How can I solve this without using Reduction Formula?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral of cot^2 x / csc^8 x dx, which falls under the subject area of integral calculus. Participants are exploring methods to solve the integral without resorting to reduction formulas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest converting the expression to sine and cosine to facilitate substitution. Others mention the need to manipulate the expression to eliminate powers and express it in terms of multiple angles. There is also a reference to rewriting the integrand in a different form to apply integration techniques.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various approaches being proposed. Some participants provide guidance on rewriting the integral and suggest using integration by parts. However, there is no explicit consensus on a single method, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note a desire to avoid lengthy solutions involving reduction formulas, indicating a preference for more straightforward integral techniques. There is an emphasis on basic integral work and manipulation of trigonometric identities.

Dj Pedobear
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Homework Statement


integral of cot^2 x / csc^8 x dx

Homework Equations


u = cot x
du = csc^2 x du

The Attempt at a Solution


if I use reduction formula I could answer this but it's going to be very very LONG SOLUTION

I just need some basic integral work.
 
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First convert the expression to only sin and cos and then think of proper substitution. If youdo not wish to use reduction formula you need to juggle up the expressions and remove powers to get expression in terms of multiple angles.
 
Let'sthink said:
First convert the expression to only sin and cos and then think of proper substitution. If youdo not wish to use reduction formula you need to juggle up the expressions and remove powers to get expression in terms of multiple angles.
Dj Pedobear said:

Homework Statement


integral of cot^2 x / csc^8 x dx

Homework Equations


u = cot x
du = csc^2 x du

The Attempt at a Solution


if I use reduction formula I could answer this but it's going to be very very LONG SOLUTION

I just need some basic integral work.

Write the integrand as ##f(x) = \cos^2(x) \sin^6 (x)##. Use ##\cos^2(x) = 1 -\sin^2(x)## to get your integral ##F = \int f(x) \, dx## in the form ##F = I_6-I_8##, where ##I_n = \int \sin^n(x) \, dx##.

Apply integration by parts to ##I_n##, using ##u = \sin^{n-1}(x)## and ##dv = \sin(x) \, dx##. This gives
I_n = -\cos(x) \sin^{n-1}(x) + (n-1) \int \cos^2(x) \sin^{n-2}(x) \, dx = -\cos(x) \sin^{n-1}(x) + (n-1) [I_{n-2} - I_n]
This is an equation connecting ##I_n## to ##I_{n-2}##, so you can solve it to express ##I_n## in terms of ##\sin(x), \cos(x)## and ##I_{n-2}##. Finally, you can express ##I_8## in terms of ##I_6##, then ##I_6## in terms of ##I_4##, etc. The answer you want will drop out pretty quickly and easily.
 
thx :D
 

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