How can I solve this U-Substitution problem involving cos and square roots?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an integration problem involving the indefinite integral of a function that includes cosine and square roots. The original poster is exploring various approaches to solve the integral using substitution techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster considers multiple strategies for substitution, including simplifying the problem first, applying the product rule, or canceling like terms. Participants suggest using a specific substitution of variables, such as t = x^2 or t = u^2, to facilitate the integration process.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in exploring different substitution methods. Some guidance has been offered regarding variable substitution, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about their current understanding and the steps taken so far, indicating a need for clarification on the substitution process and its implications for the integral.

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Hi,
For this integration by substitution problem, I am not sure whether I should:

1. simplify the problem first, then select U, find the derivative of U, then integrate

or

2. use the product rule first (on the upper part of the equation), then select U, then find the derivative of U, then integrate,

or

3. if I could just cancel like terms first, and be left with cos to integrate

Homework Statement



Evaluate the indefinite integral

Homework Equations



integral of cos * (square root of t) / (square root of t) dt

The Attempt at a Solution



integral of cos * (square root of t) / (square root of t) dt

integral of [cos t^(1/2)] / t^(1/2) dt

let U = cos t ^ 1/2

du = 1/2 (sin t 3/2) / (t 3/2)

Now I am really lost! What should I do?
 
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Try t = x^2
 
Count Iblis said:
Try t = x^2

Thanks for your reply Count Iblis. How does x come in this?
 
It's just a variable name. If you prefer to use 'u' instead, make it t = u^2.
 
Still trying to figure out what you mean by t = u^2.

Up to where was I right?
 
t = u^2 means you're going to use the substitution u = sqrt(t) to evaluate your integral. I'm pretty sure you can continue from there
 

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