Integral of trigonometric function

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving inequalities involving the integral of the sine function over the interval \([a, b]\) where \( [a, b] \subset \left(0, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) \). Specifically, it establishes that \(\int_a^b \sin x\,dx > \sqrt{b^2+1} - \sqrt{1^2+1}\) and \(\int_a^b \sin x\,dx > \sqrt{b^2+1} - \sqrt{a^2+1}\). These results leverage properties of the sine function and the geometric interpretation of the integral in relation to the unit circle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of definite integrals, specifically \(\int \sin x\,dx\)
  • Familiarity with the properties of trigonometric functions
  • Knowledge of inequalities and their proofs in calculus
  • Basic understanding of geometric interpretations of integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of definite integrals, focusing on trigonometric functions
  • Explore geometric interpretations of integrals in the context of the unit circle
  • Learn about proving inequalities in calculus
  • Investigate advanced techniques in integral calculus, such as integration by parts
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, calculus instructors, and anyone interested in the properties of trigonometric integrals and their applications in proving inequalities.

anemone
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Prove that if $[a,\,b]\subset \left(0,\,\dfrac{\pi}{2}\right)$, $\displaystyle \int_a^b \sin x\,dx>\sqrt{b^2+1}-\sqrt{1^2+1}$.
 
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anemone said:
Prove that if $[a,\,b]\subset \left(0,\,\dfrac{\pi}{2}\right)$, $\displaystyle \int_a^b \sin x\,dx>\sqrt{b^2+1}-\sqrt{{\color{red}a}^2+1}$.
[TIKZ][scale=3]
\clip (-0.25,-0.25) rectangle (3.5,3.5) ;
\draw (0,0) circle (3cm) ;
\draw [help lines, ->] (-0.5,0) -- (3.25,0) ;
\draw [help lines, ->] (0,-0.5) -- (0,3.25) ;
\coordinate [label=below left:$0$] (O) at (0,0) ;
\coordinate [label=below left:$1$] (I) at (3,0) ;
\coordinate [label=above right:$A$] (A) at (45:3) ;
\coordinate [label=above:$B$] (B) at (3,2.36) ;
\draw [thick, blue] (I) -- node[ right ]{$x$} (B) ;
\draw [thick, red] (3,0) arc (0:45:3cm) ;
\draw (I) -- (O) -- (A) ;
\draw (O) -- (B) ;
\draw [blue] (0.3,0.1) node{$\theta$} ;
\draw [red] (0.55,0.15) node{$x$} ;
\draw [blue] (0.45,0) arc (0:38:0.45cm) ;
\draw [red](0.7,0) arc (0:45:0.7cm) ;[/TIKZ]

If $0 < x < \frac\pi2$ then $x < \tan x$ and so $\arctan x < x$.

In the above diagram, the red arc of the unit circle and the blue vertical line both have length $x$. So the line $0A$ makes an angle $x$ (radians) with the horizontal, and $\theta = \arctan x < x$. Therefore $\dfrac x{\sqrt{x^2+1}} = \sin\theta < \sin x$.

Now integrate from $a$ to $b$, to get $$\int_a^b\!\! \sin x\,dx > \int_a^b\!\!\frac x{\sqrt{x^2+1}\,}dx = \left[\sqrt{x^2+1}\right]_a^b = \sqrt{b^2+1}-\sqrt{a^2+1}.$$
 

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