Curious Question; find ⌠cotx using integration by parts

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the integral of cotangent, specifically ⌠cotx, using integration by parts. Participants explore different approaches and reasoning related to this integral within the context of calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to apply integration by parts with u=1/sinx and dv=cosx, leading to various equations and manipulations. Questions arise regarding the necessity of using integration by parts versus simpler substitution methods. There is also discussion about potential sign errors in the derived equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and alternative suggestions for approaching the problem. Some express curiosity about the limitations of integration by parts for this integral, while others note that substitution might yield a simpler solution.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of homework constraints regarding the use of integration by parts, and participants are exploring the implications of different choices for u and dv. The discussion also touches on properties of logarithms in relation to the integral of cotangent.

Raza
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Homework Statement


find ⌠cotx using integration by parts with using u= 1/sinx and dv= cosx


Homework Equations


cotx=cosx/sinx


The Attempt at a Solution


u= 1/sinx and dv= cosx dx
du = -cotxcscx dx v= sinx

⌠udv = 1 + ⌠sinx cotx cscx
sinx and cscx cancel out.

⌠cotx = 1 + ⌠cotx
I=1+I
0I=1?
 
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Raza said:

Homework Statement


find ⌠cotx using integration by parts with using u= 1/sinx and dv= cosx


Homework Equations


cotx=cosx/sinx


The Attempt at a Solution


u= 1/sinx and dv= cosx dx
du = -cotxcscx dx v= sinx

⌠udv = 1 + ⌠sinx cotx cscx
sinx and cscx cancel out.

⌠cotx = 1 - ⌠cotx

Are you required to use integration by parts? If not, an ordinary substitution will work.

You have a sign error in this equation ⌠cotx = 1 - ⌠cotx . If IBP is required, try splitting u and dv differently.
 
Hello,
I know that it could be done with simple substitution. I was just curious of why it won't work by IBP.

Also, because I've seen ⌠tanx = ln|secx| and as -ln|cosx|

I thought that ⌠cotx = ln|sinx| would also be -ln|cscx|

was trying to prove that maybe it is also equal to -ln|cscx|.
 
Don't omit the differentials and the constants of integration.

Yes, ⌠cotx dx = ln|sin x| + C = - ln(1/|csc x|) + C. And you need only the properties of logs to show that - ln(1/|csc x|) = ln|sin x|.

As I already mentioned, this is very much easier when you use substitution, but I believe that you could also use IBP if you're masochistic. I would try u = cos x and dv = csc x dx instead of what you tried.
 
Thank you, Mark44, I realize that it would be too hard to go through that.
 

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