Bonus Homework Problem: Integral of csc

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the integral of csc(x) with various approaches and attempts at manipulation. The subject area is calculus, specifically integral calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different substitution methods for integrating csc(x), including using u-substitution with sin(x) and alternative approaches involving logarithmic functions. Some participants question the validity of certain steps, particularly regarding the handling of square roots and the implications of imaginary numbers.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing various methods and questioning the correctness of each other's approaches. There is no explicit consensus, but several lines of reasoning are being explored, indicating a productive exchange of ideas.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about specific properties and transformations, highlighting potential gaps in their understanding of the integral and its properties. There is also mention of formatting errors, suggesting that clarity in communication may be a concern.

ƒ(x)
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[tex]\int csc dx = ?[/tex]


I just am seeking confirmation as to whether or not I did this correctly. I apologize beforehand for any formatting errors.

[tex]\int csc(x) dx =[/tex] [tex]\int 1/sin(x) dx[/tex]
u = sin(x)
du = cos(x)dx
du / cos(x) = dx

u2 = sin2(x)
u2 = 1 - cos2(x)
[tex]\sqrt{}[/tex]{u^2-1} = cos(x)
du / [tex]\sqrt {u<sup>2</sup>-1} = dx[/tex]

Therefore

[tex]\int du / u\sqrt{}[/tex]{u2-1}

And, since I cannot remember the arc property, this is as for as I was able to get.
 
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try u = ln(tan(x/2))
 
ƒ(x) said:
[tex]\int csc dx = ?[/tex]


I just am seeking confirmation as to whether or not I did this correctly. I apologize beforehand for any formatting errors.

[tex]\int csc(x) dx =[/tex] [tex]\int 1/sin(x) dx[/tex]
u = sin(x)
du = cos(x)dx
du / cos(x) = dx

u2 = sin2(x)
u2 = 1 - cos2(x)

This is an interesting approach, but you have a problem in the next line. The intermediate step is: u2 - 1 = - cos2(x).
The right side is always <= 0, so taking its square root almost always gives you imaginary numbers.

ƒ(x) said:
[tex]\sqrt{}[/tex]{u2-1} = cos(x)
du / [tex]\sqrt {u<sup>2</sup>-1} = dx[/tex]

Therefore

[tex]\int du / u\sqrt{}[/tex]{u2-1}

And, since I cannot remember the arc property, this is as for as I was able to get.
That's an interesting approach, but there's a problem here:
 
I would integrate [itex]\int dx/cos(x)[/itex] by multiplying both numerator and denominator by cos(x): [itex]\int cos(x)dx/cos^2(x)= \int cos(x)dx/(1- sin^2(x))[/itex] and then let u= sin(x).
 

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