Do I integrate it using Trigonometry substitution?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the integral \(\int\frac{1}{1-2\sin(x)}dx\). Participants explore various methods for solving the integral, including the Weierstrass substitution and trigonometric substitution, while addressing potential errors in the approach and the final answer.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using the Weierstrass substitution to rewrite the integral, leading to a new form involving \(u\).
  • Another participant suggests that trigonometric substitution might be a valid approach, but expresses uncertainty about obtaining the correct final answer.
  • A participant points out a potential relationship involving \((\csc\theta + \cot\theta)^2\) and its connection to \((\sec\theta + 1)^2/\tan^2\theta\), but does not clarify its relevance to the original problem.
  • There is mention of using logarithmic properties to simplify expressions, specifically that \(2\ln x = \ln x^2\), but the context of this simplification is not fully explained.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to solve the integral or on the correctness of the approaches taken. There is ongoing discussion about the validity of the trigonometric substitution and the interpretation of logarithmic expressions.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the manipulation of logarithmic expressions and the application of trigonometric identities remain unresolved. The discussion does not clarify the implications of squaring terms or the specific steps leading to the final answer.

caseyjay
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Dear all,

I would like to evaluate \int\frac{1}{1-2sin\left(x\right)}dx

Firstly, I make use of the Weierstrass substitution method by letting:

u=tan\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)

and therefore

sin\left(x\right)=\frac{2u}{1+u^{2}}

and

dx=\frac{2}{1+u^{2}}du

Eventually I can rewrite my integral as:

2\int\frac{1}{u^{2}-4u+1}du

Since the denominator of the integrand cannot be factorised, I try using trigonometry substitution by first rewriting the integral as

2\int\frac{1}{\left(u-2\right)^{2}-\sqrt{3}^{2}}du

And then by letting

u=2+\sqrt{3}sec\left(\theta\right)
du=\sqrt{3}sec\left(\theta\right)tan\left(\theta\right)d\theta

After that I substitute u and du into the equation and I obtain

\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}\int\frac{sec\left(\theta\right)}{tan\left(\theta\right)}d\theta=\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}\int csc\left(\theta\right)d\theta

And that will give me:

\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}ln\left|csc(\theta)+cot(\theta)\right|+C

But now if I replace \theta with sec^{-1}\frac{u-2}{\sqrt{3}} I am unable to obtain the answer which is given as:

\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}ln\left|\frac{tan\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)-2-\sqrt{3}}{tan\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)-2+\sqrt{3}}\right|+C

From the answer given, it seems to me that I should use partial fraction instead of trigonometry substitution. However I am pretty sure if I use trigonometry substitution, I should get the answer.

May I know what am I doing wrong here?

Thank you very much in advance.
 
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Hi caseyjay! :smile:
caseyjay said:
May I know what am I doing wrong here?

Nothing …

(cosecθ + cotθ)2 = (secθ + 1)2/tan2θ = (secθ + 1)/(secθ - 1) :wink:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi caseyjay! :smile:

Nothing …

(cosecθ + cotθ)2 = (secθ + 1)2/tan2θ = (secθ + 1)/(secθ - 1) :wink:

Hi Tiny-Tim,

May I know why do you square cosecθ + cotθ? Did I miss out any "squares" in my working? I do not know from where and why did you square cosecθ + cotθ.
 
The two outside of the ln can become a power by log rules.
 
yeah …

as l'Hôpital :smile: says, 2lnx = lnx2 :wink:
 

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