Can You Help Me Solve This Trigonometric Integral?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the trigonometric integral \(\int\sin^{\frac{-3}{2}}(x)*cos^3(x) dx\). The user, Mac, initially misapplied algebraic rules when distributing terms, leading to incorrect integration results. After receiving feedback from Sudharaka, Mac corrected the distribution and substitution steps, ultimately arriving at the expression \(-\frac{2}{\sqrt{\sin(x)}}-\frac{2\sqrt{\sin^3(x)}}{3}+C\). Sudharaka confirmed the correctness of Mac's final answer and suggested further simplification using the double angle formula.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically Pythagorean identities.
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, including substitution and distribution.
  • Knowledge of algebraic manipulation, particularly with exponents.
  • Ability to apply double angle formulas in trigonometric expressions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Pythagorean identities in integration problems.
  • Learn about the double angle formulas and their uses in simplifying trigonometric expressions.
  • Practice integration techniques involving substitution with trigonometric functions.
  • Explore common errors in algebraic manipulation during integration and how to avoid them.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on integration techniques and trigonometric functions. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to improve their problem-solving skills in trigonometric integrals.

MacLaddy1
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Hello again. I am hoping that someone can assist in checking my work regarding a trigonometric integral.

The problem and my attempt to solve is as follows.

[math]\int\sin^{\frac{-3}{2}}(x)*cos^3(x) dx[/math]

[math]\int\sin^{\frac{-3}{2}}(x)*cos^2(x)*cos(x) dx[/math]

Using a Pythagorean identity,

[math]\int\sin^{\frac{-3}{2}}(x)*(1-sin^2(x))*cos(x) dx[/math]

Distributing

[math]\int[\sin^{\frac{-3}{2}}(x)-sin^{-3}(x)]*cos(x)dx[/math]

Substituting

U=sin(x) du=cos(x)dx

[math]\int [u^{\frac{-3}{2}}-u^{-3}]du[/math]

Integrating

[math]-2u^{\frac{-1}{2}}+\frac{1}{2}u^{-2}[/math]

And finally, and simplified as I can see,

[math]-\frac{2}{\sqrt{\sin(x)}}+\frac{1}{2\sin^2(x)}+C[/math]

I've looked at this a few times and couldn't find any errors, but Wolfram is coming up with an answer that doesn't Jive with what I have. That being the case, I would really appreciate it if someone could take a look at this problem and let me know where I went wrong.

Thanks much,
Mac
 
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MacLaddy said:
Hello again. I am hoping that someone can assist in checking my work regarding a trigonometric integral.

The problem and my attempt to solve is as follows.

[math]\int\sin^{\frac{-3}{2}}(x)*cos^3(x) dx[/math]

[math]\int\sin^{\frac{-3}{2}}(x)*cos^2(x)*cos(x) dx[/math]

Using a Pythagorean identity,

[math]\int\sin^{\frac{-3}{2}}(x)*(1-sin^2(x))*cos(x) dx[/math]

Distributing

[math]\color{red}{\int[\sin^{\frac{-3}{2}}(x)-sin^{-3}(x)]*cos(x)dx}[/math]

Substituting

U=sin(x) du=cos(x)dx

[math]\int [u^{\frac{-3}{2}}-u^{-3}]du[/math]

Integrating

[math]-2u^{\frac{-1}{2}}+\frac{1}{2}u^{-2}[/math]

And finally, and simplified as I can see,

[math]-\frac{2}{\sqrt{\sin(x)}}+\frac{1}{2\sin^2(x)}+C[/math]

I've looked at this a few times and couldn't find any errors, but Wolfram is coming up with an answer that doesn't Jive with what I have. That being the case, I would really appreciate it if someone could take a look at this problem and let me know where I went wrong.

Thanks much,
Mac

Hi MacLaddy,

The highlighted part in incorrect. You have multiplied the exponents of \(\sin(x)\) instead of adding them.

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.
 
Sudharaka said:
Hi MacLaddy,

The highlighted part in incorrect. You have multiplied the exponents of \(\sin(x)\) instead of adding them.

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.

Ah, yes. Good old Algebra getting in the way. Okay, how about this.

Distributing

[math]\int[\sin^{\frac{-3}{2}}(x)-sin^{\frac{1}{2}}(x)]*cos(x)dx[/math]

Substituting

U=sin(x) du=cos(x)dx

[math]\int [u^{\frac{-3}{2}}-u^{\frac{1}{2}}]du[/math]

Integrating

[math]-2u^{\frac{-1}{2}}-\frac{2}{3}u^{\frac{3}{2}}[/math]

And finally, and simplified as I can see,

[math]-\frac{2}{\sqrt{\sin(x)}}-\frac{2\sqrt{sin^3(x)}}{3}+C[/math]

This still doesn't match what Wolfram has, but I'm probably getting something wrong with that.

Let me know if this looks right. My brain isn't functioning at 100% this morning, and most of it's limited power is going into keeping the Latex code straight.

I appreciate the help, Sudharaka

Mac
 
MacLaddy said:
Ah, yes. Good old Algebra getting in the way. Okay, how about this.

Distributing

[math]\int[\sin^{\frac{-3}{2}}(x)-sin^{\frac{1}{2}}(x)]*cos(x)dx[/math]

Substituting

U=sin(x) du=cos(x)dx

[math]\int [u^{\frac{-3}{2}}-u^{\frac{1}{2}}]du[/math]

Integrating

[math]-2u^{\frac{-1}{2}}-\frac{2}{3}u^{\frac{3}{2}}[/math]

And finally, and simplified as I can see,

[math]-\frac{2}{\sqrt{\sin(x)}}-\frac{2\sqrt{sin^3(x)}}{3}+C[/math]

This still doesn't match what Wolfram has, but I'm probably getting something wrong with that.

Let me know if this looks right. My brain isn't functioning at 100% this morning, and most of it's limited power is going into keeping the Latex code straight.

I appreciate the help, Sudharaka

Mac

Everything you have done is correct. The answer that Wolfram gives you can be obtained from your answer. Try to simplify your solution, by taking a common denominator. You will need to use the double angle formula, \(\cos(2x)=1-2\sin^{2}(x)\).

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.
 
Sudharaka said:
Everything you have done is correct. The answer that Wolfram gives you can be obtained from your answer. Try to simplify your solution, by taking a common denominator. You will need to use the double angle formula, \(\cos(2x)=1-2\sin^{2}(x)\).

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.

Okay, I got it now. I wasn't seeing the double angle connection.

[math]\frac{cos(2x)-7}{3\sqrt{sin(x)}}+C[/math]

Thanks again, Sudharaka.

Mac
 

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