Integral with multiple answers

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral ∫3cos(25x) dx, with the original poster attempting to solve it using two different methods, leading to two distinct answers.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster describes two methods for solving the integral, noting discrepancies in the results. Some participants question the integration steps, particularly the treatment of constants and the variable of integration.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the methods used, with some providing feedback on specific steps. There is an acknowledgment of potential errors in the integration process, particularly regarding the variable substitution.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a possible misunderstanding in the integration with respect to the variable used, indicating a need for clarity in the substitution process.

ilovephysics0
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The question is ∫3cos25x dx. I tried to solve it 2 ways and got two different answers.

Method A.
∫3cos25x dx =3∫cos25x dx

u=5x
3∫cos2u (1/5)du/dx dx
The 2 dx cancel out leaving
3∫cos2u (1/5)du=
3/5 ∫cos2u du=
3/5 ∫(1/2 + 1/2 cos 2u) du=
3/5( (1/2x)+∫1/2 cos 2u du)=
3/5( (1/2x)+1/2∫ cos 2u du)=
3/5( (1/2x)+1/2(1/2sin2u))=
3/5( (1/2x)+1/4sin2u)=
3/10x + 3/20 sin 2u=
3/10x + 3/20 sin 10x +C

Method B
∫3cos25x dx =3∫cos25x dx=

3∫(1/2 + 1/2cos 2(5x)) dx=
3∫(1/2 + 1/2cos 10x) dx=
3∫(1/2(1+cos10x)) dx=
3/2 ∫(1+cos10x) dx=
3/2 (∫1 dx+ ∫cos10x dx)=
3/2(x+∫cos10x dx)=
3/2x+(3/2)(1/10 sin 10x)=
3/2x+ 3/20 sin10x +C

Did I do something wrong in either of the methods? thanks!
 
Last edited:
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ilovephysics0 said:
The question is ∫3cos25x dx. I tried to solve it 2 ways and got two different answers.

Method A.
∫3cos25x dx =3∫cos25x dx

u=5x
3∫cos2u (1/5)du/dx dx
The 2 dx cancel out leaving
3∫cos2u (1/5)du=
3/5 ∫cos2u du=
3/5 ∫(1/2 + 1/2 cos 2u) du=
3/5( (1/2x)+∫1/2 cos 2u du)
Here, it should be \frac{1}{2}u. Then substitute the 5x in for u.
 
In the first method you took the integral of the constant 1/2 as (1/2)x instead of the required (1/2)u. You are integrating wrt u, not x.

RGV
 
thanks!
 

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