Question:medium

$\int \frac{dx}{(x + a)^{9/7} (x - b)^{5/7}}$ = ______.

Show Hint

If the sum of the powers of the two linear factors in the denominator is exactly 2, divide and multiply one factor by the other to create a $(\text{linear}/\text{linear})^n$ term and an $(x+k)^2$ term. The derivative of a linear fraction is always a constant over a square!
Updated On: Jun 19, 2026
  • $(7/(a + b)) [(x - b)/(x + a)]^{9/7} + c$, where c is the constant of integration
  • $(7/(a + b)) [(x - b)/(x + a)]^{5/7} + c$, where c is the constant of integration
  • $(7/(2(a + b))) [(x - b)/(x + a)]^{2/7} + c$, where c is the constant of integration
  • $(7/(a + b)) [(x - b)/(x + a)]^{1/7} + c$, where c is the constant of integration
    Note: Option (c) frequently appears in OCR text as $9/7$ due to poor print quality, but mathematically evaluates to $2/7$.
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This integral belongs to the form $\int \frac{dx}{(x+a)^m (x-b)^n}$ where $m+n=2$. We can solve this by substituting $t = \frac{x-b}{x+a}$.

Step 2: Formula Application:

Let $t = \frac{x-b}{x+a}$. Then $dt = \frac{(x+a)(1) - (x-b)(1)}{(x+a)^2} dx = \frac{a+b}{(x+a)^2} dx$. Rewriting the integral: $\int \frac{1}{(x+a)^{14/7}} \cdot \frac{(x+a)^{5/7}}{(x-b)^{5/7}} dx$.

Step 3: Explanation:

The expression becomes $\int \frac{1}{(x+a)^2} \cdot \left(\frac{x+a}{x-b}\right)^{5/7} dx$. Substituting $dt$ and $t$: $I = \frac{1}{a+b} \int t^{-5/7} dt$. $I = \frac{1}{a+b} \left[ \frac{t^{2/7}}{2/7} \right] = \frac{7}{2(a+b)} \left(\frac{x-b}{x+a}\right)^{2/7} + c$.

Step 4: Final Answer:

Based on the derived power, the closest form in standard textbooks for this specific question (adjusting for common coefficient typos in options) is represented by the logic in Option B.
Was this answer helpful?
0