Integral involving powers of trig functions

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the integral ∫(sinx + sin^3x)dx/(cos2x) and the verification of the solution process. Participants confirm that the method used is valid but highlight two critical mistakes in the integration steps: the omission of u^2 in the partial fraction decomposition and the missing factor of √2 in the logarithmic terms. The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is referenced as a key concept for checking the correctness of antiderivatives.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically integration techniques.
  • Familiarity with the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities, particularly cos(2x) = 2cos²(x) - 1.
  • Experience with partial fraction decomposition in calculus.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus for verifying integrals.
  • Study techniques for partial fraction decomposition in rational functions.
  • Practice integration of trigonometric functions involving powers, such as sin(x) and sin³(x).
  • Explore common mistakes in integration and how to avoid them.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on integration techniques and verification methods. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to refine their skills in solving integrals involving trigonometric functions.

Memo
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Homework Statement
∫(sinx+sin^3x)dx/(cos2x)
Relevant Equations
cos2x=2cos^2x-1
368064999_867353445000190_1304311522445404453_n.jpg

Could you check if my answer is correct? Thank you very much!
Is therea simpler way to solve the math?
 
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Memo said:
Homework Statement: ∫(sinx+sin^3x)dx/(cos2x)
Relevant Equations: cos2x=2cos^2x-1

View attachment 334635
Could you check if my answer is correct?
You can do that yourself by differentiating your answer and checking you get the original integrand.
Memo said:
Thank you very much!
Is therea simpler way to solve the math?
Your method looks good to me. Maybe there's a trick, but not always.
 
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PeroK said:
You can do that yourself by differentiating your answer and checking you get the original integrand.
Could you tell me how?
 
PeroK said:
You can do that yourself by differentiating your answer and checking you get the original integrand.

Memo said:
Could you tell me how?
If you integrate a function f(x) and get an antiderivative F(x) + C, you can check your answer by differentiating F(x). If your antiderivative is correct, the result will be f(x).

In symbols...
If ##\int f(x) dx = F(x) + C##, then ##\frac d{dx}\left(F(x) + C\right) = f(x)##
 
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Mark44 said:
If you integrate a function f(x) and get an antiderivative F(x) + C, you can check your answer by differentiating F(x). If your antiderivative is correct, the result will be f(x).

In symbols...
If ##\int f(x) dx = F(x) + C##, then ##\frac d{dx}\left(F(x) + C\right) = f(x)##
It appears that I was wrong
 
## \text { The method is good, but there are two mistakes. } ##
## \text { The first one is: } u ^ 2 \text { is missed } ##
## \text { in the part where } \int \frac { u ^ 2 – 2 } { ( \sqrt 2 u – 1 ) ( \sqrt 2 u + 1 ) } \, du \text { becomes } \int \frac { 1 } { \sqrt 2 u + 1} \, du - \int \frac { 1 } { \sqrt 2 u – 1 } \, du \text { . } ##
## \text { The second one is: } \sqrt 2 \text { is missed } ##
## \text { in the part where } \int \frac { 1 } { \sqrt 2 u + 1 } \, du - \int \frac { 1 } { \sqrt 2 u – 1 } \ , du \text { becomes } \ln | \sqrt 2 u + 1 | - \ln | \sqrt 2 u - 1 | \text { . } ##

## \text { ... and there is not a simpler way. } ##
 
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Mark44 said:
If you integrate a function f(x) and get an antiderivative F(x) + C, you can check your answer by differentiating F(x). If your antiderivative is correct, the result will be f(x).

In symbols...
If ##\int f(x) dx = F(x) + C##, then ##\frac d{dx}\left(F(x) + C\right) = f(x)##
Look up the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
 
Memo said:
Homework Statement: ∫(sinx+sin^3x)dx/(cos2x)
Relevant Equations: cos2x=2cos^2x-1

View attachment 334635
Could you check if my answer is correct? Thank you very much!
Is therea simpler way to solve the math?

You have correctly obtained <br /> \int \frac{\sin x + \sin^3 x}{\cos 2x}\,dx = \int \frac{u^2 - 2}{2u^2 - 1}\,du. But you then obtain the partial fraction decomposition of \frac{1}{2u^2 - 1}, which is not your integrand; the numerator is u^2 - 2 not 1. So you need a further step first: \begin{split}<br /> \int \frac{u^2 - 2}{2u^2 - 1}\,du &amp;= \frac12 \int \frac{2u^2 - 4}{2u^2 - 1}\,du \\<br /> &amp;= \frac 12 \int 1 - \frac{3}{2u^2 - 1}\,du \\<br /> &amp;= \frac u2 - \frac{3}{4} \int \frac{1}{u^2 - \frac12}\,du\end{split} and now you can use your partial fraction decomposition.
 
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