Integrating Trig: Solving Definite Integrals with Sin and Cos

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the definite integral \(\int_{0}^{1}(\sin{2x}\cos{2x})dx\) using trigonometric identities and integration techniques. Participants are exploring the application of the double angle formula and the integration of sine functions.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the transformation of the integral using the double angle formula and express confusion regarding the integration of the resulting sine function. Questions arise about the handling of definite integrals and the implications of initial conditions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on the integration process, while others reflect on their own mistakes and shortcuts taken during calculations. There is an acknowledgment of different approaches to the problem, but no consensus has been reached on a single method.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the challenges of definite integrals and the potential pitfalls of applying integration formulas without careful consideration of boundaries and values. There is mention of specific values like \(\cos(0)\) that are relevant to the calculations.

MathGnome
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Ok, so we have

[itex]\int_{0}^{1}\left(\sin{2x}*\cos{2x}\right)dx[/itex]

Using the double angle formula we change the integrand

[itex](1/2)\int_{0}^{1}\left(2*\sin{2x}*\cos{2x}\right)dx[/itex]

which converts to

[itex](1/2)\int_{0}^{1}\left(\sin{4x}\right)dx[/itex]

This is where I run into trouble... I'm trying to use the formula
[itex]\int\left(\sin{bx}\right)dx = (1/-b)\cos{bx}[/itex]

but my answers are not working. I'm thinking that it has something to do with the fact this is a deffinite integral... any help?

Thx
 
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MathGnome said:
Ok, so we have

[itex]\int_{0}^{1}\left(\sin{2x}*\cos{2x}\right)dx[/itex]

Using the double angle formula we change the integrand

[itex](1/2)\int_{0}^{1}\left(2*\sin{2x}*\cos{2x}\right)dx[/itex]

which converts to

[itex](1/2)\int_{0}^{1}\left(\sin{4x}\right)dx[/itex]

This is where I run into trouble... I'm trying to use the formula
[itex]\int\left(\sin{bx}\right)dx = (1/-b)\cos{bx}[/itex]

but my answers are not working. I'm thinking that it has something to do with the fact this is a deffinite integral... any help?

Thx

How are you answers not working?

[tex]-\frac{1}{4}\cos{4x}\bigvert|_0^1[/tex]

As long as you know the value of cos(0), you shouldn't have any trouble!
 
... *sigh* I was so used to seeing a 0 and just subtracting by 0 that I forgot cos(0) is in fact NOT 0... Is it bad that I take shortcuts without even realizing I'm taking them? :cry:

EDIT: I meant WRONG shortcuts =)
 
By the way, I would not have worried about combining those trig functions.

To integrate [tex]\int_0^1 sin(2x)cos(2x)dx[/tex] just note that the sine and cosine are both to an odd exponent (1). Let u= sin(2x) so that du= 2 cos(2x)dx or (1/2)du= cos(2x)dx. When x= 0, u= sin(0)= 0, when x= 1, u= sin(2). The integral becomes
[tex]\frac{1}{2}\int_0^{sin(2)}udu[/tex]
which equals
[tex]\frac{1}{4}u^2[/tex] evaluated between 0 and sin(2) and is
[tex]\frac{1}{4}sin^2(2)[/tex]
 

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