Finding an integral using trig. substitution

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SUMMARY

The integral from 0 to π/2 of cos(t)/sqrt(1+sin²(t)) dt can be solved using trigonometric substitution. The initial substitution of sin(t) = tan(θ) leads to the integral of sec(θ) dθ, which evaluates to ln|sec(θ) + tan(θ)|. However, evaluating this at the upper limit π/2 results in an undefined expression due to sec(π/2) and tan(π/2) both approaching infinity. A more effective approach involves substituting sin(t) = x, leading to the integral of 1/sqrt(1+x²) dx, which simplifies the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities and substitutions
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, particularly trigonometric integrals
  • Knowledge of limits and their behavior in calculus
  • Experience with the properties of logarithmic functions
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Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians focusing on integration techniques, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of trigonometric substitutions in integral calculus.

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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