Integral of 1/(1+cos(x)) Without Substitution Rule

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the integral of the function 1/(1+cos(x)) without using the substitution rule. Participants explore various methods and approaches to tackle this integral, including algebraic manipulations and trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest multiplying the integrand by (1-cos(x))/(1-cos(x)) to simplify the expression, leading to a form involving sin^2(x).
  • Others propose using the identity 1+cos(x) = 2cos^2(x/2) to transform the integral into a more manageable form.
  • A different approach involves expressing 1/(1+cos(x)) as (1-cos(x))/sin^2(x), which leads to a combination of cosecant functions.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the feasibility of integrating the function without making a substitution, indicating potential difficulties.
  • Another participant derives a solution using the identity for cos(2α) and concludes with the integral of tan(x/2) as a result.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views and methods for solving the integral, with no consensus on a single approach. Some express doubts about the possibility of solving the integral without substitution, while others provide various techniques that may or may not align.

Contextual Notes

Some methods rely on specific trigonometric identities, and the discussion includes various algebraic manipulations that may depend on the participants' interpretations of the integral's requirements.

Yankel
Messages
390
Reaction score
0
Hello

I am trying to solve the integral of the next function:

1/(1+cos(x))

and without using the substitution rule...any ideas ?

thanks !
 
Physics news on Phys.org
One could proceed as follows:

$$\frac{1}{\cos(x)+1}\cdot\frac{\cos(x)+1}{\cos(x)+1}=\frac{\cos(x)+1}{(\cos(x)+1)^2}= \frac{\cos(x)+\sin^2(x)+\cos^2(x)}{(\cos(x)+1)^2}=$$

$$\frac{(\cos(x)+1)\cos(x)-\sin(x)(-\sin(x))}{(\cos(x)+1)^2}= \frac{(\cos(x)+1)\frac{d}{dx}(\sin(x))-\sin(x)\frac{d}{dx}(\cos(x)+1)}{(\cos(x)+1)^2}=$$

$$\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{\sin(x)}{\cos(x)+1} \right)$$
 
Yankel said:
Hello

I am trying to solve the integral of the next function:

1/(1+cos(x))

and without using the substitution rule...any ideas ?

thanks !

You can use

$$1+\cos(x)= 2\cos^2\left(\frac{x}{2} \right)$$

or you can use that

$$\frac{1}{1+\cos(x)}=\frac{1-\cos(x)}{\sin^2(x)}$$
 
Yankel said:
Hello

I am trying to solve the integral of the next function:

1/(1+cos(x))

and without using the substitution rule...any ideas ?

thanks !

You will have a LOT of difficulty trying to integrate this function without making a substitution.
 
Hello, Yankel!

\int \frac{dx}{1+\cos x}
Multiply by \frac{1-\cos x}{1-\cos x}

. . \frac{1}{1+\cos x} \cdot\frac{1-\cos x}{1-\cos x} \;=\;\frac{1-\cos x}{1-\cos^2x} \;=\;\frac{1-\cos x}{\sin^2x}

. . =\;\frac{1}{\sin^2x} - \frac{1}{\sin x}\,\frac{\cos x}{\sin x} \;=\;\csc^2x - \csc x\cot xTherefore:

.. \int(\csc^2x - \csc x\cot x)\,dx \;=\; -\cot x + \csc x + C
 
Yankel said:
Hello

I am trying to solve the integral of the next function:

1/(1+cos(x))

and without using the substitution rule...any ideas ?

thanks !

Since $\cos 2\alpha=2\cos^2\alpha-1$, we have:
$$\frac 1 {1+cos(x)} = \frac 1 {1+(2\cos^2 (x/2)-1)} = \frac 1 {\cos^2(x/2)} \cdot \frac 1 2$$

Since $$\tan'u=\frac 1 {\cos^2u}$$, it follows that
$$\int \frac {dx} {1+cos(x)} = \int \frac 1 {\cos^2(x/2)} \cdot \frac 1 2 dx = \tan \frac x 2 + C$$
Verify by applying the chain rule to the right hand side.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K