Final Answer:
The integral ∫ (x / (x⁴ + 16)) dx is (1/4) * ln |x²/4 + √(2)| + C, where C is the constant of integration. This result is obtained by utilizing a substitution, applying the inverse tangent formula, and simplifying the expression to its logarithmic form.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the integral ∫ (x / (x⁴ + 16)) dx, start by substituting x² = u. Therefore, dx = (1/2x) du.
The integral becomes ∫ (1 / (u² + 16)) du after substitution. Rewrite the integral as ∫ (1 / ((u²/16) + 1)) du to match the form of the inverse tangent formula: ∫ (1 / (a² + x²)) dx = (1/a) * atan(x/a) + C.
Now, we can see that u²/16 is similar to a², where a = 4. Apply the inverse tangent formula to get ∫ (1 / ((u²/16) + 1)) du = (1/4) * atan(u/4) + C.
Replace u with x², yielding (1/4) * atan(x²/4) + C. Simplify the expression using the trigonometric identity atan(x) = ln |x² + 1| / 2, obtaining (1/4) * ln |x²/4 + 1| + C.
To match the original integral, use another trigonometric identity ln(a) = 2 * ln(√a), giving (1/4) * ln |x²/4 + √(2)| + C as the final solution. Therefore, the integral of (x / (x⁴ + 16)) dx equals (1/4) * ln |x²/4 + √(2)| + C.