Integrate cos(x)-cos(x-c) from 0 to c/2

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves integrating the expression cos(x) - cos(x - c) from 0 to c/2, which falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically integration techniques and trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss their attempts to integrate the expression and simplify their results. There is a focus on the use of trigonometric identities and the evaluation of limits of integration. Questions arise regarding the correctness of their approaches and the simplification of their answers.

Discussion Status

Some participants express confusion about their calculations and seek clarification on their methods. Others suggest that the approaches taken are equivalent and provide insights into simplifying the expressions involved. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the trigonometric functions used.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding trigonometric identities in relation to the problem. There is a repeated emphasis on the integration limits and the evaluation of the anti-derivative.

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Homework Statement


Integrate cos(x)-cos(x-c) from 0 to c/2


Homework Equations


sin(x-c)=sinxcosc-cosxsinc


The Attempt at a Solution


sin(x)-sin(x-c) from 0 to c/2
=sin(c/2)-sin(c/2)cos(c)+cos(c/2)sin(c)-sin(0)+sin(-c)
=sin(c/2)-sin(c/2)cos(c)+cos(c/2)sin(c)-0-sin(c)

Correct response:2sin(c/2)-sin(c)

What am I doing wrong?
 
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sugarxsweet said:

Homework Statement


Integrate cos(x)-cos(x-c) from 0 to c/2

Homework Equations


sin(x-c)=sinxcosc-cosxsinc

The Attempt at a Solution


sin(x)-sin(x-c) from 0 to c/2
=sin(c/2)-sin(c/2)cos(c)+cos(c/2)sin(c)-sin(0)+sin(-c)
=sin(c/2)-sin(c/2)cos(c)+cos(c/2)sin(c)-0-sin(c)

Correct response:2sin(c/2)-sin(c)

What am I doing wrong?
You're doing nothing wrong. They are equivalent.

To get the answer in a more straight forward manner, simply plug the limits of integration into the anti-derivative, sin(x)-sin(x-c) .
 
Sorry, I guess this is a question of trig then - how do I simplify my answer to the correct answer? It's probably something stupid but I'm having trouble figuring it out!
 
sugarxsweet said:

Homework Statement


Integrate cos(x)-cos(x-c) from 0 to c/2

Homework Equations


sin(x-c)=sinxcosc-cosxsinc

The Attempt at a Solution


sin(x)-sin(x-c) from 0 to c/2
=sin(c/2)-sin(c/2)cos(c)+cos(c/2)sin(c)-sin(0)+sin(-c)
=sin(c/2)-sin(c/2)cos(c)+cos(c/2)sin(c)-0-sin(c)

Correct response:2sin(c/2)-sin(c)

What am I doing wrong?

$$sin(\frac{c}{2})-sin(\frac{c}{2})cos(c)+cos(\frac{c}{2})sin(c)-sin(c)$$
$$sin(\frac{c}{2})-sin(c)+cos(\frac{c}{2})sin(c)-sin(\frac{c}{2})cos(c)$$

You have to realize (from trig addition identity) that ##cos(\frac{c}{2})sin(c)-sin(\frac{c}{2})cos(c) = sin(c-\frac{c}{2}) = sin(\frac{c}{2})##

Using the above, we have:

$$sin(\frac{c}{2})-sin(c)+sin(\frac{c}{2})$$
$$2sin(\frac{c}{2})-sin(c)$$
 
Thanks!
 

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