How Do You Master Trigonometric Integration with Higher Exponentials?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around techniques for integrating trigonometric functions, specifically focusing on higher exponentials of tangent and cotangent. Participants explore various methods and identities related to trigonometric integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration of functions like \(\tan^{2n}x\) and \(\cot^{2n}x\), with some suggesting the use of identities and substitutions. Questions arise about the effectiveness of switching between cotangent and sine/cosine, as well as the handling of even exponentials in integrals.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to the integration problem, with participants sharing their attempts and questioning the validity of certain methods. Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of identities and factoring, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive method.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion particularly with integrals involving even exponentials and the application of trigonometric identities. There is mention of specific challenges with certain exponentials and the need for clarity in the steps taken during integration.

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http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/5647/integraljr9.jpg

Can anybody please help me explain how to do this step-by-step by using the techniques of integration?

Thank you. :smile:
 
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There should be a chapter in your textbook about trigonometric integral. You can take a look at it.
Generally, to integrate:
\int \tan ^ {2n}x dx, or \int \cot ^ {2n}x dx, we can do as follow:
Say, we want to integrate:
\int \tan ^ 6 x dx = \int ( \tan ^ 6 x + \tan ^ 4 x - \tan ^ 4 x - \tan ^ 2 x + \tan ^ 2 x + 1 - 1) dx
= \int \tan ^ 4 x (\tan ^ 2 x + 1) dx - \int \tan ^ 2 x (\tan ^ 2 x + 1) dx + \int \sec ^ 2 x dx - \int dx
= \int \tan ^ 4 x \sec ^ 2 x dx - \int \tan ^ 2 x \sec ^ 2 x dx + \int \sec ^ 2 x dx - \int dx
= \int \tan ^ 4 x d(\tan x) - \int \tan ^ 2 x d(\tan x) + \int \sec ^ 2 x dx - \int dx
= \frac{\tan ^ 5 x}{5} - \frac{\tan ^ 3 x}{3} + \tan x - x + C.
Ok, can you go from here? :)
 
For the problem I posted, don't I have to switch "cot" to "cos/sin" (ratio identity) and then use the half-angle/double identities?
 
p4nda said:
For the problem I posted, don't I have to switch "cot" to "cos/sin" (ratio identity) and then use the half-angle/double identities?
If you change to sin, and cos, and work from there, I think you will be messed up. You'll get some expression quite 'ugly'. You can try to see if it works. :)
Anyway, have you tried the way I suggested? Did you get the answer?
In the example, I used the identity: sec2x = tan2x + 1.
To tackle the problem you asked, you should note that: csc2x = cot2x + 1.
 
I really appreciate your help, but I'm still kind of lost. I understand how to do the ones with a "6" exponential, but usually the ones with a "4" exponential confuses me. The integrals with a trig. function alone with an "even" exponential (e.g. Tan^[x]) is what gets me. However, I understand the integrals with two trig. functions (e.g. Tan^3[x]Sec^4[x]). For the integral with a single trig. function and a "4" exponential, are you supposed to split it into two (ex. Cot^2[x]Cot^2[x])?

I tried doing my posted problem and I got:
1/3csc^3[x] - cscx + C
 
Last edited:
p4nda said:
I really appreciate your help, but I'm still kind of lost. I understand how to do the ones with a "6" exponential, but usually the ones with a "4" exponential confuses me. The integrals with a trig. function alone with an "even" exponential (e.g. Tan^[x]) is what gets me. However, I understand the integrals with two trig. functions (e.g. Tan^3[x]Sec^4[x]). For the integral with a single trig. function and a "4" exponential, are you supposed to split it into two (ex. Cot^2[x]Cot^2[x])?
You can add, and then subtract cot2x, and 1 respectively. Like this:
\cot ^ 4 x = \cot ^ 4 x + \cot ^ 2 x - \cot ^ 2 x - 1 + 1
Then we'll try to factor the expression, and we have:
\cot ^ 4 x = \cot ^ 4 x + \cot ^ 2 x - \cot ^ 2 x - 1 + 1 = \cot ^ 2 x (\cot ^ 2 x + 1) - (\cot ^ 2 x + 1) + 1 = \cot ^ 2 x \csc ^ 2 x - \csc x + \fbox{1}.
The main aim is to factor it so that csc2x appear, and we can then use the substitution:
u = \cot x \Rightarrow du = - \csc ^ 2 x
It's the same as my example above. :)
I tried doing my posted problem and I got:
1/3csc^3[x] - cscx + C
Be careful with the signs. And you are forgetting an x there. After factoring, you'll be left with a 1 (see the boxed part above). The answer should be:
something + x + C
Can you go from here? :)
 

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