How do I solve this odd power of sine integral problem?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the integral of the function (sin(x))^2 * (cos(x))^3 dx. Participants suggest using trigonometric identities, specifically sin^2(x) = 1 - cos^2(x), to simplify the integral. The final solution involves separating the integral into two parts: ∫sin^2(x)cos(x)dx and -∫sin^4(x)cos(x)dx, leading to the result of (sin(x)^3)/3 - (sin(x)^5)/5. The conversation emphasizes the importance of substitution methods and reduction formulas in solving trigonometric integrals.

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Homework Statement



Integral((sin(x))^2((cos(x))^2) dx


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



separate Cos (x)^3

sin(x)^2 (cos(x))(cos(x))^3

Then:apply identities

sin(x)^2(cos(x))(1-sin(x)^2)


And now I am lost!:eek:



Thanks a lot!
 
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Is that supposed to be (cosx)^4 or something (unless you divide by cos as well, you cannot have a cos^3 out of cos^2)?

The way I would do this is to use the identity that sin^2 x is 1 - cos^2 x, and then you can integrate cos^n x with a reduction formula or double angle identities.

Or you could start off with double angle identities and see where it leads you.
 
Yea Sorry I screwed that up the original integral is
Integral((sin(x))^2((cos(x))^3) dx


Then
separate Cos (x)^3

sin(x)^2 (cos(x))(cos(x))^2

Then:apply identities

sin(x)^2(cos(x))(1-sin(x)^2)

So now If I change the sin(x)^2 to 1-cos(x)^2 I won't have dx just as if I change it back?
 
(sinx)^2 = 1-(cosx)^2
so...

Int((sin(x))^2((cos(x))^3) dx
=Int[(cosx)^3(1-(cosx)^2)]dx
=Int[(cosx)^3 - (cosx)^5]dx
= -(cosx)^4/4sinx + (cosx)^6/6sinx

Right?
 
Last edited:
I would stick with changing cosine to sin. Then you get
\int sin^2(x)cos(x)dx -\int sin^4(x)cos(x)dx

A discerning eye will note a great substitution there
 
Perhaps you should try using

\sin (2x) = 2 \sin (x) \cos (x)

edit: sorry, didn't see the new problem
 
Ok here's my shot at this one at 6:40 AM :bugeye:

so it becomes

\int sin^2(x)cos(x)dx -\int sin^4(x)cos(x)dx

by using 1-sin(x)^2

So I make u sin(x)
du cos(x)

Therefore I get (sin(x)^3)/3-(sin(x)^5)/5

That sound about right?

Thanks,
Andy
 
Looks good to me
 

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