How to Integrate cos^2(x)sin^3(x) dx?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function \( \cos^2(x) \sin^3(x) \). Participants explore various methods of integration, including substitution and manipulation of trigonometric identities. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and technical explanations related to integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using substitution with \( u = \cos(x) \) to simplify the integral.
  • Others present different forms of the integral and express confusion over the derivation of certain results.
  • A participant mentions a result from a calculator (Ti-nspire) that differs from their manual calculations, noting that the calculator tends to factor results into sine and cosine terms.
  • There is a suggestion that the integration process leads to multiple equivalent forms, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the correctness of the final expressions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the final form of the integral, with multiple competing views and expressions presented. Some agree on certain steps, while others question the derivations and results.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the equivalence of the different forms of the integral and the reasoning behind the calculator's output. Participants express varying levels of confidence in their results.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in integration techniques, particularly in the context of trigonometric functions, may find this discussion valuable.

karush
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$$\int \cos^2 \left({x}\right)\sin^3 \left({x}\right)dx$$
$$-\int\cos^2 \left({x}\right)\left(1-\cos^2 \left({x}\right)\right)\sin\left({x}\right)dx
=-\int\left(\cos^2 \left({x}\right)-\cos^4\left({x}\right)\right)\sin\left({x}\right)dx $$
$$u=\cos\left({x}\right)\ \ du=-\sin\left({x}\right)dx $$
So
$$-\int\left({u}^{2}-{u}^{4}\right)du$$

So far?
 
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karush said:
$$\int \cos^2 \left({x}\right)\sin^3 \left({x}\right)dx$$
$$-\int\cos^2 \left({x}\right)\left(1-\cos^2 \left({x}\right)\right)\sin\left({x}\right)dx
=-\int\left(\cos^2 \left({x}\right)-\cos^4\left({x}\right)\right)\sin\left({x}\right)dx $$
$$u=\cos\left({x}\right)\ \ du=-\sin\left({x}\right)dx $$
So
$$-\int\left({u}^{2}-{u}^{4}\right)du$$

So far?
you are almost through where is the problem
integral becomes

$-(\frac{u^3}{3} - \frac{u^5}{5}) + C $ and u = $\cos x$ hence the result
 
$$-\left(\frac{\cos^3 \left({x}\right)}{3}-\frac{\cos^5\left({x}\right)}{5}\right)
=\left(\frac{-\sin^2 \left({x}\right)}{5}-\frac{2}{15}\right)\cos^3\left({x}\right)+C$$

Done?
 
I can't figure out where that came from. :o

At least, the one on the left is correct. :)

$$\int\cos^2(x)\sin^3(x)\,dx$$

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

$$=\int(\cos^2(x)-\cos^4(x))\sin(x)\,dx$$

$$u=\cos(x)\quad-du=\sin(x)\,dx$$

$$-\int u^2-u^4\,du=\int u^4-u^2\,du=\dfrac{u^5}{5}-\dfrac{u^3}{3}+C$$

$$\int\cos^2(x)\sin^3(x)\,dx=\dfrac{\cos^5(x)}{5}-\dfrac{\cos^3(x)}{3}+C$$
 
The answer on the right is the Ti-nspire answer
The last word on all calculations😱😱😱
 
karush said:
The answer on the right is the Ti-nspire answer
The last word on all calculations😱😱😱

If we take Greg's result:

$$I=\frac{\cos^5(x)}{5}-\frac{\cos^3(x)}{3}+C$$

Factor:

$$I=\cos^3(x)\left(\frac{\cos^2(x)}{5}-\frac{1}{3}\right)+C$$

Apply a Pythagorean identity:

$$I=\cos^3(x)\left(\frac{1-\sin^2(x)}{5}-\frac{1}{3}\right)+C$$

$$I=\cos^3(x)\left(\frac{-\sin^2(x)}{5}+\frac{3}{15}-\frac{5}{15}\right)+C$$

$$I=\left(\frac{-\sin^2(x)}{5}-\frac{2}{15}\right)\cos^3(x)+C$$

And we have the less elegant result spat out by the machine. :)
 
The Ti-nspire and book answer are rarely the same for integration. However on this one the book had no answer. The calculator seems to want to factor everything and leave answers in sinx and cosx. why? not sure.
 

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