Simplifying and Integrating Cosine Functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function 96cos^4(6x) using trigonometric identities, specifically focusing on the application of half-angle formulas to simplify the integral before solving it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of half-angle identities to simplify the integral and question the correctness of their steps. There are attempts to clarify the expansion of terms and the handling of constants during integration.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on the application of identities and confirm the correctness of certain steps, while others express uncertainty about specific calculations and seek clarification on their reasoning. The conversation reflects a collaborative effort to verify and refine the integration process.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through potential errors in their calculations and the implications of applying trigonometric identities, indicating a focus on understanding the integration process rather than arriving at a final answer.

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[tex]\int 96cos^4(6x) * dx[/tex]

ok first i take out the 96 cause it's constant!

[tex]96 \int cos^4(6x) * dx[/tex]

[tex]96 \int (cos^2(6x)^2) * dx[/tex]

ok now with that setup, i can know use the half-angel formula!

[tex]96 \int (\frac{1+cos(12x)}{2})^2[/tex]

squared the problem...

[tex]24 \int (1+ 2cos(12x) + (cos12x)^2[/tex]

now to use the half-angle idents agian..

[tex]24 \int 1 +2cos(12x) + 1/2(1+cos24x)[/tex]

can someone tell me if I am doing this correctly before i integral the problem?
 
Last edited:
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Yes use Half Angle Identities.

[tex]cos^2(6x) = \frac{1+cos(12x)}{2}[/tex]

[tex]\int 96cos^4(6x) dx[/tex]

[tex]96\int \frac{1+cos(12x)}{2} \frac{1+cos(12x)}{2}dx[/tex]

[tex]96\int \frac{(1+cos(12x))^2}{4} dx[/tex]


[tex]24[\int 1 dx + \int 2cos(12x) dx + \int cos^2(12x) dx][/tex]

You are doing fine...
 
Last edited:
Cyclovenom said:
Yes use Half Angle Identities.

[tex]cos^2(6x) = \frac{1+cos(12x)}{2}[/tex]

[tex]\int 96cos^4(6x) dx[/tex]

[tex]96\int \frac{1+cos(12x)}{2} \frac{1+cos(12x)}{2}dx[/tex]

[tex]96\int \frac{(1+cos(12x))^2}{4} dx[/tex]

Expand and etc... keep going

Edit:Sleep got to me...

can i take out the 1/4? so 1/4*96 = 24
 
Whatupdoc said:
can i take out the 1/4? so 1/4*96 = 24
yes you can
 
thank you for checking my answer, ok i will cont. where i left off...


[tex]24 \int 1 +2cos(12x) + 1/2(1+cos24x)[/tex]


[tex]24 \int 1 +2cos(12x) + 1/2+\frac{1}{2}cos(24x)[/tex]


[tex]24 \int1dx + 48 \int cos(12x) + 12 \int dx + 12 \int cos(24x)[/tex]

adding a lot of integral signs seems to look messy, but i think you can tell what I am doing. ok time to find the anti-dervs.

[tex]24x + \frac{1}{12}(48)sin(12x) + 12 + 12(\frac{1}{24})sin(24x)[/tex]

k time to solve...
[tex]24x+4sin(12x) + 12 + \frac{1}{2}sin(24x)[/tex]

but it's the wrong answer
 
Last edited:
Whatupdoc said:
expand this alittle more
[tex]1/2(1+cos24x) = 1/2+cos12x[/tex] right? <-- now sure about this part

This bit is wrong. 1/2(1 + cos 24x) = 1/2 + (1/2)cos 24x. (1/2)cos x isn't the same thing as cos (x/2).
 
Nylex said:
This bit is wrong. 1/2(1 + cos 24x) = 1/2 + (1/2)cos 24x. (1/2)cos x isn't the same thing as cos (x/2).

ah i see, don't know what i was thinking. i edited my previous post and fixed the problem, but the answer is still wrong
 
[tex]24[\int 1 dx + \int 2cos(12x) dx + \int cos^2(12x) dx][/tex]

[tex]24[\int 1 dx + \int 2cos(12x) dx + \int \frac{1+cos(24x)}{2} dx][/tex]

[tex]24\int 1 dx + 24\int 2cos(12x) dx + 24\int \frac{1+cos(24x)}{2} dx[/tex]

[tex]24\int 1 dx + 48\int cos(12x) dx + 12\int 1 dx+ 12\int cos(24x) dx[/tex]

[tex]24x + 4sin(12x) + 12x+ \frac{sin(24x)}{2} + C[/tex]

[tex]36x + 4sin(12x)+ \frac{sin(24x)}{2} + C[/tex]

Check my work...
 
Cyclovenom said:
[tex]24[\int 1 dx + \int 2cos(12x) dx + \int \frac{1+cos(24x)}{2} dx][/tex]

[tex]24\int 1 dx + 24\int 2cos(12x) dx + 24\int \frac{1+cos(24x)}{2} dx[/tex]
What in the world are you doing here!? Where did those "+ 24"s come from?

[edit]Nevermind, I was reading it wrong (since it looks cluttered).[/edit]
 
  • #10
OK. I checked your last calculation. Everything is correct now.
 
  • #11
Thanks but i meant that to whatuptdoc :smile:
 
  • #12
ah i see what i did wrong, thank you
 

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