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For large $n$, show that $$\int\limits_{0}^{1}\frac{nx^{n-1}dx}{1+x^2} $$ nearly equals $\frac{1}{2}$.


Integrating by parts we get $$\int\limits_{0}^{1}\frac{nx^{n-1}dx}{1+x^2}=\Bigg(\frac{x^n}{1+x^2}\Bigg)^{1}_{0} - \int\limits_{0}^1 \frac{2x^{n+1}}{(1+x^2)^2}dx$$ The integral $$\int\limits_{0}^1 \frac{2x^{n+1}}{(1+x^2)^2}dx\leq\int\limits_{0}^1 {2x^{n+1}}dx =\frac{2}{n+2}$$ which $\rightarrow 0$ as $n\rightarrow \infty$
Hence the value of the main integral is $1$. Where am I wrong ?

mathemather
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1 Answers1

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As commented:

$$\left.\left(\frac{x^n}{1+x^2}\right)\right|_0^1=\frac1{1+1}-\frac0{1+0}=\frac12$$

DonAntonio
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  • Somehow someone/something erased the comments here. Weird. Anyone, if the commenter would like to post his comment as an answer I'll be happy to delete my answer. It's just to have one unanswered questions less among tens of thousands already unanswered. – DonAntonio Apr 08 '16 at 12:35