Calculus Problem Help Integral of (secx)^3 dx

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SUMMARY

The integral of (sec x)^3 dx can be solved using integration by parts. The process begins with setting u = sec x and dv = (sec x)^2 dx, leading to the equation I = sec x tan x - I + ∫ sec x dx. This results in the equation 2I = sec x tan x + ∫ sec x dx, ultimately yielding the solution I = 1/2(sec x tan x + ln |sec x + tan x|) + C. This method simplifies the calculation and provides a clear pathway to the solution.

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  • Understanding of integration by parts
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities
  • Knowledge of the secant and tangent functions
  • Basic calculus concepts, particularly integration techniques
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  • Study advanced integration techniques, including integration by parts
  • Explore trigonometric integrals and their applications
  • Learn about logarithmic integration methods
  • Practice solving integrals involving secant and tangent functions
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on integration techniques, as well as educators seeking to clarify methods for solving trigonometric integrals.

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Hi all, I am stuck on this trig integral problem. The answer is provided in the book, but I do not know how to get it. The problem is this:


Integral of (secX)^3 dx


it says first use integration by parts:

u = sec x du = sec x tan x dx

dv = (secx)^2 dx v = tan x

uv - integral (v du) = sex x tan x - integral sec x((secx)^2-1) dx


Then it says secx tanx - integral (sec x)^3 dx + integral sec x dx


Now there is another (sec x)^3 like in the original problem, after this step they just provide the answer, but how ?




The answer is 1/2(secxtanx + ln |secx+tanx|) + C
 
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Let
[tex]I=\int\frac{1}{\cos^{3}x}dx[/tex]
Hence, you have shown:
[tex]I=sec(x)tan(x)-I+\int\frac{1}{\cos{x}}dx[/tex]
Can you take it from there?
 
hmm, let me try, that's diff. method from the book but it looks easier, brb. thx.
 

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