How to integrate int F sin^2(At) dt

  • Thread starter Thread starter danago
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integrate
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function F sin²(At) with respect to t, as presented by the original poster, who is new to integration concepts. The context is rooted in physics, specifically relating to an experiment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the assumption that F and A are constants and explore the integration of sin²(At) using trigonometric identities. There is also a focus on integrating cos(At) and the importance of considering the constant A in the integration process.

Discussion Status

The discussion has progressed with participants providing hints and clarifications regarding integration techniques. Some participants have confirmed the correctness of the integration steps taken by others, while also emphasizing the need to check for constants in the final expression.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of integrating functions involving squared sine terms and the necessity of showing working steps in the context of homework. There is an acknowledgment of the original poster's limited experience with integration.

danago
Gold Member
Messages
1,118
Reaction score
4
Hey. I've barely started learning about integration, but during an experiment we conducted for physics, the following came up:

[tex] \int {F\sin ^2 At} dt[/tex]

How would i integrate that? I do understand that it would generally require that i show my working on the issue, but in this case, its a bit hard, since i don't have any working.

If someone could briefly explain how i would go about evaluating this indefinite integral, i would be greatly appreciative.

Thanks,
Dan.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I assume F and A are constants, so that shouldn't be of any trouble.
The annoying part is the square of the sine, but you could use:

[tex] \cos \left( {2x} \right) = \cos ^2 x - \sin ^2 x = 1 - 2\sin ^2 x \Rightarrow \sin ^2 x = \frac{{1 - \cos \left( {2x} \right)}}{2}[/tex]

Does that help?
 
Hmmm...ok i understand that. How would i integrate something like this:

[tex] \int {\cos At} {\rm dt}[/tex]

Would it just be [tex]-sin At+c[/tex]
?
 
Almost, you have to watch out with the A. Hint: dt = 1/A d(At).
Or, use an explicit substitution: let y = At so dy = Adt so 1/A dy = dt.
 
...and you may want to rethink that minus sign.
 
ahh so would this be right? :

[tex] \int {\cos At} {\rm dt = }\frac{{\sin At}}{A} + c[/tex]
 
Yep - check by differentiating.
 
Awesome :D Thanks

OK so back to the original question. Is this working right?:

[tex] \displaylines{<br /> \int {F\sin ^2 At} {\rm }dt = F\int {\sin ^2 At} {\rm }dt \cr <br /> = F\int {\frac{{1 - \cos (2At)}}{2}} {\rm }dt \cr <br /> = \frac{F}{2}\int {1 - \cos (2At)} {\rm }dt \cr <br /> = \frac{F}{2}\left( {\int {1{\rm }dt - \int {\cos (2At)} {\rm }dt} } \right) \cr <br /> = \frac{F}{2}\left( {t - \frac{{\sin 2At}}{{2A}}} \right) \cr <br /> = \frac{{Ft}}{2} - \frac{{F\sin 2At}}{{4A}} \cr}[/tex]
 
yep - plus constant, of course.
 
  • #10
Oops forgot about that.

Anyway, thanks very much for the help. Greatly appreciated :D
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K