MHB Can You Help Me Solve This Trigonometric Integral?

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The discussion revolves around solving a trigonometric integral, specifically ∫sin^(-3/2)(x)cos^3(x) dx. The original attempt included an error in exponent manipulation, which was pointed out by another user. After correcting the distribution and integration steps, the user still found discrepancies between their answer and Wolfram's output. The final solution was clarified by applying a common denominator and recognizing the double angle formula, leading to the correct expression. The user expressed gratitude for the assistance in resolving the issue.
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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