A little help with integration and trigonometric functions.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around differentiation and integration involving trigonometric functions, specifically focusing on the differentiation of \(\tan^2\) and solving a differential equation related to population growth. Participants are exploring the implications of their calculations and the potential variability in results based on angle measurement units.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiation of \(\tan^2\) using the chain rule and the quotient rule, with some expressing uncertainty about their results. There is also a focus on solving the differential equation for population growth and the challenge of determining the correct units for angle measurements, particularly in relation to radians and degrees.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights into the differentiation process and the integration of the population growth equation. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of using different angle measurement systems, with some participants questioning their own assumptions and calculations. The discussion remains open, with no explicit consensus reached on the best approach to the problems presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of clarity regarding the angle measurement units in the context of their calculations, which may affect their results. There is also mention of imposed homework rules and the pressure of exam conditions influencing their discussions.

Unicyclist
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I was doing my exam today and ran into a couple problems.
First one: how do you differentiate [tex]\tan^2[/tex]?
I converted it into [tex]\sec^2 - 1[/tex] and used the u/v = (u`v - v`u)/v^2 method, but I would like somebody clever to do it for me, just to be sure, please.

Homework Statement


Another problem.
Rate of change of population P equals [tex]\lambda P \cos(\lambda t)[/tex]
Find the formula for population P in terms of [tex]P_0[/tex],[tex]\lambda[/tex] and t.

Then, find t. When P = [tex]2P_0[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I had problems with finding t.

t came out to be arcsin of something. The problem is, they never said anything about degrees or radians and so t could vary quite a bit, depending on that. Did I do it wrong or am I missing something out?

I don't have the exact question. It was in the exam I did two hours ago. All help is appreciated.

Thank you.
 
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differentiate tan^2 x? tan x = sinx/cosx , chain rule or remember the result.. d(tanx)/dx = sec^2 x, chain rule simply gives d(tan^2x)/dx = 2 tan x sec^2 x

dP(t)/dt = L P(t) cos (Lt)
=> dP(t)/P(t) = L cos(Lt) dt
=> integrate both sides
=> Log_e P(t) = sin (Lt) +C
=> P(t) = A e^(sin Lt)
where A is some constant
I suppose P0 means initial value so A = P0
and so when P(t) = 2 P0
=> 2 P0 = P0 e^(sin L t)
=> Log_e 2 = sin Lt
=> t = 1/L arcsin (Log_e 2)

ok... I am expecting you to be able to do it next time
 
1. To differentiate tan^2x, one would use the chain rule. [tex]\frac{d}{dx}\tan^2x=2\tan x\frac{d}{dx}(\tan x)=2\tan x \sec^2 x[/tex] where the last step is done either using the quotient rule for tangent, or from memory.

2. For this question you need to solve the differential equation [tex]\frac{dP}{dt}=\lambda P\cos(\lambda t)[/tex], using the initial conditions given. Is that what you did?
 
cristo said:
1. To differentiate tan^2x, one would use the chain rule. [tex]\frac{d}{dx}\tan^2x=2\tan x\frac{d}{dx}(\tan x)=2\tan x \sec^2 x[/tex] where the last step is done either using the quotient rule for tangent, or from memory.

2. For this question you need to solve the differential equation [tex]\frac{dP}{dt}=\lambda P\cos(\lambda t)[/tex], using the initial conditions given. Is that what you did?
1)Chain rule, of course!
I got [tex]\frac{\cos^4(x)}{\sin(2x)} for that one.<br /> <br /> 2) Yes, I did that, it's easy. But then you have to make t the subject of the formula and substitute some values to find when the population doubles. That's where I had the problem, as I wasn't sure what to use: degrees or radians. Try it yourself and see.[/tex]
 
For the second one you get [tex]P = P_0e^\sin(\lambda t)[/tex] <= I think.

When [tex]P = 2P_0[/tex], [tex]t = \frac{\arcsin(ln 2)}{\lambda}[/tex]. <= did it in my head, so could be wrong, but the principle is there. Arcsin can give you different values, depending on what system you use: degrees, radians, grads. Or am I getting something wrong here?
 
Unicyclist said:
1)Chain rule, of course!
I got [tex]\frac{\cos^4(x)}{\sin(2x)}[/tex] for that one.
Looks like you've got the reciprocal of the correct answer (or just made a typo here!)

2) Yes, I did that, it's easy. But then you have to make t the subject of the formula and substitute some values to find when the population doubles. That's where I had the problem, as I wasn't sure what to use: degrees or radians. Try it yourself and see.
Ok, I see your point now. It doesn't really matter which you use, but I would always use radians. They'll both give the same answer, it's just the units of time will be different.
 
The units will be different, eh? How do I even figure out the units? They said to give your answer in minutes. And t is in days, I think.
 
When dealing with logs, its usually best to use radians as angle measures that require units give workable but difficult results, such as 2 log seconds.
 
I used degrees, doesn't matter. I'll probably lose one mark for that or something.

And I'll know next time. I actually thought about using radians, but couldn't be bothered to change the mode on my calculator.

Thanks to everyone for their help.
 
  • #10
Could someone integrate his for me, please?

[tex]2\int\sec^4x dx[/tex]

I had it in my exam today and I want to know if I did it correctly. Thank you.
 
  • #11
The result is

[tex]\frac{2\,\left( 2 + {\sec (x)}^2 \right) \,\tan (x)}{3}[/tex]

Did you have that?
 
  • #12
Nope.

[tex]\tan x + \tan^2 x + \sec^2 x[/tex]

If I remember correctly. The sad thing is, I didn't really have to do that integration. I missed out the minus in ln, which would've given me [tex]\sec^2 x[/tex], which is considerably easier to integrate.
 
  • #13
Woops, I meant tan and sec to the power of 3, not too. Is that more correct in any way?
 
  • #14
OK, my Mathematica gives something else (the expression above).
Then perhaps it's time to show your calculation :)
 
  • #15
Forget about it, I've got to revise for a different exam tomorrow. Thanks for your help anyway.
 
  • #16
OK, good luck with the exam.
 

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