Why Does the Integral of 2xCos(Pi*x^2)dx Not Simplify Using Standard Methods?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral of the function 2xCos(πx²)dx, exploring why standard integration methods may not apply effectively in this case. The subject area is calculus, specifically focusing on integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster considers substitution and integration by parts as potential methods for solving the integral but expresses uncertainty about the execution of these techniques. Questions are raised regarding the appropriate substitution and the integration of the cosine function.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on using substitution, with one suggesting a specific substitution involving u = πx². However, there is no explicit consensus on the best approach, as the original poster continues to seek clarity on the methods discussed.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions being overwhelmed by a larger assignment, indicating a potential constraint on their ability to focus on this particular integral. There is also a request for assistance with formatting mathematical expressions in the forum.

Chaz706
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The General integral for a trig form works whenever the variable inside goes to the first degree.
Example: Sin(x)

But the general integral form for when the variable inside goes beyond the first degree doesn't work.
Example: Sin(x^2), Cos(x^3)

I end up getting an integral whose derivative isn't the original function that I integrated. According to the Fundamental Theory of Calculus, these algorithms can't be correct in these cases.

So how should I solve the integral of 2xCos(Pi*x^2)dx ? I've thought about two things: Substitution and Integration by Parts. Substitution could work, but I get hung up on how to get du. Parts I've tried, but I'm hung up on how to integrate that ugly cosine. Is there another method? Does substitution work? If it does, what's the du? Does Parts work? and how would it work if it does?

Reason why I'm asking: this is one large assignment, and my brain's in knots already from the rest of it.
Furthermore: this is my first post. How do you get that cool coded stuff that makes your integrals look like... integrals?
 
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Ok, I think we'll do substitution.

let [tex]u = \pi{x^2}[/tex]
[tex]du = 2\pi{x}dx[/tex]

[tex]\frac{du}{\pi} = 2xdx[/tex]

Now make the substitution:

[tex]\int 2x\cos{\pi{x^2}}dx = \frac{1}{\pi}\int\cos{u}du[/tex]

I think you can take it from here.

Jameson
 
Thanks

Thanks for your help Jameson. And Older Dan too.
 

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