Math Problem Statement

\int \frac{dx}{x^{\frac{3}{2}}-\sqrt{x}}

Solution

The given integral is:

dxx32x\int \frac{dx}{x^{\frac{3}{2}} - \sqrt{x}}

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Simplify the expression in the denominator: Recall that x=x12\sqrt{x} = x^{\frac{1}{2}}. We can rewrite the denominator as:

    x32x=x32x12x^{\frac{3}{2}} - \sqrt{x} = x^{\frac{3}{2}} - x^{\frac{1}{2}}

  2. Factor the denominator: Notice that the expression can be factored as:

    x32x12=x12(x1)x^{\frac{3}{2}} - x^{\frac{1}{2}} = x^{\frac{1}{2}} (x - 1)

  3. Rewrite the integral: Now, substitute this into the integral:

    dxx12(x1)\int \frac{dx}{x^{\frac{1}{2}} (x - 1)}

  4. Substitution: To solve this, use a substitution. Let u=x=x12u = \sqrt{x} = x^{\frac{1}{2}}. Then, x=u2x = u^2 and dx=2ududx = 2u \, du.

    Substitute these into the integral:

    2uduu(u21)\int \frac{2u \, du}{u \cdot (u^2 - 1)}

    Simplifying:

    2duu21\int \frac{2 \, du}{u^2 - 1}

  5. Partial fraction decomposition: The denominator u21u^2 - 1 factors as (u1)(u+1)(u - 1)(u + 1). So, we can use partial fractions:

    2(u1)(u+1)=Au1+Bu+1\frac{2}{(u - 1)(u + 1)} = \frac{A}{u - 1} + \frac{B}{u + 1}

    Solving for AA and BB, we get A=1A = 1 and B=1B = 1. Therefore:

    2(u1)(u+1)=1u1+1u+1\frac{2}{(u - 1)(u + 1)} = \frac{1}{u - 1} + \frac{1}{u + 1}

  6. Integrating: Now, we can integrate term by term:

    (1u1+1u+1)du=lnu1+lnu+1+C\int \left( \frac{1}{u - 1} + \frac{1}{u + 1} \right) du = \ln|u - 1| + \ln|u + 1| + C

  7. Back-substitute u=xu = \sqrt{x}:

    lnx1+lnx+1+C\ln|\sqrt{x} - 1| + \ln|\sqrt{x} + 1| + C

    Using properties of logarithms, this simplifies to:

    ln(x1)(x+1)+C\ln\left| (\sqrt{x} - 1)(\sqrt{x} + 1) \right| + C

    Since (x1)(x+1)=x1(\sqrt{x} - 1)(\sqrt{x} + 1) = x - 1, the final answer is:

    lnx1+C\ln|x - 1| + C

Final Answer:

dxx32x=lnx1+C\int \frac{dx}{x^{\frac{3}{2}} - \sqrt{x}} = \ln|x - 1| + C


Would you like any more details or explanations?

Here are some related questions for practice:

  1. What is the integral of dxx(x+1)\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{x}(x+1)}?
  2. How can you solve dxx21\int \frac{dx}{x^2 - 1} using partial fractions?
  3. What substitution would you use for dxx(x2)\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{x}(x-2)}?
  4. How does partial fraction decomposition work for quadratic denominators?
  5. What is the role of logarithmic functions in integrals involving rational expressions?

Tip: Always look for patterns or common factorizations in complex rational functions—they can often simplify the integral dramatically.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Integral Calculus
Substitution Method
Partial Fractions
Logarithmic Functions

Formulas

u = \sqrt{x}, x = u^2, dx = 2u du
Partial fraction decomposition: \frac{2}{(u - 1)(u + 1)} = \frac{1}{u - 1} + \frac{1}{u + 1}
Logarithmic integration: \int \frac{1}{u - 1} du = \ln|u - 1|

Theorems

Substitution Method
Partial Fraction Decomposition
Properties of Logarithms

Suitable Grade Level

College Level (Calculus I/II)