How Do You Integrate sin^6(x) Using Trigonometric Identities?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function sin^6(x) using trigonometric identities and reduction formulas. The original poster is exploring methods to simplify the integral and is seeking assistance with specific components of the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to rewrite the integral using the identity for sin^2(x) and expresses concern about handling cos^3(2x). Other participants suggest looking into sine integral reduction formulas and discuss the potential of continuing with these formulas until reaching sin^0(x).

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing ideas about reduction formulas and confirming the approach of using them to simplify the integral. There is no explicit consensus, but there is a general agreement on the method of using reduction formulas.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of integrating powers of sine and are considering various identities and formulas available in their texts. There may be assumptions about the familiarity with reduction formulas and trigonometric identities that are not explicitly stated.

Stevecgz
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Problem:
[tex]\int sin^6 x dx[/tex]
Progress so far:
[tex]\int (sin^2 x)^3 dx[/tex]
[tex]\frac{1}{8} \int (1-cos2x)^3 dx[/tex]
[tex]\frac 1 8 \int (1 - 3cos2x + 3cos^22x - cos^32x) dx[/tex]

Any help is appreciated.

I can see using a half angle identity for cos^2(2x), but what do I do with the cos^3(2x)?


Steve
 
Last edited:
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Try looking up some sine integral reduction formulas on google. They take care of integrals involving powers of sine pretty nicely.
 
whozum said:
Try looking up some sine integral reduction formulas on google. They take care of integrals involving powers of sine pretty nicely.

I've found one in my text. Would I simply continue using the reduction formula until I get to sin^0(x)?

Steve
 
Yes that's pretty much how we did it.
 
Thanks whozum.

Steve
 

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