Integral [x^3 + 1]^2 dx = ? I found that it was [(x^3 + 1)^3] / 9x^2, but that is wrong? Details inside.

Expand this using FOIL. You will get three distinct terms and it will be a very easy integral. The answer should be (x^7)/7 + (x^4)/2 + x

@Ivan I see how that works. But why does my method not work? That’s what’s not making sense to me. Thanks for your answer, too!

Well, if you simplify your answer, you get something that’s sort of close…

(x^7)/9 + (x^4)/3 + x/3 + 1/(9x^2)

I think you are using a rule that doesn’t really exist.

You attempted to use the chain rule, by dividing by the derivative of the inside function to correct for the result of the chain rule. You can only do this if the derivative of the inside function is a constant. If the differential equation were (2x+1)^2, then you could use your logic and get (2x+1)^3/(2*3). But look at your answer: if you were to try to find its derivative, you could not just use the chain rule with (x^3+1) as the inside function; you would have to use the quotient rule, because 9x^2 is a function of x as well. You can never divide by a non-constant term to correct for another. To get the actual answer, expand as Ivan says.