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

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SUMMARY

The integration of the expression cos(x) - cos(x - c) from 0 to c/2 results in the final answer of 2sin(c/2) - sin(c). The discussion highlights the use of the trigonometric identity sin(x - c) = sin(x)cos(c) - cos(x)sin(c) to simplify the integration process. Participants clarified that the initial attempts at solving the integral were correct but required a more straightforward application of the limits of integration. The correct approach involves recognizing the simplification through trigonometric identities.

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  • Understanding of definite integrals
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  • Knowledge of the sine function and its properties
  • Basic calculus concepts, particularly anti-derivatives
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  • Study trigonometric identities, particularly the sine addition formula
  • Practice definite integrals involving trigonometric functions
  • Explore the properties of the sine function in calculus
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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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