How to Integrate arccos x by Parts?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function arccos x using integration by parts. Participants express uncertainty about how to approach the problem, particularly in transitioning from the original function to a suitable form for integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore substitution methods, questioning how to handle multiple variables that arise during the integration process. There is discussion about the relationship between the variables and the need to replace all instances of the original variable.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing suggestions and exploring different substitution strategies. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to express all variables consistently, but no consensus has been reached on the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of integration by parts and substitution, with some expressing confusion about maintaining variable consistency throughout the integration process.

Chadlee88
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Could som1 please help me integrate arccos x by parts. I've done examples using integration by parts but they were all some form of multiplication, ie
y = xe^x, y = x sin x etc. I'm really unsure where to start with this problem :confused:
 
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Try a substitution like y=\arccos(x), dx=\ldots ?
This should give you something you can integrate by parts.
 
If i use a substitution as you suggested i get end up with two variables in my equation:

Integral (arccos(x) dx)

let y = arccos(x)

dy/dx = -1/(sqrt(1-x^2)

dx = -sqrt(1-x^2) dy

Substitute into original equation:

Integral (arccos(x) dx)

=> Integral (y * -sqrt(1-x^2)) dy <-----I have a y and and x in the equation :S what do i do now :S
 
Last edited:
I = Int ( Arccosx) dx
I = xArccosx - x/Sqrt( 1- x^2) dx
I = xArccosx - 1/2 * 2 Sqrt(1-x^2) + C
I = xArccosx + Sqrt(1 - x^2) + C
 
Chadlee88 said:
If i use a substitution as you suggested i get end up with two variables in my equation:

Integral (arccos(x) dx)

let y = arccos(x)

dy/dx = -1/(sqrt(1-x^2)

dx = -sqrt(1-x^2) dy

Substitute into original equation:

Integral (arccos(x) dx)

=> Integral (y * -sqrt(1-x^2)) dy <-----I have a y and and x in the equation :S what do i do now :S
Yes, in any substitution, it is your responsibility to see that you replace every instance of the old variable with a new. If y= arccos x then x= cos y so dx= - sin y dy.
\int arccos x dx= -\int y sin y dy
 

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