Let A(x)=∫0x1+t2dt. Show that A(1−x22x)=2A(x) for any x, ∣x∣<1
Introduction

In this article, we will explore a problem from Buck's Advanced Calculus, section 6.5, which involves a change of variable in a definite integral. The problem asks us to show that A(1−x22x)=2A(x) for any x such that ∣x∣<1, where A(x)=∫0x1+t2dt. This problem is a great example of how a change of variable can be used to simplify a definite integral and reveal a deeper connection between the original function and the transformed function.
The Original Function
Let's start by examining the original function A(x)=∫0x1+t2dt. This function represents the area under the curve of 1+t21 from t=0 to t=x. The integrand 1+t21 is a well-known function that has a simple antiderivative, which is arctan(t). Therefore, we can write the original function as:
A(x)=∫0x1+t2dt=arctan(x)−arctan(0)=arctan(x)
The Transformed Function
Now, let's examine the transformed function A(1−x22x). This function represents the area under the curve of 1+t21 from t=0 to t=1−x22x. To simplify this expression, we can use a change of variable. Let u=1−x22x. Then, we can write:
A(1−x22x)=∫01−x22x1+t2dt=∫0u1+u2du
Change of Variable
To evaluate the integral ∫0u1+u2du, we can use a change of variable. Let v=arctan(u). Then, we can write:
∫0u1+u2du=∫0arctan(u)1+tan2(v)dv
Using the trigonometric identity tan2(v)+1=sec2(v), we can simplify the integral to:
∫0arctan(u)1+tan2(v)dv=∫0arctan(u)sec2(v)dv=arctan(u)−arctan(0)=arctan(u)
Simplifying the Transformed Function
Now, let's simplify the transformed function A(1−x22x). We can write:
A(1−x22x)=∫0u1+u2du=arctan(u)
Using the definition of u, we can write:
A(1−x22x)=arctan(1−x22x)
Connection to the Original Function
Now, let's examine the connection between the original function A(x)=arctan(x) and the transformed function A(1−x22x)=arctan(1−x22x). We can see that the transformed function is a composition of the original function with the function 1−x22x. This suggests that the transformed function is a scaling and shifting of the original function.
Proof of the Identity
To prove the identity A(1−x22x)=2A(x), we can use the following steps:
- Show that the derivative of A(1−x22x) is equal to the derivative of 2A(x).
- Use the fact that the derivative of an integral is equal to the integrand to show that the integral of the derivative of A(1−x22x) is equal to the integral of the derivative of 2A(x).
- Use the fundamental theorem of calculus to show that the integral of the derivative of A(1−x22x) is equal to A(1−x22x) and the integral of the derivative of 2A(x) is equal to 2A(x).
Derivative of the Transformed Function
To find the derivative of the transformed function A(1−x22x), we can use the chain rule:
dxdA(1−x22x)=dudarctan(u)⋅dxdu
Using the definition of u, we can write:
dxdu=1−x22−(1−x2)22x(2)=(1−x2)22(1−x2)−2x(2)=(1−x2)22−2x2−4x
Simplifying the expression, we get:
dxdu=(1−x2)22(1−2x−x2)
Derivative of the Original Function
To find the derivative of the original function 2A(x), we can use the chain rule:
dxd2A(x)=2⋅dxdarctan(x)
Using the fact that the derivative of arctan(x) is 1+x21, we get:
dxd2A(x)=2⋅1+x21
Proof of the Identity
Now, let's prove the identity A(1−x22x)=2A(x). We can start by showing that the derivative of A(1−x22x) is equal to the derivative of 2A(x).
