Integrate Cosx/1+sinx dx: No Parts Needed

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function cos(x)/(1+sin(x)) from 0 to pi/2, with a specific note that integration by parts is not assumed to be known or allowed. Participants explore various methods and relationships related to the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the applicability of the quotient rule for integration and discuss the relationship between cos(x) and (1 + sin(x)). Some suggest looking for substitutions or other techniques that do not involve integration by parts.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering various insights and suggestions for approaching the integral. There is a focus on identifying relationships and potential substitutions, though no consensus on a specific method has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the restriction against using integration by parts and explore the implications of this limitation on their approach to solving the integral.

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Homework Statement


Integrate Cosx/1+sinx dx from 0 to pi/2. "The question does not assume knowledge of integration by parts."

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Could it be found using the quotient rule?
If not, is there any way of proving it without using integration by parts?

Mod note: Edited this post by moving text, to comply with our rules about including an attempt.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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HermitOfThebes said:

Homework Statement


Integrate Cosx/1+sinx dx from 0 to pi/2. "The question does not assume knowledge of integration by parts."
Could it be found using the quotient rule?
If not, is there any way of proving it without using integration by parts?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

The quotient rule is for taking the derivative of the quotient of two functions. There is no quotient rule for integration as such.

Since IBP is off limits, look at the relationship between cos (x) and (1 + sin (x)). Notice anything special?
 
I assume you mean ##\frac{cos(x)}{1+ sin(x)} ##.
Immediately I came up with this trick you might try.
##\frac{cos(x)}{1+ sin(x)}
\frac{1 - sin(x)}{1 - sin(x)} = \frac{cos(x)(1+sin(x))}{(1-sin^2 x)} = ??##
These integrals can be solved by substitution. Integration by parts is not necessary. There are essentially no general product or quotient rules for integrals besides integration by parts. But this particular integral can be solved with other techniques such as substitution.
 
MisterX said:
I assume you mean ##\frac{cos(x)}{1+ sin(x)} ##.
Immediately I came up with this trick you might try.
##\frac{cos(x)}{1+ sin(x)}
\frac{1 - sin(x)}{1 - sin(x)} = \frac{cos(x)(1+sin(x))}{(1-sin^2 x)} = ??##
These integrals can be solved by substitution. Integration by parts is not necessary. There are essentially no general product or quotient rules for integrals besides integration by parts. But this particular integral can be solved with other techniques such as substitution.
This is much more complicated than just checking out the relationship between the cosine and (1 + sine).
 
SteamKing said:
This is much more complicated than just checking out the relationship between the cosine and (1 + sine).
You are right. HermitOfThebes, ignore my post.
 
What's the derivative of sine?

Can you see a neat substitution you could make?
 
SteamKing said:
The quotient rule is for taking the derivative of the quotient of two functions. There is no quotient rule for integration as such.

Since IBP is off limits, look at the relationship between cos (x) and (1 + sin (x)). Notice anything special?
I know that sinx/1+cosx is tan(x/2). I can't quite see the relationship though.
 
HermitOfThebes said:
I know that sinx/1+cosx is tan(x/2). I can't quite see the relationship though.

What is \frac{d}{dx}(1 + \sin x)?

(Also, please use brackets: sin(x)/1 + cos(x) means \frac{\sin(x)}{1} + \cos(x). You want sin(x)/(1 + cos(x)).
 
pasmith said:
What is \frac{d}{dx}(1 + \sin x)?

(Also, please use brackets: sin(x)/1 + cos(x) means \frac{\sin(x)}{1} + \cos(x). You want sin(x)/(1 + cos(x)).
d/dx (1+sinx) = cosx. But why would I differentiate?
 
  • #10
HermitOfThebes said:
d/dx (1+sinx) = cosx. But why would I differentiate?
nvm. I see what you're saying.
 
Last edited:

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