How Do You Solve the Integral of Cos^5/2(x) Over the Square Root of Sin(x)?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rocomath
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integral
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the integral of \(\frac{\cos^{\frac{5}{2}}x}{\sqrt{\sin{x}}}dx\), a problem situated within the context of integral calculus. Participants explore various approaches and transformations to tackle the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to split the integral and apply trigonometric identities but encounters difficulties. Some participants suggest transformations, such as \(x=\arctan(t^2)\), and discuss the implications of these substitutions. Others express uncertainty about how to apply the proposed transformations effectively.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, sharing insights and transformations. While some have provided detailed steps and suggestions, there is no explicit consensus on a complete solution. The conversation remains open, with participants expressing willingness to explore further.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of complexity in the integral, with participants noting that it may require significant effort to solve. Some express a need for hints rather than full solutions, reflecting the forum's emphasis on learning through discussion.

rocomath
Messages
1,752
Reaction score
1
Integral, hint please

\int\frac{\cos^{\frac{5}{2}}x}{\sqrt{\sin{x}}}dx

Tried: splitting it up, trig identities = no go!

\int\frac{\cos{x}\cos^{\frac{3}{2}}x}{\sqrt{\sin{x}}}dx

Broke up cosine cubed then ended up realizing I would have a cosine left over so that wasn't a good idea.

\int\cos^{2}x\sqrt{\cot{x}}dx

Then my world crumbled.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try the transformation

x=\arctan(t^2), \quad d\,x=\frac{2\,t}{1+t^4}\,d\,t
 
@ rocophysics: Have you been able to solve this integral? Do you need any information, because it is quite involved and won't post the method if not necessary. It will take me about an hour or so to type everything :-)
 
coomast said:
@ rocophysics: Have you been able to solve this integral? Do you need any information, because it is quite involved and won't post the method if not necessary. It will take me about an hour or so to type everything :-)
Lol, can I get a hint? I wasn't sure how to apply Rainbow Child's substitution so I decided to put it off for a while. :p
 
rocophysics said:
Lol, can I get a hint? I wasn't sure how to apply Rainbow Child's substitution so I decided to put it off for a while. :p

Applying the transformation I wrote, you get

I=\int\frac{2}{(1+t^4)^2}\,d\,t

since

\cos x=\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+\tan^2 x}}\Rightarrow \cos x=\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+t^4}}, \quad \sin x=\sqrt{1-\cos^2x}\Rightarrow \sin x=\frac{t^2}{\sqrt{1+t^4}}

and I think from here is a easy task! :smile:

P.S. What about the books, roco?
 
OK, the method that rainbow child proposed was correct. You need to set
t^2=tan(x)
giving
dx=\frac{2t}{1+t^4}dt
Putting this into the integral gives then
I=2 \cdot \int \frac{dt}{(1+t^4)^2}
This one now needs to be solved by expanding the thing into the following partial fraction equation:
\frac{1}{(t^4+1)^2}=\frac{1}{(t^2-\sqrt{2}t+1)^2 \cdot (t^2+\sqrt{2}t+1)^2} = \frac{At+B}{t^2-\sqrt{2}t+1} + \frac{Ct+D}{(t^2-\sqrt{2}t+1)^2} + \frac{Et+F}{t^2+\sqrt{2}t+1} + \frac{Gt+H}{(t^2+\sqrt{2}t+1)^2}
Solving this is now the tedious step :-) You get finally:
A=-\frac{3\sqrt{2}}{16}
B=\frac{3}{8}
C=-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{8}
D=\frac{1}{8}
E=\frac{3\sqrt{2}}{16}
F=\frac{3}{8}
G=\frac{\sqrt{2}}{8}
H=\frac{1}{8}
The remaining integrals are fairly standard but still require a bit of work. Hope this helps, if anything is unclear, let me know.
 
Amazing, ok let me try that substitution and see how far I can get w/o looking at your soln.

@Rainbow Child, I really appreciate your generosity :-]]] Thanks.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K