Solve Calculus Problem: Integrate √tan(x)

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    Calculus
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function √tan(x), exploring various methods and substitutions to solve the integral. Participants share their thoughts on substitution techniques and potential approaches to simplify the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the substitution u = tan(x) and notes that this leads to du = sec²(x)dx, proposing that further substitutions may be necessary.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of substitution, referencing an online integral calculator that indicates the problem is complex.
  • A repeated suggestion emphasizes the substitution u = tan(x) and provides a transformation for dx in terms of u, leading to the integral ∫(√u)/(1 + u²) du.
  • One participant proposes a different substitution, u = √tan(x), and derives a new expression for the integral, suggesting the use of partial fractions for further simplification.
  • Another participant recommends setting tan(x) = t², leading to a transformation for dx and suggesting the use of partial fractions as a method to solve the integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the best approach to solve the integral, with no consensus on a single method being established.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the complexity of the integral and the potential need for multiple substitutions or techniques, indicating that the discussion remains exploratory without a clear resolution.

vincentchan
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anyone has an easy way to do the following problem..
[tex]\int \sqrt{\tan x} dx[/tex]
 
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the basic idea of substitution is to try to put a new symbol in for anything you find confusing. Like here you might try u = tan(x), and then of course you have to put du
= sec^2(x)dx. See if that makes it any better. you may to do some more substitutions later.
 
I don't think a substitution is going to do it.

http://integrals.wolfram.com/index.en.cgi
Try it out. Input Sqrt[Tan[x]]. Looks rather complicated :-p .
 
mathwonk said:
the basic idea of substitution is to try to put a new symbol in for anything you find confusing. Like here you might try u = tan(x), and then of course you have to put du
= sec^2(x)dx. See if that makes it any better. you may to do some more substitutions later.
If [itex]du = \sec^2x dx[/itex] then:

[tex]\frac{du}{1 + u^2} = dx[/tex]

Hope that helps. Your integral is now:

[tex]\int \frac{\sqrt{u}}{1 + u^2}du[/tex]

I'd look at using byparts from there on, but that's just a guess.
 
Last edited:
parth dave's substitution seems best to me.
We have:
[tex]u=\sqrt{tan{x}}\to{du}=\frac{dx}{2u}\frac{1}{\cos^{2}x}=\frac{dx}{2u}(u^{4}+1)[/tex]
Or:
[tex]\int\sqrt{tan{x}}dx=\int\frac{2u^{2}}{u^{4}+1}du[/tex]

We note the identity:
[tex]u^{4}+1=(u^{2}-\sqrt{2}u+1)(u^{2}+\sqrt{2}u+1)[/tex]

We may now use partial fractions techniques to derive the answer.
 
Put tanx=t square

then dx/dt=sec(square)t

put sec(sqr)t= 1+t(sqr)

and use partial fractions ...thats it..
 

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