How can I evaluate the integral using a trigonometric identity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral $$\displaystyle \int \dfrac{5}{x^2\sqrt{25-x^2}}\, dx$$ using trigonometric identities. Participants explore different substitution methods and transformations related to trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the substitution $u=5\sin{x}$ and derives an expression for $dx$ in terms of $du$.
  • Another participant proposes a different substitution, $x=5\sin{t}$, leading to a transformed integral that simplifies to $$\dfrac{1}{5} \int \csc^2{t} \, dt$$ and provides a solution involving $\cot{t}$.
  • There are mentions of issues with rendering LaTeX on smartphones, which may affect the clarity of the discussion for some participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present different substitution methods without reaching a consensus on the best approach. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective method for evaluating the integral.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the readability of LaTeX on various devices are mentioned, which may limit the accessibility of the mathematical expressions for certain participants.

karush
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Evaluate using a trig identity
$$\displaystyle
\int \dfrac{5}{x^2\sqrt{25-x^2}}\, dx$$
my first inclination to set
$u=5\sin{x}$
then
$du=5\cos{x}\, dx$ or $dx=\dfrac{du}{5\cos {x}}$
 
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$x=5\sin{t} \implies dx=5\cos{t} \, dt$

$$\int \dfrac{25\cos{t}}{25\sin^2{t}\sqrt{25-25\sin^2{t}}} \, dt$$

$$\dfrac{1}{5} \int \csc^2{t} \, dt = -\dfrac{1}{5}\cot{t}+C$$

$t=\arcsin\left(\dfrac{x}{5}\right) \implies -\dfrac{1}{5}\cot{t}=-\dfrac{\sqrt{25-x^2}}{5x}$
 

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karush said:
Ok this what it was on my cell phone

?

here is a pic ... see if your phone renders it ok
 

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Yeah thanks

That was weird
..🐴
 
If I recall, smartphones can't read LaTeX, though that was before 2018. I don't know how it is now.
 

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