Integral using trig substitution

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SUMMARY

The integral discussed is $$\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}} \,dx$$, which can be solved using the substitution $x = \sin(\theta)$, leading to the integral $$\int \frac{d\theta}{\cos(\theta)}$$. The simplification using the identity $1 - \sin^2(\theta) = \cos^2(\theta)$ is crucial, but the conclusion that $$\ln|\cos(\theta)| + C$$ is incorrect. The derivative of this expression does not yield the original integrand, indicating a miscalculation in the integration process. The correct back-substitution leads to a different result.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically $1 - \sin^2(\theta) = \cos^2(\theta)$
  • Familiarity with integral calculus and substitution methods
  • Knowledge of logarithmic differentiation and its properties
  • Ability to perform back-substitution in integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of trigonometric substitution in integrals
  • Learn about the properties of logarithmic functions in calculus
  • Explore the relationship between derivatives and integrals, particularly in trigonometric contexts
  • Practice solving integrals involving square roots and trigonometric functions
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians focusing on integral calculus, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of trigonometric substitutions in integration.

tmt1
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I have

$$\int_{}^{} \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}} \,dx$$

I can let $x = \sin\left({\theta}\right)$ then $dx = cos(\theta) d\theta$

then:

$$\int_{}^{} \frac{cos(\theta) d\theta}{\sqrt{1 - (\sin\left({\theta}\right))^2}}$$

Using the trig identity $1 - sin^2\theta = cos^2\theta$, I can simplify this to:

$$\int_{}^{} \frac{d\theta}{cos\theta}$$

so $ln|cos\theta| + C$ should be the answer.

Since $cosx = \sqrt{1 - sin^2 x}$, then it would be $ln|\sqrt{1 - sin^2 \theta}| + C$

I can substitute back in $x = \sin\left({\theta}\right)$, so

$$ln|\sqrt{1 - x^2}| + C$$

However, this is not the answer I have in the solutions.
 
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Note that:

$$\sqrt{1-\sin^2(\theta)}\ne\cos^2(\theta)$$

Also, even if this were to be correct:

$$\int\frac{d\theta}{\cos(\theta)}$$

We would still have:

$$\int\frac{d\theta}{\cos(\theta)}\ne\ln\left|\cos(\theta)\right|+C$$

We can see this as:

$$\frac{d}{d\theta}\left(\ln\left|\cos(\theta)\right|+C\right)=-\tan(\theta)\ne\frac{1}{\cos(\theta}$$

Anyway, after your substitution, we have:

$$\int\,d\theta=\theta+C$$

Now, back-substitute for $\theta$...what do you get?
 

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