What is the integral of sin^3 theta?

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    Integral Theta
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the integral of sin^3(theta), a problem situated within the context of calculus, specifically integral calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts various substitutions involving trigonometric identities, particularly focusing on cos(theta) and its powers. Some participants provide hints related to rewriting cos^3(theta) in terms of sin(theta) and its derivatives.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering hints and checking each other's reasoning. There is a mix of attempts to clarify the integral's setup and to correct misunderstandings regarding the functions involved.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some confusion regarding the use of trigonometric identities and the correct function to integrate, as noted in the feedback about the original poster's expression.

redshift
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Would very much appreciate a hint on how to start this off.
So far I have cos theta = (1-t^2)/(1+t^2). After squaring this and doing various substitutions, I get (cos theta)^3, which can't be right.
 
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I'm not sure what you're asking but if you want the integral indicated in the title of your post this may help:

[tex]\cos^3 \theta = \cos^2 \theta \cos \theta = \left(1-\sin^2 \theta \right) \frac {d \sin \theta}{d\theta}[/tex]
 
Many thanks. I'll give it a shot.
 
I got cos theta - (1/3)cos^3 theta + C
Does this look right?
 
Almost. It should be sin, not cos.
 

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