Finding an integral using trig. substitution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral from 0 to π/2 of cos(t)/sqrt(1+sin²(t)) dt using trigonometric substitution. Participants are exploring different substitution methods to simplify the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use a trigonometric substitution based on the formula a²+x², leading to a series of transformations. Some participants suggest alternative substitutions, such as sin(t)=x, and discuss the implications of these choices on the integral's evaluation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering suggestions for substitutions and discussing the challenges encountered. There is a recognition of the complexity involved in translating limits and handling the resulting expressions, with some participants indicating they have made progress in understanding the transformations.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of difficulties in evaluating the integral at the upper limit, where secant and tangent approach infinity. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the correct approach and the implications of different substitutions on the integral's evaluation.

adam199
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The integral from 0 to pi/2 of:

cos(t)/sqrt(1+sin^2(t)) dt

I'm supposed to use trig. substitution to find the solution. I started by using the formula a^2+x^2 to get x=atanx. In this case, sin(t)=(1)tan(θ), and so cos(t)dt=sec^2(θ)dθ and so I substituted this into the equation and got:

sec^2(θ)/sqrt(1+tan^2(θ)) -> sec^2(θ)/sqrt(sec^2(θ)) -> sec(θ)

Now, I have the integral of sec(θ)dθ, which equals ln abs(secθ+tanθ). When I take this integral at 0, it turns out to be 0, and so I'm left with the answer being solely the integral at pi/2. The problem is that the secant at pi/2 is infinity and so is the tangent at pi/2, and so the answer ends up being infinity, and this is apparently wrong.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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It would be better if you substitute sin(t)=x.
 
A trig substitution can be used after you use the substitution that Pranav-Arora recommends.
 
Pranav-Arora said:
It would be better if you substitute sin(t)=x.

I substituted sin(t)=x and got:

1/sqrt(1+x^2)dx

but when I use the trig. substitution with this integral, I come up with the same thing I had before. I don't think I understand how to do it substituting sin(t)=x and then using a trig. substitution, like Mark said.
 
Never mind. I eventually figured out how to translate the upper and lower limits of the integrand over to the final versions. Thanks.
 

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