(ab)\]
- we get:\[ \begin{aligned} I &=\ln|x|-\frac{1}{2}\ln|(x+1)(1-x)|+C\\ &=\ln|x|-\frac{1}{2}\ln|1-x^2|+C \end{aligned} \]
- Hence, the required integral is:\[\boxed{\displaystyle\int\frac{dx}{x-x^3}=\ln|x|-\frac{1}{2}\ln|1-x^2|+C}\]
- Equivalently, the answer can be expressed as:\[\boxed{\displaystyle\ln|x|+\frac{1}{2}\ln\left|\frac{1}{1-x^2}\right|+C}\]
Final Answer
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Exam Significance
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- This problem demonstrates the application of partial fraction decomposition in evaluating rational functions.
- It tests factorisation of polynomial denominators and the systematic determination of unknown constants.
- It reinforces the use of standard logarithmic integration formulas, particularly the importance of signs when integrating linear expressions.
- Students should show the coefficient-comparison steps clearly to secure marks for the method, even if an arithmetic error occurs later.
For Competitive Entrance Examinations (JEE Main, JEE Advanced, CUET and other engineering entrance tests):
- Partial fraction decomposition is an important technique for evaluating rational integrals.
- The ability to identify suitable linear factors and determine coefficients efficiently is useful in both single-correct and multiple-correct questions.
- Recognising logarithmic derivatives helps reduce lengthy calculations and improves accuracy.
- Verification by differentiation provides a reliable way to identify sign errors in indefinite integration.
Key Takeaways
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Factorisation first: Always factorise the denominator completely before applying partial fractions.
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Correct decomposition: For distinct linear factors, assign a separate constant numerator to each factor.
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Coefficient comparison: Compare coefficients of corresponding powers of \(x\) to determine the unknown constants systematically.
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Watch the negative sign: Remember that \(\int\frac{dx}{1-x}=-\ln|1-x|+C\).
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Use logarithmic identities: Combining logarithmic terms can produce a shorter and more elegant final expression.
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Always include the integration constant: An indefinite integral must contain the arbitrary constant \(C\).