Solve Trig Derivative: -8\int sec^3(\theta)+2sec^2(\theta)+sec(\theta)d\theta

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter tangur
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Derivative Trig
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the integral involving trigonometric functions, specifically focusing on the expression -8∫ sec³(θ) + 2sec²(θ) + sec(θ) dθ. Participants explore different approaches to solving the integral and clarify steps in the process.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests completing the square for the integral and transforming it into a trigonometric form involving sec(θ).
  • Another participant claims to have found a constant of -4 related to the integral.
  • Concerns are raised about the positivity of the first integral and the implications of the sign on the radical in the second integral, with one participant arguing that the sign should remain under the square root.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the handling of the radical, suggesting that the expression should be placed in parentheses to manage the negative sign correctly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the treatment of the radical and the signs involved in the integrals, indicating that there is no consensus on the correct approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the handling of the square root and the implications of sign changes in the integrals, which may affect the evaluation of the integral.

tangur
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
[tex]\int \frac {x^2}{\sqrt{4x-x^2}}dx[/tex]

I just want to be sure I'm right on this, complete the square first of all so you get [tex]-\int \frac {x^2}{\sqrt{(x-2)^2-4}}dx[/tex] let [tex]u=x-2[/tex] thus [tex]-\int \frac {(x+2)^2}{\sqrt{u^2-4}}dx[/tex]then let[tex]u=2sec(\theta)[/tex]
hence integral becomes [tex]-8\int sec^3(\theta)+2sec^2(\theta)+sec(\theta)d\theta[/tex]

and then solve.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I got -4 as the constant
 
the first integral is always positive, the second one doesnt. You can't just invert the sign on the radical and take one minus out... the sign on the radical should stay, which, if you think about it, might make things easier
 
true, since its under a sqrt root, you keep it under, but you put the whole expression under square root in parenthesis and take out the minus one, and then go x^2-4x. makes sense

thx guys
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K