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How does the substitution 1+x41+x^4 facilitate the integration of x3x^3√(1+x41+x^4)?

The substitution works because the derivative of 1+x41+x^4 is 4x34x^3, which matches the x3x^3 term present in the integrand x31+x4x^3\sqrt{1+x^4}. This allows the integral to be transformed into a simpler power function form, enabling the calculation of the antiderivative required for the integration by parts step.

Conditions

  • The term to be integrated is x31+x4x^3\sqrt{1+x^4}.
  • The substitution variable is w=1+x4w = 1+x^4.
  • The differential dwdw is proportional to x3dxx^3 dx.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Set w=1+x4w = 1+x^4.
  2. Differentiate to find dw=4x3dxdw = 4x^3 dx.
  3. Solve for x3dx=14dwx^3 dx = \frac{1}{4} dw.
  4. Substitute into the integral: ∫w⋅14dw\int \sqrt{w} \cdot \frac{1}{4} dw.
  5. Integrate 14w1/2\frac{1}{4} w^{1/2} to get 14⋅23w3/2\frac{1}{4} \cdot \frac{2}{3} w^{3/2}.
  6. Back-substitute w=1+x4w = 1+x^4 to find the antiderivative.

Example

The script states: 'The substitution 1+x1+x⁴ has derivative 4x³, so it finds the antiderivative of x³√(1+x1+x⁴).'

Common misconceptions

  • Using a substitution that does not match the differential term (e.g., w=x4w=x^4).
  • Forgetting the constant factor 1/41/4 arising from the derivative 4x34x^3.
  • Treating the substitution and integration by parts as separate, non-interacting steps.

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