Alternate, superior solution to an integral

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SUMMARY

The integral I= ∫ (dx / (cos² x * √(cos² x - cos² a))) has been approached using three substitutions: u=cos θ, u=sec w, and z=sin w. The current solution involves complex algebraic manipulation, resulting in I= (i/cos a) [2{(cos² x -1)/(cos x)}² ln{(cos² x -1)/(cos x)} + {(cos² x -1)/(cos x)}⁴ - 1] / [2 {(cos² x -1)/(cos x)}²] + C. The discussion seeks a more straightforward solution with fewer substitutions and enhanced algebraic simplification.

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Hi all, consider the integral
[tex]I= \int \frac{dx}{cos^2 x( \sqrt{ cos^2 x - cos^2 a} ) }[/tex]
I've solved it with three substitutions (don't have time to post it at the moment) but was wondering if anyone here can provide a superior, more simplistic solution; e.g. one substitution with proper algebraic simplification.
 
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the first substitution was [tex]u=cos \theta[/tex] the second was [tex]u=sec w[/tex], and final substitution was [tex]z = sin w[/tex], had to use some trig identities in between and focus in on the simplifications. My current solution is (I'll still have yet to review it close up for dumb mistakes)

[tex]I= \frac{i}{cos a} [ \frac{( \frac{2(cos^2 x -1)}{cosx}) ^2 ln( \frac{2(cos^2 x -1)}{cosx} ) + ( \frac{2(cos^2 x -1)}{cosx} ) ^4 -1 }{2 ( \frac{2(cos^2 x -1)}{cosx} ) ^2 } ~] + C[/tex]

I'm having some trouble with latex

I = (i/cosa)[2{(cos^2 x -1)/(cosx)}^2 ln {(cos^2 x -1)/(cosx)} + {(cos^2 x -1)/(cosx))^2}^4 - 1]/[2 {(cos^2 x -1)/(cosx)}^2] + C
 
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