Integrating 1/sqrt(cos[2x]): Homework Help and Solution Explanation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the integration of the function 1/sqrt(cos[2x]) from theta prime to pi/4. Participants emphasize the necessity of manipulating trigonometric identities, specifically cos[2x] = 2cos^2[x] - 1 and sin[2x] = 2sin[x]cos[x], to facilitate substitution and eliminate trigonometric terms. It is established that this integral does not possess an elementary antiderivative, necessitating advanced techniques for evaluation. The conversation highlights the importance of changing the bounds of integration after substitution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically cos[2x] and sin[2x]
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, particularly substitution methods
  • Knowledge of elementary functions and their antiderivatives
  • Basic calculus concepts, including bounds of integration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study advanced integration techniques, focusing on integrals without elementary antiderivatives
  • Learn about trigonometric substitution methods in calculus
  • Explore the use of definite integrals and changing bounds during substitution
  • Investigate numerical integration methods for evaluating complex integrals
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those tackling integration of trigonometric functions, and educators seeking to enhance their teaching of integration techniques.

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Homework Statement


Integrate
1/sqrt(cos[2x]) from theta prime to pi/4


Homework Equations


Your basic trig identities:
cos[2x]= 2cos^2[x]-1 = 1- 2sin^2[x] = cos^2[x]-sin^2[x]
sin^2[x]+cos^2[x] = 1
sin[2x] = 2sin[x]cos[x]

Apparently, you're supose to manipulate so that you can do a substitution to eliminate all trigonometric terms, i.e. cosx, sinx, and whatever may come up. Then, since a substitution occurred, you can then change the bounds of integration.

It should be similar to integrating 1/cosx by manipulation and substitution.

The Attempt at a Solution



Well, the first thing for me was trying to get rid of the square root in the denominator, multiplying top and bottom by cos[2x] everything i seem to have done thus far, ends up going in circles...
 
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\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{\cos2x}}dx

This doesn't have an elementary antiderivative...
 
Bohrok said:
\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{\cos2x}}dx

This doesn't have an elementary antiderivative...

I'm not sure about this question, but from what I was told, you have to use identities and manipulation in order to get it into a form that substitution is possible...
 

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