Definite integral of rational function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the definite integral of the rational function (t^3 + t - 1)/(sin(t)) from 2 to x^2. Participants are exploring the complexities of evaluating this integral as part of a final exam review in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss simplifying the integral and applying the fundamental theorem of calculus. There are attempts to express the integral in terms of known functions, such as recognizing 1/sin(t) as csc(t). Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their approaches and question whether they are on the right track.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants attempting to clarify the problem statement and its requirements. There is a recognition of the potential difficulty of the integral, and some participants express concern about missing information that could affect their understanding and approach.

Contextual Notes

Some participants indicate that the problem may have been recorded incorrectly, leading to confusion about the necessary details for solving it. There is a suggestion that the problem might be simpler than initially perceived, depending on the exact wording provided by the instructor.

nlsherrill
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Homework Statement



The definite integral of (t^3 + t -1)/(sin(t)) from 2 to x^2

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



First off, I don't have the solution anywhere, my teacher just gave this to us to work on for the final exam review.

I can think of a few things. I know for the definite integrals you can first simplify the expression as an indefinite integral, then use the fundamental theorem to solve. I know the integral of 1/sin(t)=ln(sint), and integral of (t^3 + t -1)=(t^4/4 + t^2/2 -t) so for the indefinite integral I have..

(t^4/4 + t^2/2 -t)ln(sint). do I then just plug in the upper and lower limits to simplify? I kind of feel like I'm on the wrong track because it looks sloppy and usually he gives us problems that have reasonable looking solutions.

Another attempt is that I recognized 1/sin(t)=csc(t). So then I am left with the integral of (t^3 + t -1)(csc(t))... but I'm not sure if substitution would work.
 
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nlsherrill said:

Homework Statement



The definite integral of (t^3 + t -1)/(sin(t)) from 2 to x^2

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



First off, I don't have the solution anywhere, my teacher just gave this to us to work on for the final exam review.

I can think of a few things. I know for the definite integrals you can first simplify the expression as an indefinite integral, then use the fundamental theorem to solve. I know the integral of 1/sin(t)=ln(sint),
Then you know something that isn't true! You seem to be thinking that
nlsherrill said:
and integral of (t^3 + t -1)=(t^4/4 + t^2/2 -t) so for the indefinite integral I have..

(t^4/4 + t^2/2 -t)ln(sint).
No, that's not right, either.
nlsherrill said:
do I then just plug in the upper and lower limits to simplify? I kind of feel like I'm on the wrong track because it looks sloppy and usually he gives us problems that have reasonable looking solutions.

Another attempt is that I recognized 1/sin(t)=csc(t). So then I am left with the integral of (t^3 + t -1)(csc(t))... but I'm not sure if substitution would work.
 
What is the complete problem statement? I have the feeling that you have omitted an important detail.
 
Mark44 said:
What is the complete problem statement? I have the feeling that you have omitted an important detail.

I am sorry but all I have put down is all that's on the paper. Is there more information needed to solve it?
 
The integral you gave looks to be pretty difficult. I have a suspicion that the problem is something like this:
[tex]f(x) = \int_2^{x^2} \frac{(t^3 + t - 1)dt}{sin(t)}[/tex]
Find f'(x).​
 
Mark44 said:
The integral you gave looks to be pretty difficult. I have a suspicion that the problem is something like this:
[tex]f(x) = \int_2^{x^2} \frac{(t^3 + t - 1)dt}{sin(t)}[/tex]
Find f'(x).​

yes that is exactly it. Sorry I don't know how to do the Latex.

This problem is way harder than the others my prof gave us for the final exam review(calculus 1). I guess its possible I wrote it down incorrectly.
 
Whether you know how to use LaTeX or not, you need to give the problem statement exactly as given, which you did not do. If you don't provide the given information we are likely to waste a lot of time trying 1) to solve a different problem than the one that was given, and 2) to solve a problem that is much more difficult than it needs to be.

You omitted very important information!

To do this problem you don't need to carry out the integration, but you do need to know about the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
 

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