How can trigonometric substitution simplify integration?

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    Integral Substitution
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of trigonometric substitution to simplify the integration of the function $\int{x}^{2}\sqrt{1-{x}^{2}}dx$. Participants explore various substitution methods and the implications of these choices on the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the substitution $u=\sec(x)$ but expresses confusion about the process.
  • Another participant proposes using $u = \sin(\theta)$ as an alternative substitution, indicating a preference for this method.
  • There is a discussion on the transformation of the integral into $\int \sin^2(\theta)\cos(\theta)d\theta$ after the substitution.
  • A participant questions the origin of the factor $\frac{1}{8}$ in the integral transformation, leading to an explanation involving double-angle identities.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the notation and transformations used, particularly regarding the differential $d(2\theta)$ and its relation to $dx$.
  • There is a suggestion to use the identity $\sin^2(\theta)=(1-\cos(2\theta))/2$ to simplify the integral further.
  • Participants discuss back-substituting for $\theta$ using the inverse sine function, with some uncertainty about the process.
  • Further exploration of double-angle identities and their application to the integration process is presented, with varying levels of confidence among participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to the integration problem, with multiple competing views and methods being discussed throughout the thread.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion about the notation and transformations, indicating potential limitations in understanding the relationships between different substitutions and their implications for the integral.

karush
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$\int{x}^{2}\sqrt{1-{x}^{2}}dx$
$u=\sec\left({x}\right)\ du= \frac{\sin\left({x}\right)}{{\cos\left({x}\right)}^{2}}dx$

I pursued this but got lost, maybe I don't need a trig subst.
 
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karush said:
$\int{x}^{2}\sqrt{1-{x}^{2}}dx$
$u=\sec\left({x}\right)\ du= \frac{\sin\left({x}\right)}{{\cos\left({x}\right)}^{2}}dx$

I pursued this but got lost, maybe I don't need a trig subst.
Try u = sin(theta) or x = cos(theta).

-Dan
 
$x=\sin\left({\theta}\right)\ dx=\cos\left({\theta}\right)$

$\int\sin^2\left({\theta}\right)\cos\left({\theta}\right)d\theta$
 
karush said:
$x=\sin\left({\theta}\right)\ dx=\cos\left({\theta}\right)$

$\int\sin^2\left({\theta}\right)\cos\left({\theta}\right)d\theta$
That's the one! Can you finish it from here?

-Dan
 
$u=\sin\left({\theta}\right)
\ du=\cos\left({\theta}\right)\ d\theta$
$\int{u}^{2}\ du$

This isn't heading towards the TI answer
 
If you let:

$$x=\sin(\theta)\implies dx=\cos(\theta)\,d\theta$$

Then your integral becomes:

$$I=\int \sin^2(\theta)\cos^2(\theta)\,d\theta$$

At this point, I would then rewrite the integral as:

$$I=\frac{1}{8}\int \sin^2(2\theta)\,d(2\theta)$$

Now, use a double-angle identity for cosine to proceed...:D
 
Where does the 1/8 come from?
 
karush said:
Where does the 1/8 come from?

It comes from:

i) $$\sin^2(2u)=4\sin^2(u)\cos^2(u)$$

ii) We want the differential to be $$d(2\theta)$$

Does that make sense?
 
Yes but have never seen $dx$ look like $d(2\theta)$
 
  • #10
karush said:
Yes but have never seen $dx$ look like $d(2\theta)$

It allows you to avoid yet another substitution, where you could let:

$$u=2\theta\implies du=2d\theta=d(2\theta)$$

It simply means you would be integrating with respect to $2\theta$. :D
 
  • #11
Do you mean he identity of
$\sin^2\left({\theta}\right)=(1-\cos\left({2\theta}\right)) / 2$
I proceeded with this but the $\cos\left({2\theta}\right)$ got?
Sorry for delay on reply but it's the end of the quarter and I got overwhelmed
 
  • #12
Yes, that's the identity I meant, so now we have:

$$I=\frac{1}{32}\int 1-\cos(4\theta)\,d(4\theta)=\frac{1}{32}\left(4\theta-\sin(4\theta)\right)+C$$

Now, back-substitute for $\theta$, perhaps using some trig. identities first. :D
 
  • #13
$\theta$?
Not sure how that was given?
 
  • #14
karush said:
$\theta$?
Not sure how that was given?

Take the substitution you used and solve it for $\theta$. :D
 
  • #15
$x=\sin\left({\theta}\right)$
$\sin^{-1}\left({x}\right)=\theta$

This?
 
  • #16
karush said:
$x=\sin\left({\theta}\right)$
$\sin^{-1}\left({x}\right)=\theta$

This?

Yes, that'd be it! :D
 
  • #17
$ \frac{1}{8}\left[\arcsin\left({x}\right)-x\right]+C$

I hope..
 
  • #18
karush said:
$ \frac{1}{8}\left[\arcsin\left({x}\right)-x\right]+C$

I hope..

No, you are going to need to use some double-angle identities...and a Pythagorean identity because your anti-derivative has $4\theta$ as the trig. argument...:D
 
  • #19
$\sin\left({4\theta}\right)=4\sin\left({\theta}\right)\cos^3\left({\theta}\right)
-4\sin^3\left({\theta}\right)\cos\left({\theta}\right)$

Do I proceed with this? that's expanding this a lot.
 
  • #20
I would write:

$$\sin(4\theta)=2\sin(2\theta)\cos(2\theta)=4\sin(\theta)\cos(\theta)\left(1-2\sin^2(\theta)\right)$$

Now you just need to write $\cos(\theta)$ in terms of $\sin(\theta)$.
 
  • #21
MarkFL said:
I would write:

$$\sin(4\theta)=2\sin(2\theta)\cos(2\theta)=4\sin(\theta)\cos(\theta)\left(1-2\sin^2(\theta)\right)$$

Now you just need to write $\cos(\theta)$ in terms of $\sin(\theta)$.

this one? $\sin\left({\frac{\pi}{2}-\theta}\right)=\cos\left({\theta}\right)$
 

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