How Do You Evaluate ∫x²√(1-x²) dx Using Trig Substitution?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral ∫x²√(1-x²) dx using trigonometric substitution. Participants explore various approaches, identities, and transformations related to the integral, focusing on the application of trigonometric identities and substitution methods.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes starting with the substitution x = sin(θ) and transforming the integral into ∫sin²(θ)cos(θ) dθ.
  • Another participant suggests using the double-angle identity for sine, leading to a new form of the integral.
  • A later reply confirms the use of the identity sin(2u) = 2sin(u)cos(u) and modifies the integral accordingly.
  • Further discussion includes the application of the double-angle identity for cosine, with participants exploring various forms of sin²(θ) and cos(2θ).
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the resulting expression not matching the expected answer, prompting a review of previous substitutions.
  • Another participant reiterates the importance of back substitution to relate the final expression to the original variable x.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the final form of the integral, as there are multiple transformations and identities discussed, leading to different expressions. Uncertainty remains regarding the correctness of the final answer derived from the various approaches.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on various trigonometric identities and substitutions, but there are unresolved steps in the transformations and back substitutions that may affect the final result. The discussion reflects a range of approaches without a definitive resolution.

karush
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W8.3.6 evaluate
$$\int {x}^{2}\sqrt{1-{x}^{2 }} \ dx
= \arcsin\left({x}\right)/8—\sin\left({4\arcsin\left({x}\right)}\right)/32 + C $$
This is from an exercise on trig substitutions so
$$x=\sin\left({x}\right)
\text{ so }
\int\sin^2 \left({x}\right)\sqrt{1-\sin^2 \left({x}\right)}\ dx
\implies \int\sin^2 \left({x}\right) \cos\left({x}\right) \ dx
$$
No example to follow on this so seeing if this is a good start
 
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I would let:

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

And the integral becomes:

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

At this point I would look at the double-angle identity for sine...:)
 
$\sin\left({2x}\right)=2\sin\left({x}\right)\cos\left({x}\right)$
Then
$I=2\int\sin^2 \left({2x}\right)\ dx $
?
 
You are correct when you state:

$$\sin(2u)=2\sin(u)\cos(u)$$

However, this then means:

$$\sin(u)\cos(u)=\frac{\sin(2u)}{2}$$

And so the integral becomes:

$$I=\frac{1}{4}\int \sin^2(2\theta)\,d\theta$$

Now a double-angle identity for cosine can be used...the form which relates the cosine of a double-angle to a function of the square of the sine function...:)
 
Double angle of cosine can be used?

$$\cos\left({2\theta}\right)=1-2\sin^2 \left({\theta}\right)$$
 
$$\sin^2(x)=1-\cos^2(x)$$

$$2\sin^2(x)=1-\cos^2(x)+\sin^2(x)$$

$$2\sin^2(x)=1-\cos(2x)$$

$$\sin^2(x)=\dfrac{1-\cos(2x)}{2}$$
 
Last edited:
So then we would have

$$I=\frac{1}{4}\int\frac{1}{2} \ dx
- \frac{1}{4 }\int\frac{\cos\left({2x}\right)}{2} \ dx
\implies
\frac{x}{8} - \frac{\sin\left({2x}\right)}{16} + C
$$
This doesn't look like the answer!
 
karush said:
So then we would have

$$I=\frac{1}{4}\int\frac{1}{2} \ dx
- \frac{1}{4 }\int\frac{\cos\left({2x}\right)}{2} \ dx
\implies
\frac{x}{8} - \frac{\sin\left({2x}\right)}{16} + C
$$
This doesn't look like the answer!

You have forgotten that you converted to a function of $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \theta \end{align*}$.

So from $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{\theta}{8} - \frac{\sin{(2\,\theta )}}{16} + C \end{align*}$ and recalling your original substitution of $\displaystyle \begin{align*} x = \sin{(\theta)} \end{align*}$ what is the answer?
 
karush said:
Double angle of cosine can be used?

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

Yes, from this you get (I will use $u$ instead of $\theta$ since we are already using $\theta$):

$$\sin^2(u)=\frac{1-\cos(2u)}{2}$$

And so your integral then becomes:

$$I=\frac{1}{8}\int 1-\cos(4\theta)\,d\theta$$
 
  • #10
earlier
$x=\sin\left({\theta}\right)$
so
$\theta = \arcsin\left({x}\right)$
Then back substittute
$\displaystyle \frac{\arcsin\left({x}\right)}{8} - \frac{\sin\left({4\arcsin\left({x}\right)}\right)}{32}+C$
 
Last edited:

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