In calculus, evaluating integrals involving composite functions can be simplified using a technique known as substitution, or u-substitution. This method is particularly useful when dealing with integrals that contain a function within another function, as well as a derivative of that inner function. The process mirrors the chain rule used in differentiation, allowing us to rewrite complex integrals into simpler forms.
Consider the integral of \( (x^2 + 1)^3 \cdot 2x \, dx \). Here, we identify the inner function as \( u = x^2 + 1 \). To find \( du \), we differentiate \( u \) with respect to \( x \), yielding \( du = 2x \, dx \). This means that the integral can be rewritten in terms of \( u \) as \( \int u^3 \, du \), which is significantly easier to evaluate.
Applying the power rule for integration, we find the antiderivative of \( u^3 \) to be \( \frac{1}{4} u^4 + C \), where \( C \) is the constant of integration. Substituting back for \( u \), we arrive at the final result: \( \frac{1}{4} (x^2 + 1)^4 + C \).
In another example, we evaluate the integral of \( 4\sqrt{4x - 1} \, dx \). Here, we again choose \( u = 4x - 1 \). Differentiating gives \( du = 4 \, dx \), which means \( dx = \frac{du}{4} \). To adjust for the constant, we multiply the integral by \( \frac{1}{4} \) to maintain its value, leading to \( \frac{1}{4} \int \sqrt{u} \, du \).
Recognizing that \( \sqrt{u} = u^{1/2} \), we apply the power rule to find the antiderivative: \( \frac{1}{4} \cdot \frac{2}{3} u^{3/2} + C = \frac{1}{6} u^{3/2} + C \). Finally, substituting back for \( u \) gives us the result \( \frac{1}{6} (4x - 1)^{3/2} + C \).
In summary, the substitution method streamlines the process of evaluating integrals involving composite functions. By carefully selecting \( u \) and determining \( du \), we can transform complex integrals into manageable forms, apply integration rules, and revert to the original variable to present our final answer.