Integrate by Parts: Solving Difficult Integrand

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a complex integrand involving trigonometric functions, specifically the integral \[1/2*\int \sin(\sqrt(3)/2x)*\sec(\sqrt(3)x)\, dx\]. Participants explore the use of integration by parts and clarify the expression's ambiguity due to parentheses.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the integrability of the given integral, suggesting it may not be solvable.
  • Another participant points out ambiguity in the integral's expression, proposing two possible interpretations based on the placement of parentheses.
  • A later reply assumes the first interpretation is intended and provides a transformation of the integral using a substitution involving cosine, suggesting a method to proceed with integration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the solvability of the integral. There are competing interpretations of the integral's expression, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of clear notation in mathematical expressions, as ambiguity can lead to different interpretations and approaches. The proposed methods depend on the chosen interpretation of the integral.

cbarker1
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I am trying to integrate a difficult integrand.
\[1/2*\int \sin(\sqrt(3)/2x)*\sec(\sqrt(3)x)\, dx\]
I know that it requires to use integrate by parts.
Which function do I use to for the differential and integrable?
 
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Well, I don't think this is solvable .
 
Cbarker1 said:
I am trying to integrate a difficult integrand.
\[1/2*\int \sin(\sqrt(3)/2x)*\sec(\sqrt(3)x)\, dx\]
I know that it requires to use integrate by parts.
Which function do I use to for the differential and integrable?

Hi Cbarker1, :)

I think there is a little ambiguity in your integral due to the lack of parenthesis. Did you meant this,

\[\frac{1}{2}\int\sin\left(\frac{\sqrt{3}x}{2}\right)\sec(\sqrt{3}x)\,dx\]

or this,

\[\frac{1}{2}\int\sin\left(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2x}\right)\sec(\sqrt{3}x)\,dx\]

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.
 
Cbarker1 said:
I am trying to integrate a difficult integrand.
\[1/2*\int \sin(\sqrt(3)/2x)*\sec(\sqrt(3)x)\, dx\]
I know that it requires to use integrate by parts.
Which function do I use to for the differential and integrable?
I am assuming that the first of Sudharaka's readings is the one that is intended: $\frac12{\displaystyle\int} \sin\bigl(\frac{\sqrt3}2x\bigr)\sec(\sqrt3x)\,dx$. If you write $$\sec(\sqrt3x) = \frac1{\cos(\sqrt3x)} = \frac1{2\cos^2 \bigl(\frac{\sqrt3}2x\bigr) -1}$$ and then make the substitution $u = \cos\bigl(\frac{\sqrt3}2x\bigr)$, the integral becomes $\displaystyle-\frac{\sqrt3}4 \int\frac{du}{2u^2-1}$, which you can integrate using partial fractions.
 

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