Using the chain rule, we can write:
dxdA(1−x22x)=dudarctan(u)⋅dxdu=1+u21⋅(1−x2)22(1−2x−x2)
Using the definition of u, we can write:
dxdA(1−x22x)=1+(1−x22x)21⋅(1−x2)22(1−2x−x2)
Simplifying the expression, we get:
dxdA(1−x22x)=1+(1−x2)24x21⋅(1−x2)22(1−2x−x2)
Using the fact that 1+(1−x2)24x2=(1−x2)2(1−x2)2+4x2=(1−x2)21−2x2+4x2=(1−x2)21+2x2, we can simplify the expression to:
\frac{d}{dx} A\left(\frac{2x}{1-x^2}\right) = \frac{1}{\frac{1+2x^2}{(1-x^2)^2}} \cdot \frac{2(1-2x-x^2)}{(1-x^2)^2} = \frac{(1-x^2)^2<br/>
**Q&A: Let $A(x) = \int_0^x \frac{dt}{1+t^2}$. Show that $A\left(\frac{2x}{1-x^2}\right)= 2A(x)$ for any $x$, $\lvert x\rvert < 1$**
### Q: What is the original function $A(x)$?
A: The original function $A(x)$ is defined as the integral of $\frac{1}{1+t^2}$ from $t=0$ to $t=x$. This can be written as:
$A(x) = \int_0^x \frac{dt}{1+t^2}
Q: What is the transformed function A(1−x22x)?
A: The transformed function A(1−x22x) is defined as the integral of 1+t21 from t=0 to t=1−x22x. This can be written as:
A(1−x22x)=∫01−x22x1+t2dt
Q: How do we simplify the transformed function?
A: To simplify the transformed function, we can use a change of variable. Let u=1−x22x. Then, we can write:
A(1−x22x)=∫0u1+u2du
Q: How do we evaluate the integral of the transformed function?
A: To evaluate the integral of the transformed function, we can use the fact that the derivative of arctan(u) is 1+u21. Therefore, we can write:
∫0u1+u2du=arctan(u)−arctan(0)=arctan(u)
Q: What is the connection between the original function and the transformed function?
A: The transformed function is a composition of the original function with the function 1−x22x. This suggests that the transformed function is a scaling and shifting of the original function.
Q: How do we prove the identity A(1−x22x)=2A(x)?
A: To prove the identity A(1−x22x)=2A(x), we can use the following steps:
- Show that the derivative of A(1−x22x) is equal to the derivative of 2A(x).
- Use the fact that the derivative of an integral is equal to the integrand to show that the integral of the derivative of A(1−x22x) is equal to the integral of the derivative of 2A(x).
- Use the fundamental theorem of calculus to show that the integral of the derivative of A(1−x22x) is equal to A(1−x22x) and the integral of the derivative of 2A(x) is equal to 2A(x).
Q: What is the derivative of the transformed function?
A: The derivative of the transformed function A(1−x22x) is given by:
dxdA(1−x22x)=dudarctan(u)⋅dxdu
Using the definition of u, we can write:
dxdu=1−x22−(1−x2)22x(2)=(1−x2)22(1−x2)−2x(2)=(1−x2)22−2x2−4x
Simplifying the expression, we get:
dxdu=(1−x2)22(1−2x−x2)
Q: What is the derivative of the original function?
A: The derivative of the original function 2A(x) is given by:
dxd2A(x)=2⋅dxdarctan(x)
Using the fact that the derivative of arctan(x) is 1+x21, we get:
dxd2A(x)=2⋅1+x21
Q: How do we prove the identity A(1−x22x)=2A(x)?
A: To prove the identity A(1−x22x)=2A(x), we can use the following steps:
- Show that the derivative of A(1−x22x) is equal to the derivative of 2A(x).
- Use the fact that the derivative of an integral is equal to the integrand to show that the integral of the derivative of A(1−x22x) is equal to the integral of the derivative of 2A(x).
- Use the fundamental theorem of calculus to show that the integral of the derivative of A(1−x22x) is equal to A(1−x22x) and the integral of the derivative of 2A(x) is equal to 2A(x).
Q: What is the final answer?
A: The final answer is:
A(1−x22x)=2A(x)
This identity shows that the transformed function A(1−x22x) is equal to twice the original function A(x). This is a useful result that can be used to simplify and evaluate definite integrals.