Integrating (1+cos(x))/sin(x) with Multiple Choices

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves integrating the function (1 + cos(x))/sin(x) and determining the correct antiderivative from a set of multiple-choice options. The subject area is calculus, specifically focusing on integration techniques and trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various approaches to the integral, including substitution methods and rewriting the integrand. Some express confusion about the differentiation of the proposed answers and their relation to the original integrand.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into potential methods for solving the integral, such as substitution and rewriting the integrand. There is an ongoing exploration of different interpretations of the problem and the proposed answers, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of finding the antiderivative and question the validity of the multiple-choice options provided. There is mention of using calculators for verification, with a caution against over-reliance on them for learning purposes.

gingermom
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Homework Statement



∫(1+cos(x))/sin(x) dx

This is a multiple choice with the following options

a. Ln|1-cos(x)| +C

b. Ln|1+cos(x)| +C

c. sin(x) +C
d. csc(x)+tan(x) + C
e. csc(x) +cot(x) +C

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



∫(1+cos(x))/sinx dx )
∫(1/sin(x)+cos(x)/sin(x) )dx
∫(1/sin(x) dx +∫(cos(x)/sin(x) dx
∫(csc(x) dx +∫(cot(x) dx

this give me the integral that is listed as the antideriviative of E

When I differentiate all of the answers I get the following
a. Ln|1-cos(x)| +C - sin(x)/(1-cos(x))

b. Ln|1+cos(x)| +C - sin(x)/(1+cos(x))


c. sin(x) +C - cos(x)
d. csc(x)+tan(x) + C −cot(x)csc(x)+sec^2(x)
e. csc(x) +cot(x) +C −cot(x)csc(x)−csc^2(x)

I can't make any of those turn into (1+cos(x))/sin(x)

So am I doing something really wrong - and if so can someone point me in the write direction, or is there an error in the optional answers?
 
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I think I may have figured this out. substitute 1+cos(x) for U du = -sin(x) so that would be the integral of -u
 
If I make sin(x) = u then dx= du/cos(x)

then I have the ∫1/sin(x)dx + ∫1/u du=∫1/sin(x)dx +ln(u) but I am stuck at the integral for 1/sin(x)
 
Well my calculator gives me ln(1-cos(x)) + C
 
The most straightforward way to compute your integral is to rewrite the integrand;
$$\int\frac{1+\cos x}{\sin x}\ dx=\int\frac{1}{\sin x}+\frac{\cos x}{\sin x}\ dx=\int\csc x+\frac{\cos x}{\sin x}\ dx$$
Dealing with the integral on the right is easy enough of you know the antiderivative of ##\csc x## and not particularly easy if you don't.

The alternative is to use a nifty trick which you wouldn't maybe think to use if you haven't seen it. The same trick is used to make the integral easier to compute and to turn one of your derivatives into one of the options. If you multiply the integrand on top and bottom by ##1-\cos x## and use some trig identities to "simplify", you might find that you have something that lends itself to a very easy ##u##-sub. Like wise, if you multiply the derivative from option (a) on top and bottom by ##1+\cos x## and simplify, you'll get something that looks more (exactly) like the integrand.

For what it's worth, I would advise against using the advanced functions of your calculator to find answers to calculus problems. My experience is that students who do too much of that learn bad habits and don't really learn how to do the problems. I understand the desire to know what the answer is, and sometimes it can be helpful. But my experience, again, is that it's better to wait until you have an answer and then use your calculator to check it than it is to use the calculator to find the answer an then try to reverse-engineer a solution.
 
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Thank you! - it is why I tried to figure it out first - and you are correct I likely would have never thought of multiplying by (1-cos(x))/(1-cos(x)), although I remember coming across doing something similar ( different version of the equivalent to 1) to find the anti-derivative of csc(x), so maybe since I had determined it had to be a or b I would have eventually gotten there, but probably not nd certainly not anytime soon. I will have to remember to think out of the box for trig functions that have integrals.
 

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