Trig substitution integration

In summary: In this case, it's clear that you made a mistake because your answer is in terms of sin^2(2θ), while the original integral is in terms of cos^3(2θ). That's a big clue that something is not right.In summary, the conversation discusses how to solve the integral ∫8cos^3(2θ)sin(2θ)dθ. The attempt at a solution involves rewriting the integral and using a u-substitution, but ultimately leads to an incorrect answer. The correct solution is found by using a different u-substitution, leading to the book's answer of -cos^4(2θ)+C. It is advised to always check the answer by differentiation.
  • #1
Jrlinton
134
1

Homework Statement



∫8cos^3(2θ)sin(2θ)dθ

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


rewrote the integral as:
8∫(1-sin^2(2θ))sin(2θ)cos(2θ)dθ
u substitution with u=sin(2θ) du=2cos(2θ)dθ
4∫(1-u^2)u du= 4∫u-u^3 du
4(u^2/2-u^4/4)+C
undo substitution and simplify
2sin^2(2θ)-sin^4(2θ)+C
The book gives an answer of:
-cos^4(2θ)+C
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Jrlinton said:

Homework Statement



∫8cos^3(2θ)sin(2θ)dθ

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


rewrote the integral as:
8∫(1-sin^2(2θ))sin(2θ)cos(2θ)dθ
u substitution with u=sin(2θ) du=2cos(2θ)dθ
4∫(1-u^2)u du= 4∫u-u^3 du
4(u^2/2-u^4/4)+C
undo substitution and simplify
2sin^2(2θ)-sin^4(2θ)+C
The book gives an answer of:
-cos^4(2θ)+C

Check your answer by differentiating it to see if you get back to ##8 \cos^3 (2 \theta) \sin (2 \theta)##. Checking your answer by differentiation is something you should always do, every time.
 
  • #3
I do in fact get my original expression. Thanks.
 
  • #4
Jrlinton said:

Homework Statement



∫8cos^3(2θ)sin(2θ)dθ

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


rewrote the integral as:
8∫(1-sin^2(2θ))sin(2θ)cos(2θ)dθ
u substitution with u=sin(2θ) du=2cos(2θ)dθ
There's no need to rewrite the integral. In the original integral, use ordinary substitution with ##u = \cos(2\theta)##, and ##du = -2\sin(2\theta)d\theta##. Using this substitution leads directly to the book's answer.
Jrlinton said:
4∫(1-u^2)u du= 4∫u-u^3 du
4(u^2/2-u^4/4)+C
undo substitution and simplify
2sin^2(2θ)-sin^4(2θ)+C
The book gives an answer of:
-cos^4(2θ)+C
I second Ray's advice to always check your answer by differentiation.
 

1. What is trig substitution integration?

Trig substitution integration is a method used to solve integrals involving expressions with trigonometric functions. It involves substituting the variable with a trigonometric function in order to simplify the integral.

2. When is trig substitution used in integration?

Trig substitution is typically used when the integral involves a quadratic expression, a square root, or a combination of trigonometric functions.

3. What are the three main types of trig substitutions?

The three main types of trig substitutions are: substitution with sine, substitution with tangent, and substitution with secant.

4. How do you choose which trig substitution to use?

It is important to choose the trig substitution based on the expression within the integral. For example, if the integral involves a term of the form √(a^2 – x^2), we would use the substitution x = a sinθ.

5. What are the steps for solving an integral using trig substitution?

The steps for solving an integral using trig substitution are:

  1. Identify the appropriate trig substitution to use.
  2. Make the necessary substitution to rewrite the integral in terms of the new variable.
  3. Simplify the integral using trigonometric identities.
  4. Integrate the simplified expression.
  5. Substitute back in the original variable to get the final answer.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
912
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
205
Replies
1
Views
816
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
10K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
Back
Top