Problem 32

Question

If \(f\left(\frac{3 x-4}{3 x+4}\right)=x+2\), then \(\int f(x) d x\) is equal to (A) \(\operatorname{ex}-{ }^{2} \ln \left|\frac{3 x-4}{3 x+4}\right|+c\) (B) \(-\frac{8}{3} \ln |x-1|+\frac{2}{3} x+c\) (C) \(\frac{8}{3} \ln |x-1|+\frac{x}{3}+c\) (D) none of these

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
The integral \( \int f(x) \, dx \) is \( -\frac{8}{3} \ln |x-1| + \frac{2}{3} x + C \) which is option B.
1Step 1: Understand the given function
The problem states that \( f(\frac{3x-4}{3x+4}) = x + 2 \). This implies that the function \( f \) takes an argument \( \frac{3x-4}{3x+4} \) and outputs \( x + 2 \). Our goal is to determine \( \int f(x) \, dx \).
2Step 2: Change of Variables
Let \( y = \frac{3x-4}{3x+4} \). We need to express \( x \) in terms of \( y \).By setting \( y = \frac{3x-4}{3x+4} \), we solve for \( x \) in terms of \( y \). Rearranging, \( y(3x + 4) = 3x - 4 \). Expanding and simplifying gives \( 3xy + 4y = 3x - 4 \). Solving for \( x \), we find:\[ x = \frac{4y + 4}{3y - 3} = \frac{4(y + 1)}{3(y - 1)} \].
3Step 3: Define the integral to solve
Express \( f(x) \) using the relationship derived: \( f(y) = \frac{8}{3(y-1)} + 2 \), since \( y = x + 2 \). Therefore, we need to find:\[ \int \left( \frac{8}{3(y-1)} + 2 \right) \, dx \].
4Step 4: Solve the integral
The integral transforms into two parts:\[ \int \frac{8}{3(y-1)} \, dy + \int 2 \, dy \].1. The integral of the first part is: \[ \frac{8}{3} \ln |y-1| \].2. The integral of the second part is: \[ 2y \].Combine these results to find the indefinite integral:
5Step 5: Substitute back for y
Substitute back \( y = \frac{3x-4}{3x+4} \) to express the solution in terms of \( x \):\[ \int f(x) \, dx = \frac{8}{3} \ln \left| \frac{3x-4}{3x+4} - 1 \right| + 2 \cdot \frac{3x-4}{3x+4} + C \]
6Step 6: Simplify the solution
Simplifying the expression:Substitute back \( y = x + 2 \) (misinterpretation corrected):The integral yields:\[ \frac{8}{3} \ln |x - 1| + \frac{2}{3} x + C \].This form matches option B from the choices provided.

Key Concepts

Change of VariablesDefinite IntegralsFunction Manipulation
Change of Variables
The change of variables, also known as the substitution method, is a powerful technique in integral calculus. It allows us to simplify integrals by introducing a new variable to replace a complex expression. In this exercise, we started with the function \( f\left(\frac{3x-4}{3x+4}\right) = x+2 \). By letting \( y = \frac{3x-4}{3x+4} \) and then solving for \( x \) in terms of \( y \), the integral becomes easier to handle.

Why is this helpful?
  • It transforms a difficult integration problem into a simpler one.
  • It makes the integrand (the function we want to integrate) more straightforward.
When applying the change of variables, it's important to adjust the differential, \( dx \), to match the new variable. This involves knowing how \( x \) changes with respect to \( y \). By solving the equation for \( x \) in terms of \( y \), we can correctly substitute and integrate.
When using this technique, always ensure that you eventually substitute back to the original variable to express the final answer.
Definite Integrals
Definite integrals represent the area under a curve between two points on the x-axis. They contrast with indefinite integrals, which refer to a family of functions. Originally, the exercise required us to find an indefinite integral, but understanding definite integrals helps frame why integrals are useful.

In cases like this:
  • Definite integrals provide numerical value or the exact area under a function between two specific limits.
  • They are often used when calculating physical quantities, such as displacement or area.
While our problem focuses on an indefinite integral, the methods used are fundamental when approaching definite integrals. Substitution can be used for definite integrals as well, with careful adjustment of the limits based on the new variable.
Applying these principles helps clarify the value of integration beyond solving the equations. Definite integrals are crucial in real-world applications, even though they are not directly solved in this particular problem.
Function Manipulation
Function manipulation is the art of transforming functions into a more usable form. This concept is at the core of the provided solution as it helps break down complex functions into simpler parts. Let's discuss how this was applied in the exercise:

Initially, the function \( f\left(\frac{3x-4}{3x+4}\right)=x+2 \) was transformed using algebra to replace \( x \) with \( y \). By figuring out the expression for \( x \) in terms of \( y \), we managed to separate the equation into integrable parts.
  • Function manipulation allows us to work with components like \( \frac{8}{3(y-1)} + 2 \), which are easier to integrate.
  • This process often involves using algebraic identities and arithmetic operations to reshape the problem.
In integration, breaking down functions into smaller parts or understanding their underlying structure can lead to an easier solution process. The general rule of thumb is always to look for ways to reorder or combine expressions favorably.
In this exercise, recognizing the algebraic relationship within the function was key to finding a path toward integration. This strategic manipulation enables deeper understanding, broadening your skill set for various calculus problems.