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Evaluating an indefinite integral by u-substitution

Evaluate the indefinite integral ∫2x−3(x2−3x+7)2 dx\int \frac{2x-3}{(x^2-3x+7)^2}\, dx using the substitution u=x2−3x+7u = x^2 - 3x + 7.

Hint

Compute dudu from u=x2−3x+7u = x^2-3x+7 and notice it matches the numerator exactly. Rewrite the integral entirely in terms of uu, integrate using the power rule, then substitute back for xx.

Step-by-step solution

Let u=x2−3x+7u = x^2 - 3x + 7. Then du=(2x−3) dxdu = (2x-3)\,dx, which is exactly the numerator times dxdx. So the integral becomes ∫duu2=∫u−2 du\int \frac{du}{u^2} = \int u^{-2}\, du.

Integrating gives ∫u−2 du=−u−1+C=−1u+C\int u^{-2}\, du = -u^{-1} + C = -\frac{1}{u} + C. Substituting back u=x2−3x+7u = x^2-3x+7 gives the final answer −1x2−3x+7+C-\dfrac{1}{x^2-3x+7} + C.

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