How can I integrate trig functions using u-substitution and n-substitution?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a trigonometric function, specifically the integral of sin(w) divided by the square root of (1 - cos(w)). Participants are exploring methods of integration, particularly u-substitution and n-substitution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts u-substitution with u = cos(w) and discusses the resulting integral. They also explore n-substitution with n = 1 - u. Some participants suggest alternative substitutions, such as u = 1 - cos(w), to simplify the process.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing feedback on each other's approaches. There is acknowledgment of the validity of the original poster's method, along with suggestions for potentially more efficient substitutions. No explicit consensus has been reached, but constructive guidance has been offered.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention using external tools like WolframAlpha to verify their answers, indicating a focus on self-checking and understanding rather than solely arriving at a solution.

marc017
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
This isn't homework, It is just book problems that I am practicing, I am checking some answers with wolfram and others with the book answers.

Homework Statement



<br /> \begin{align}<br /> \int \frac{sin(w)\,dw}{\sqrt{1-cos(w)}}\\<br /> \end{align}<br />

Homework Equations



I used u substitution... Not sure if I approached this problem the correct way

The Attempt at a Solution



<br /> \begin{align}<br /> \int \frac{sin(w)\,dw}{\sqrt{1-cos(w)}}\\<br /> \end{align}<br />

Using U sub... U = cos(w), du = -sin(w)

<br /> \begin{align}<br /> - \int \frac{\,du}{\sqrt{1-u}}\\<br /> \end{align}<br />

Using n sub... n=1-u, dn = -1

<br /> \begin{align}<br /> \int \frac{\,du}{\sqrt{n}} = 2\sqrt{(1-cos(w))} + C\\<br /> \end{align}<br />
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
marc017 said:
This isn't homework, It is just book problems that I am practicing, I am checking some answers with wolfram and others with the book answers.

Homework Statement



<br /> \begin{align}<br /> \int \frac{sin(w)\,dw}{\sqrt{1-cos(w)}}\\<br /> \end{align}<br />


Homework Equations



I used u substitution... Not sure if I approached this problem the correct way

The Attempt at a Solution



<br /> \begin{align}<br /> \int \frac{sin(w)\,dw}{\sqrt{1-cos(w)}}\\<br /> \end{align}<br />

Using U sub... U = cos(w), du = -sin(w)

<br /> \begin{align}<br /> - \int \frac{\,du}{\sqrt{1-u}}\\<br /> \end{align}<br />

Using n sub... n=1-u, dn = -1

<br /> \begin{align}<br /> \int \frac{\,du}{\sqrt{n}} = 2\sqrt{(1-cos(w))} + C\\<br /> \end{align}<br />

Looks good. One nice thing about these types of problems is that you can check them yourself. If your answer is correct, you should be able to differentiate it and get the integrand.

As for your substitution, what you did is OK, but you can kill two birds with one stone by letting u = 1 - cos(w). Then du = sin(w)dw.
 
Mark44 said:
Looks good. One nice thing about these types of problems is that you can check them yourself. If your answer is correct, you should be able to differentiate it and get the integrand.

As for your substitution, what you did is OK, but you can kill two birds with one stone by letting u = 1 - cos(w). Then du = sin(w)dw.

Thank you.. I was checking the integrals on wolfram but it seems to work much better if I take my answer and try to get the integral. And I can't believe I didn't think of the 1-cos(w) substitution :redface:

I just found this forum and you guys have been a lot of help! Maybe one day i will be good enough to answer other people's questions.
 
marc017 said:
Thank you.. I was checking the integrals on wolfram but it seems to work much better if I take my answer and try to get the integral.
...
Speaking of using WolframAlpha, their result for this integration is ##\displaystyle \ \frac{4 \sin^2(x/2)}{(1-\cos(x))^{3/2}}+C \ .##

By the way, this is equivalent to your answer.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K