Integrate f(x) = 1/(1-x^2)

1/(1-x2) can be split into the partial fractions A/(1+x) + B/(1-x), where A and B are real constants, which when evaluated by multiplying the equation 1/(1-x2) = A/(1+x) + B/(1-x) through by (1-x2) = (1+x)(1-x) and substituting x =1, and x = -1; we find A = B = 0.5 hence 1/(1-x2) = 1/2(1-x) + 1/2(1+x) which can easily be integrated to 0.5( -log(1-x) + log(1+x)) + c or in the more accepted form 0.5(log(1+x) - log(1-x)) + c. (Where c is a real constant). 

ML

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

The roots of the equation z^3 + 2z^2 +3z - 4 = 0, are a, b and c . Show that a^2 + b^2 +c^2 = -2


How do I integrate (sin x)^6?


find general solution to: x(dy/dx) + 2y = 4x^2


Prove that 1+4+9+...+n^2 = n(n+1)(2n+1)/6.