Definite integrals with trig issues

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the definite integral from 0 to π/2 of the function sin^5(θ) cos^5(θ) dθ. Participants explore various methods of integration, including the use of double angle formulas and integration by parts, while expressing difficulties in arriving at the correct solution.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant attempts to simplify the integral using double angle formulas and substitution, leading to confusion about the correct limits and resulting expressions.
  • Another suggests using integration by parts, indicating that finding the right functions to differentiate and integrate could simplify the problem.
  • A participant expresses frustration at returning to the same problem despite trying different approaches, including a transformation of variables.
  • There is a discussion about the limits of integration, with one participant asserting that the limits should be (-1, 1) for the substitution used, while another insists that the original limits of π/2 are correct.
  • Some participants share their results, with one claiming to have arrived at a specific value for the integral, while another questions the correctness of that value.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct method or solution to the integral. There are multiple competing views on the approach to take and the interpretation of limits, indicating ongoing disagreement and uncertainty.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion regarding the application of limits after substitution, and there are unresolved issues related to the correctness of intermediate steps in the integration process.

loserspearl
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from 0 to π/2
∫sin5θ cos5θ dθ

I have been trying to solve the above for quite some time now yet can't see what I am doing wrong. I break it down using double angle formulas into:
∫ 1/25 sin5(2θ) dθ
1/32 ∫sin4(2θ) * sin(2θ) dθ
1/32 ∫(1-cos2(2θ))2 * sin(2θ) dθ

With this I can make u = cos(2θ) and du = -sin(2θ) dθ, so insert -du
-1/32 ∫(1-u2)2 du

Here is where I get lost leading me into various answers, none of which are right.

What seems correct is to expand that into 1-2u2+u4 for 3 separate integrals all multiplied by -1/32 but it gets me to π/64 - 1/24 + 1/80

Can anyone help?
 
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Try integration by parts. You should only find the right functions to differentiate and integrate. Then rules for sine or cosine squared will take care of the rest. Its not that hard!
 
So v=sinθ and du=cos dθ makes dv=cosθ (or is it cosθ dθ?) and u=sinθ

sin5θ * sin5θ - ∫sin5θ * cos5θ dθ ??

because I'm back at the same problem

I even tried the X=Y-X form and changed in 2X=Y/2 and still didn't get the right answer
 
Last edited:
loserspearl said:
from 0 to π/2
∫sin5θ cos5θ dθ

I have been trying to solve the above for quite some time now yet can't see what I am doing wrong. I break it down using double angle formulas into:
∫ 1/25 sin5(2θ) dθ
1/32 ∫sin4(2θ) * sin(2θ) dθ
1/32 ∫(1-cos2(2θ))2 * sin(2θ) dθ

With this I can make u = cos(2θ) and du = -sin(2θ) dθ, so insert -du
-1/32 ∫(1-u2)2 du

Here is where I get lost leading me into various answers, none of which are right.

What seems correct is to expand that into 1-2u2+u4 for 3 separate integrals all multiplied by -1/32 but it gets me to π/64 - 1/24 + 1/80

Can anyone help?
I did it exactly as you did and got 1/32(1- 2/3+1/5) = 1/60.

The indefinite integral is (1/64)(u - (2/3)u^3 + (1/5)u^5) and the limits are (-1,1).

It seems your error is having π where you should have 2.
 
Huh? What did you do after -1/32 ∫(1-u2)2 du?

Not sure what you mean about my error, pi/2 is the limit why would it be 2?
 
Last edited:
Try dv=\sin\theta \cos^5 \theta or dv=\cos\theta \sin^5 \theta.
 
loserspearl said:
Huh? What did you do after -1/32 ∫(1-u2)2 du?

Not sure what you mean about my error, pi/2 is the limit why would it be 2?
The limits on θ are (-π/2,π/2). This becomes (-1,1) for u.
 

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