Trigonometric Integral: Finding the Antiderivative of cotx + tanx

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the antiderivative of the function f(x) = cot(x) + tan(x), focusing on the integration of trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different methods for integrating the function, including manipulating the expression and considering the derivatives of sine and cosine. There are attempts to express the function in terms of u-substitution and to integrate term by term.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into the relationship between the terms and their derivatives, suggesting potential paths for integration. Multiple interpretations of the integration approach are being explored, with no explicit consensus reached on the best method.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about their manipulations and the effectiveness of their approaches, indicating a need for clarification on the integration process and the relationships between the trigonometric functions involved.

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Homework Statement


If [itex]f(x)=cotx+tanx[/itex] then find [itex]\int{f(x)}dx[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I was able to manipulate (not sure if in the right direction though) the function and resulted with [tex]f(x)=\frac{2}{sin(2x)}[/tex]

I've also tried re-arranging things in a different way, but came up with nothing useful (I think). So then I'm stuck, any ideas?
 
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You could possibly use the fact that (sin x)' = cos x, along with the idea that (ln f(x))' = f'(x) / f(x).

Much easier to integrate term by term rather than combine the expressions into a single trig term.
 
I'm not getting any form of f'(x)/f(x) and substituting u=sinx and du/dx=cosx doesn't seem like it gave me much either...
 
Look at the cot x term --

cot x = cos x / sin x, which is exactly of the form f'(x) / f(x), since (sin x)' = cos x. A very similar idea applies to the tan x term.
 
That wasn't what was suggested.

[tex]cot(x)+ tan(x)= \frac{cos(x)}{sin(x)}+ \frac{sin(x)}{cos(x)}[/tex]

Integrate by letting u= sin(x) in the first fraction and v= cos(x) in the second.
 
Ahh thanks for all the help!

Sorry, I kept looking at my manipulated expression.
 

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