Indefinite Trig Integral

In summary, the conversation discusses the steps taken to solve the integral of cosx divided by the denominator sin^2(x) - sin(x) - 6. The individual first attempted to factor the denominator and then substituted u = sin(x) to simplify the problem. After using partial fractions, the resulting answer was ln(sin(x)-3)/5 - ln(sin(x)+2)/5. The conversation concludes with a reminder to include the +C term and a variation of the final answer.
  • #1
86
0

Homework Statement



[tex]\int \frac{cos x}{sin^2(x) - sin(x)-6}[/tex]


2. The attempt at a solution
I first tried factoring the denominator.
[tex]\int \frac{cos x}{(sin(x) -3)(sin(x)+2)}[/tex]

The first thing that came to my mind was Partial Factoring but I don't think it would work in this case.


Thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I would start by substituting u=sin(x) and then worry about the partial fractions in the variable u.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Let:
u = sin(x)
du = cos(x) dx

[tex]\int \frac{du}{(u-3)(u+2)}[/tex]

After doing Partial Fractions, I ended up with:
[tex]\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx-3)-\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx+2)[/tex]

Thanks for your help. I think that is the correct answer.
 
  • #4
planauts said:
Let:
u = sin(x)
du = cos(x) dx

[tex]\int \frac{du}{(u-3)(u+2)}[/tex]

After doing Partial Fractions, I ended up with:
[tex]\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx-3)-\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx+2)[/tex]

Thanks for your help. I think that is the correct answer.

Also note you can factor out a 1/5 and you get:

[tex]\frac{1}{5} ln(\frac{sinx-3}{sinx+2})[/tex]
 
  • #5
planauts said:
Let:
u = sin(x)
du = cos(x) dx

[tex]\int \frac{du}{(u-3)(u+2)}[/tex]

After doing Partial Fractions, I ended up with:
[tex]\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx-3)-\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx+2)[/tex]

Thanks for your help. I think that is the correct answer.

I'm really sure it's right.
 
  • #6
Don't forget the +C!
 
  • #7
Char. Limit said:
Don't forget the +C!

Yes you are right, I would have lost 1/2 a mark on a test.

[tex]\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx-3)-\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx+2) + C[/tex]

OR as gb7nash pointed out
[tex]
\frac{1}{5} ln(\frac{sinx-3}{sinx+2} + C)
[/tex]

Thanks everyone!
 

Suggested for: Indefinite Trig Integral

Replies
3
Views
390
Replies
9
Views
486
Replies
3
Views
667
Replies
7
Views
266
Replies
22
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
719
Replies
2
Views
577
Back
Top