Constant of Integration in Trigonometric Substitution?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a trigonometric substitution integration problem, specifically focusing on expressing the result in terms of the variable x. The original poster is encountering difficulties with the constant of integration and the manipulation of terms involving logarithms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the process of expressing trigonometric functions in terms of x and the implications of constants in integration. There are attempts to clarify the manipulation of logarithmic expressions and the handling of denominators in the context of integration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the correct handling of logarithmic terms and constants. There is a recognition of potential misunderstandings regarding the integration process and the treatment of constants.

Contextual Notes

Participants are addressing the original poster's confusion about the integration constant and the algebraic manipulation of terms, particularly in relation to the triangle drawn for trigonometric substitution. There is an emphasis on ensuring that the expressions are correctly formulated before concluding the integration process.

tree.lee
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Homework Statement



So, I have a trigonometric substitution integration problem. The working is rather hairy, but I've gotten to the point where you draw the triangle to express theta in terms of x. But that's where I'm stuck! I think I may be having trouble with the constant of integration, but I'm not sure!

Homework Equations


So...for the sides of the triangle I have:
Opposite: √[(x+½)2 - ¾]
Hypotenuse: x+½
Adjacent: √(¾)

My equation is tanθ-[½(ln|secθ+tanθ|)] and I want to express it in terms of x.

The Attempt at a Solution


So I just plug it in, Opposite/Adjacent and Hypotenuse/Adjacent but I'm getting it wrong.

I get √[(x+½)2 - ¾] / √¾ - ½ln|x + ½ + √[(x+½)2-¾]| / √(¾)
Which equals √(x2+x+1)/√¾ - ½ln|x+½+√(x2+x+1) + C

But it doesn't, the answer given is √(x2+x+1) - ½ln|x+½+√(x2+x+1), as in the only difference is the denominator for the first term. But I don't understand how it could be integrated into the integration constant, it's not a constant, it's dividing the variable x, no? Or is something else entirely wrong with it!?Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
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tree.lee said:
My equation is tanθ-[½(ln|secθ+tanθ|)] and I want to express it in terms of x.

The Attempt at a Solution


So I just plug it in, Opposite/Adjacent and Hypotenuse/Adjacent but I'm getting it wrong.

I get √[(x+½)2 - ¾] / √¾ - ½ln|x + ½ + √[(x+½)2-¾]| / √(¾)
Your own expressions give Hypotenuse/Adjacent = (x + ½)/√(¾) and Opposite/Adjacent = √[(x+½)2 - ¾]/√(¾). Common denominator, so add them. But - you have simply pushed √(¾) outside the ln(| |) expression, which you are not allowed to do.
 
Svein said:
Your own expressions give Hypotenuse/Adjacent = (x + ½)/√(¾) and Opposite/Adjacent = √[(x+½)2 - ¾]/√(¾). Common denominator, so add them. But - you have simply pushed √(¾) outside the ln(| |) expression, which you are not allowed to do.

Oh. I was taught that I could do ½ln|x + ½ + √[(x+½)2-¾]| - ln√(¾) so that C1 = ln√(¾) + C. Is that wrong? Oh, and it's also the first term that I"m having denominator troubles with. The tanθ! I believe I did add the secθ and tanθ with common denominators within the ln expression, as you said.
 
tree.lee said:
½ln|x + ½ + √[(x+½)2-¾]| - ln√(¾)
Yes. But that is not what you wrote in your original post. And, by the way, don't forget the ½ when you move ln√(¾) outside.
 

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