Integral of sec^3(x) | Solving with Tan^2(x)

  • Thread starter imranq
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Integral
In summary, the conversation is about finding the integral of sec^3x and the two methods discussed are using integration by parts and using partial fractions.
  • #1
imranq
57
1

Homework Statement



I'm just trying to solve this

[tex] \int {\sec^3{x} dx [/tex]

Homework Equations


[tex] sec^2{x} = 1 + tan^2{x} [/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



well i was able to simplify it to this:

[tex] \int {\sec{x}*\tan^2{x}} dx + \ln{|\sec{x} + \tan{x}|} [/tex]

but I still was not able to find that new integral
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
INT[sec^3x]dx
= INT[secx.sec^2x]dx
By parts (differentiating secx and integrating sec^2x):
= INT[secx.sec^2x]dx
= secx.tanx - INT[secx.tan^2x]dx
= secx.tanx - INT[secx(sec^2x - 1)]dx
= secx.tanx - INT[sec^3x - secx]dx
So we have:

INT[sec^3x]dx = secx.tanx - INT[sec^3x - secx]dx
INT[sec^3x]dx = secx.tanx - INT[sec^3x]dx + INT[secx]dx
2 INT[sec^3x]dx = secx.tanx + INT[secx]dx
2 INT[sec^3x]dx = secx.tanx + Ln|secx + tanx|
INT[sec^3x]dx = 1/2 secx.tanx + 1/2 Ln|secx + tanx|
 
  • #3
[tex]\int \frac{\cos x}{\left( 1-\sin ^{2}x\right) ^{2}}dx=\allowbreak \int \frac{1}{\left( 1-t^{2}\right) ^{2}}\,dt [/tex]

for the last integral, use simple fractions. [itex] \sin x=t [/itex] has been used.
 
  • #4
Ah, alright thanks. It was simpler than i thought it would be
 
  • #5
Another way: Since sec(x)= 1/cos(x),
[tex]\int sec^3(x)dx= \int\frac{dx}{cos^3(x)}[/tex]
which is an odd power of cos(x). Multiply numerator and denominator by cos(x):
[tex]\int \frac{cos(x)dx}{cos^4(x)}= \int\frac{cos(x)dx}{(1- sin^2(x))^2}[/tex]
Let u= sin(x) so du= cos(x)dx
[tex]\int \frac{du}{(1-u^2)^2}= \int\frac{du}{(1-u)^2(1+u)^2}[/tex]
and, again, use partial fractions.
 

1. What is the general formula for solving the integral of sec^3(x)?

The general formula for solving the integral of sec^3(x) is:
∫ sec^3(x) dx = (1/2) sec(x) tan(x) + (1/2) ln|sec(x) + tan(x)| + C
where C is the constant of integration.

2. Why do we use the substitution method to solve this integral?

We use the substitution method to solve the integral of sec^3(x) because it helps us simplify the expression and make it easier to integrate. In this case, we use the substitution u = sec(x) + tan(x) to transform the integral into a form that we can easily integrate.

3. What is the importance of using the trigonometric identity tan^2(x) = sec^2(x) - 1 when solving this integral?

Using the trigonometric identity tan^2(x) = sec^2(x) - 1 allows us to rewrite the integral of sec^3(x) in terms of tan(x). This makes it easier to apply the substitution u = sec(x) + tan(x) and solve the integral.

4. Can we solve the integral of sec^3(x) without using the substitution method?

Yes, it is possible to solve the integral of sec^3(x) without using the substitution method. However, it involves using more complex integration techniques such as integration by parts. Substitution is the most efficient and straightforward method for solving this integral.

5. How can we check our answer when solving the integral of sec^3(x)?

To check our answer, we can differentiate the result using the chain rule and verify that it equals the original integrand. We can also use online integral calculators to verify the correctness of our answer.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
346
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
877
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
763
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
760
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
942
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
960
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
799
Back
Top