How Do You Integrate tan^5(x) Correctly?

  • Thread starter Thread starter SpicyPepper
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integration Trig
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The integral of tan^5(x) can be computed using integration by parts and trigonometric identities. The correct solution is given by the formula ∫ tan^5(x)dx = (sec^4(x)/4) - tan^2(x) + ln|sec(x)| + C. The user initially miscalculated the integral but clarified that tan^4(x) can be expressed as (sec^2(x) - 1)^2, leading to the correct simplification. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding trigonometric identities in solving integrals involving tangent functions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integration techniques, specifically integration by parts.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities, particularly secant and tangent relationships.
  • Knowledge of indefinite integrals and their properties.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving trigonometric functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study integration by parts in detail, focusing on its application to trigonometric functions.
  • Learn about trigonometric identities, especially how to convert between tangent and secant.
  • Practice solving more complex integrals involving higher powers of trigonometric functions.
  • Explore the use of substitution methods in integration, particularly with trigonometric substitutions.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on integral calculus and trigonometric functions. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to improve their skills in solving integrals involving tangent and secant functions.

SpicyPepper
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
I'm not sure if my answer is just wrong or basically the same as the one in the back of my book.

Homework Statement


\int tan^5(x)dx

The Attempt at a Solution


My answer:

\int tan^5(x)dx = \frac{tan^4(x)}{4} - \int(sec^2(x)tan(x) - tan(x)) dx

\int tan^5(x)dx = \frac{tan^4(x)}{4} - \frac{tan^2(x)}{2} + ln|sec(x)| + C

Book answer:

\int tan^5(x)dx = \frac{sec^4(x)}{4} - tan^2(x) + ln|sec(x)| + C

If I understand correctly,

\frac{tan^4(x)}{4} + C = \frac{sec^4(x) - 1}{4} + C = \frac{sec^4(x)}{4} + C

If that's wrong let me know please.

However, I don't get why I keep getting

\frac{tan^2(x)}{2}

instead of

tan^2(x)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Ooops. tan(x)^4=(sec(x)^2-1)^2. Multiply the square out.
 
Ah! So that means my initial answer was right (assuming I don't keep screwing up my trig), since:

= tan^4(x)/4 - tan^2(x)/2 + ... + C

= [sec^4(x) - 2sec^2(x) + 1]/4 - tan^2(x)/2 + ... + C

= sec^4(x)/4 - sec^2(x)/2 - tan^2(x)/2 + ... + C

= sec^4(x)/4 - [tan^2(x) + 1]/2 - tan^2(x)/2 + ... + C

= sec^4(x)/4 - tan^2(x) + ... + C

Thanks
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K