Substitution homework question

In summary, the antiderivative of sin(t) sec (cos(x))^2 dx is -tan(cos(x)) + C, with the substitution u = cos(x) and du = -sin(x) dx.
  • #1
suspenc3
402
0
Hi, I am having a little bit of trouble with the following:

[tex]\int sintsec^2(cost)dt[/tex]

heres what I have so far

[tex]u=cost[/tex]

[tex]du=-sintdt[/tex]

[tex]-\int sec^2(u)du[/tex]

[tex]-2tan(u) + C[/tex]

is this right?
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
As I recall the derivative of tan(u) is sec^2(u)du
 
  • #3
yea but I am integrating..so the antiderivative of sec^2(u) is tanu?
 
  • #4
[tex]\int \sec^2 x \; dx = \tan x +c[/tex]

~H
 
  • #5
I have another..i don't know where to start..can someone point out what I should sub U for?

[tex]\int_{1/2}^{1/6}csc \pi t cot \pi t dt[/tex]
 
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  • #6
suspenc3 said:
I have another..i don't know where to start..can someone point out what I should sub U for?

[tex]\int_{1/2}^{1/6}csc \pi t cot \pi t dt[/tex]

My first step would be to turn the cosec and cot into sine and cosine. See where that takes you.

~H
 
  • #7
ok..so i did..
[tex] \int_{1/2}^{1/6} \frac{1}{sin\pi t) \frac{cos \pi t}{sin \pi t}dt[/tex]
ended up with...
[tex] \int_{1/2}^{1/6} cot \pi t[/tex]

im guessing its wrong haha
 
  • #8
suspenc3 said:
ok..so i did..
[tex] \int_{1/2}^{1/6} \frac{1}{sin\pi t) \frac{cos \pi t}{sin \pi t}dt[/tex]
ended up with...
[tex] \int_{1/2}^{1/6} cot \pi t[/tex]

im guessing its wrong haha

It's almost there :wink:

[tex]\frac{1}{\sin \pi t} \cdot \frac{\cos \pi t}{\sin \pi t} = \frac{\cos \pi t}{\sin^2 \pi t}[/tex]

Now, see what you can do with the identity [itex]\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1[/itex]. Btw, I think this can be done without a substitution.

~H
 
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  • #9
do you mean..sin^2(pi t) = 1-cos^2(pi t)..and then sub?
 
  • #10
Forget about the subs.
Try putting sin(pi*t) = x
What is dx ?
 
  • #11
suspenc3 said:
Hi, I am having a little bit of trouble with the following:

[tex]\int sintsec^2(cost)dt[/tex]

heres what I have so far

[tex]u=cost[/tex]

[tex]du=-sintdt[/tex]

[tex]-\int sec^2(u)du[/tex]

[tex]-2tan(u) + C[/tex]

is this right?

As others have pointed out, the anti-derivative of sec2(u) is tan(u), not -tan(u).

Also, the original problem does not say anything about "u"! That was your "invention". To properly answer the question, you need to go back to t:

[tex]\int sintsec^2(cost)dt= 2tan(cos(t)+ C[/tex]
 
  • #12
Actually, the original poster (with respect to the original question) is correct, save for the two.

[tex] \int sin(t) sec (cos(x))^2 dx [/tex]

[tex] u = cos(x) du = -sin(x) dx [/tex] This is right. Substituting back yields

[tex] - \int sec(u)^2 du [/tex] Just as the OP said. The negative sign is the result of the du = -sin(x) dx part.

Now, the antiderivative of sec(x)^2 = tan(x) + C (as everyone as stated)

- ( tan(u) + C)
-tan(cos(x) + C.

The original poster's only error is the two infront. The minus sign is correct . Check with differentiatoin (or use the "Integrator").
 

What is the "Substitution homework question"?

The "Substitution homework question" is a type of problem commonly found in mathematics and science courses. It involves replacing a variable or term in an equation with a specific value in order to solve for another variable. It is a fundamental concept in algebra and often used in more advanced mathematical topics.

Why is it important to understand substitution?

Understanding substitution is crucial for solving equations and systems of equations. It allows us to manipulate and simplify equations to find the values of variables and ultimately solve real-world problems. It is also a key skill in higher-level math and science courses such as calculus and physics.

What are the steps for solving a substitution problem?

The general steps for solving a substitution problem are:

  • Identify the variable you want to solve for.
  • Isolate that variable on one side of the equation.
  • Choose an expression or value to substitute for the other variable.
  • Replace the chosen expression or value in the original equation.
  • Solve the equation for the variable you identified in the first step.
  • Check your answer by plugging it back into the original equation.

What are some common mistakes made when solving substitution problems?

Some common mistakes made when solving substitution problems include:

  • Choosing the wrong expression or value to substitute.
  • Forgetting to distribute any coefficients when substituting.
  • Making calculation errors when solving the resulting equation.
  • Forgetting to check the solution by plugging it back into the original equation.

How can I improve my skills in solving substitution problems?

To improve your skills in solving substitution problems, you can:

  • Practice regularly to become familiar with the steps and different types of problems.
  • Seek help from a teacher or tutor if you are struggling with a specific concept.
  • Check your work carefully and identify any mistakes you may have made.
  • Review examples and study guides to reinforce your understanding of the topic.

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