Evaluating $\int \tan^9(x) \sec^4(x) dx$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the integral $\int \tan^9(x) \sec^4(x) \, dx$. Participants explore different methods of integration, including substitution and trigonometric identities, while sharing their approaches and reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a solution using the substitution $u = \tan(x)$ and integrates to find $I_{32} = \dfrac{\tan^{12}(x)}{12} + \dfrac{\tan^{10}(x)}{10} + C$, applying the identity $\tan^2(x) + 1 = \sec^2(x)$.
  • Another participant suggests converting the integral to sine and cosine, expressing it as $\int \frac{\sin^9(x)}{\cos^{13}(x)} \, dx$ and proposes a substitution $u = \cos(x)$, leading to a different form of the integral.
  • A third participant expresses agreement with the sine and cosine approach, indicating a focus on powers in the evaluation.
  • One participant reiterates their earlier solution, confirming the integration steps and asking for suggestions, while another participant points out a potential typo in the presented solution.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the identified typo, indicating a lack of clarity on the matter.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple approaches to the integral, with no consensus on a single method or solution. Disagreement exists regarding the identification of a typo in one of the solutions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' methods depend on specific substitutions and identities, which may not be universally applicable without additional context or assumptions. The discussion reflects varying levels of comfort with trigonometric identities and integration techniques.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in integral calculus, particularly those exploring trigonometric integrals and different methods of evaluation, may find this discussion beneficial.

karush
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$\text{206.8.7.32}$
Given and evaluation
$$\displaystyle
I_{32}=\int \tan^9\left({x}\right)\sec^4(x) \, dx
=\dfrac{\tan^{12}\left(x\right)}{12}
+\dfrac{\tan^{10}\left(x\right)}{10} + C$$
use identity $\tan^2\left({x}\right)+1=\sec^2\left(x\right)$
$$u=\tan\left(x\right)
\therefore
du =\sec^{2}\left(x\right) \, dx$$
substitute and integrate
$$\displaystyle
I_{32}=\int u^9\left(u^2+1\right) \, du
☕
\implies \int u^{11}+u^9 \, du
\implies \frac{u^{12}}{u^{12}}+\frac{u^{10}}{10} +C$$
backsubstute $u=\tan\left(x\right) $
$$I_{32}=\dfrac{\tan^{12}\left(x\right)}{12}
+\dfrac{\tan^{10}\left(x\right)}{10} + C $$Ok think I got this one ? Suggestions?
 
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With me, it is almost a reflex to change everything to sine and cosine. tan= sine/cosine and secant= 1/cosine so tan^9(x)sec^4= \frac{sin^9(x)}{cos^9(x)}\frac{1}{cos^4(x)}= \frac{sin^9(x)}{cos^{13}(x)}. That has both sin and cosine to an odd power. Since sine is in the numerator, we can factor one sine out, to use with the differential, then change the even power of sine to cosine: \int \frac{sin^8(x)}{cos^{13}(x)}(sin(x)dx)= \int \frac{(1- cos^2(x))^4}{cos^{13}(x)}(sin(x)dx) Now, let u= cos(x) so that du= -sin(x)dx and that becomes -\int \frac{(1- u^2)^4}{u^{13}}du= -\int \frac{u^8- 4u^6+ 6u^4- 4u^2+ 1}{u^{13}}du= \int -u^{-5}+ 4u^{-7}- 6u^{-9}+4u^{-11}- u^{-13} du
 
I think that's a good idea.
Was looking at this one terms of powers
:cool:
 
karush said:
$\text{206.8.7.32}$
Given and evaluation
$$\displaystyle
I_{32}=\int \tan^9\left({x}\right)\sec^4(x) \, dx
=\dfrac{\tan^{12}\left(x\right)}{12}
+\dfrac{\tan^{10}\left(x\right)}{10} + C$$
use identity $\tan^2\left({x}\right)+1=\sec^2\left(x\right)$
$$u=\tan\left(x\right)
\therefore
du =\sec^{2}\left(x\right) \, dx$$
substitute and integrate
$$\displaystyle
I_{32}=\int u^9\left(u^2+1\right) \, du
☕
\implies \int u^{11}+u^9 \, du
\implies \frac{u^{12}}{u^{12}}+\frac{u^{10}}{10} +C$$
backsubstute $u=\tan\left(x\right) $
$$I_{32}=\dfrac{\tan^{12}\left(x\right)}{12}
+\dfrac{\tan^{10}\left(x\right)}{10} + C $$Ok think I got this one ? Suggestions?
Good work! Works fine! (Minus the typo - can you spot it)?
 
typo no see😰
 

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