Improper Integral of theta/cos^2 theta

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the improper integral of θ/cos²(θ) using integration techniques. Participants highlight the use of integration by parts, specifically choosing u = θ and dv = sec²(θ)dθ. The conversation clarifies that the improper nature of the integral arises when the integrand is undefined at certain points, necessitating the use of limits to evaluate the integral properly. The final expression discussed is tan(θ) - ln(sec(θ)), with emphasis on ensuring the argument of the logarithm remains positive.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of improper integrals and their definitions
  • Familiarity with integration by parts technique
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities, particularly secant and cosine functions
  • Concept of limits in calculus, especially in the context of evaluating integrals
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  • Study the method of integration by parts in detail
  • Learn about improper integrals and their evaluation techniques
  • Explore trigonometric identities and their applications in integration
  • Investigate the properties of logarithmic functions and their domains
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Students studying calculus, particularly those tackling integration techniques, as well as educators looking for examples of improper integrals and integration by parts applications.

leo255
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Homework Statement



Improper Integral of theta/cos^2 theta

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Hi all, this was one of the few questions on my final today that I just didn't know how to do. I know how to do trig sub, know all my trig identities and know improper integration, but was a bit at a loss for this one.

I could use a half angle for the denominator --> theta / 1/2 [1 + cos(2 theta)] -->

Maybe integrate, and get theta^2 / 1/2 theta + 1/2(sin 2 theta).

I'm sure what I tried was very wrong, but I wanted to make some kind of attempt.

Edit: nevermind, you can't integrate like that.
 
Last edited:
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leo255 said:

Homework Statement



Indefinite Integral of theta/cos^2 theta

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Hi all, this was one of the few questions on my final today that I just didn't know how to do. I know how to do trig sub, know all my trig identities and know improper integration, but was a bit at a loss for this one.

I could use a half angle for the denominator --> theta / 1/2 [1 + cos(2 theta)] -->

Maybe integrate, and get theta^2 / 1/2 theta + 1/2(sin 2 theta).

I'm sure what I tried was very wrong, but I wanted to make some kind of attempt.

Edit: nevermind, you can't integrate like that.
$$\int \frac{\theta d\theta}{cos^2(\theta)} = \int \theta sec^2(\theta) d\theta$$

Use integration by parts with a judicious choice for u and dv.
 
Damn, that's a pretty easy integration by parts question actually. So, if I get an answer of tan(theta) - ln(sec(theta)), where would the improper integration come into play?

Oh wait, natural log functions must be greater than zero. So, it would be something like, the limit, as b approaches 0, from the right, of tan(theta) - ln(sec(theta))?
 
leo255 said:
Damn, that's a pretty easy integration by parts question actually. So, if I get an answer of tan(theta) - ln(sec(theta)), where would the improper integration come into play?
It's not a hard integration by parts, but the answer you show is incorrect. If you differentiate your answer, you don't get ##\theta sec^2(\theta)##.
leo255 said:
Oh wait, natural log functions must be greater than zero. So, it would be something like, the limit, as b approaches 0, from the right, of tan(theta) - ln(sec(theta))?
To be more precise, the argument of a log function must be greater than zero. The output of a log function can be any real number.

The integral you showed was an indefinite integral. An improper integral is a definite integral for which the integrand is undefined at one or more points inside the interval defined by the limits of integration, or at one or both endpoints.
 

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