Integrating Fractions: Understanding How to Integrate 2+3sin^2x/5sin^2x

In summary: This makes sense to me now.In summary, the conversation discussed a problem with integrating fractions and the attempt to solve it using the formula for integration. However, the solution was incorrect as the integral of csc2(x) was not taken into account. The correct solution involves taking the derivative of tan(x) to obtain -cot(x).
  • #1
Cmertin
58
0
I'm having some problems integrating fractions. If you could help me understand it, that would be great.

Homework Statement


[tex]\int\frac{2+3sin^{2}x}{5sin^{2}x}[/tex]

Homework Equations


[tex]\int(x)dx=\frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\frac{2+3sin^{2}x}{5sin^{2}x}=\frac{1}{5}(\frac{2}{sin^{2}x}+\frac{3sin^{2}x}{sin^{2}x})[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{5}(\frac{2}{sin^{2}x}+\frac{3sin^{2}x}{sin^{2}x})[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{5}(\frac{2}{sin^{2}x}+3)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{1}{5}\int\frac{2}{sin^{2}x}+3 dx=\frac{1}{5}(\frac{-2}{sin(x)cos(x)}+3x)+C[/tex]

This is wrong though because the answer is supposed to be:
[tex]\frac{1}{5}(3x-2cot(x))[/tex]

What did I do wrong?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
How did you go from

[tex]\int \frac{1}{\sin^2 x}\,dx[/tex]

to

[tex]-\frac{1}{\sin x\cos x}[/tex]
 
  • #3
vela said:
How did you go from

[tex]\int \frac{1}{\sin^2 x}\,dx[/tex]

to

[tex]-\frac{1}{\sin x\cos x}[/tex]

Actually, now that I look at it that doesn't make sense. But I'm still stuck and can't figure out the steps before the answer...

[tex]\frac{1}{5}\int\frac{2}{sin^{2}x}+3 dx=?[/tex]
 
  • #4
Hint: 1/sin x = csc x.
 
  • #5
vela said:
Hint: 1/sin x = csc x.

[tex]\frac{1}{5}\int\frac{2}{sin^{2}x}+3 dx[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{5}(3x+\int\frac{2}{sin^{2}x}dx)[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{5}(3x+2csc^{2}x)[/tex]But the answer is:
[tex]\frac{1}{5}(3x-2cot(x))[/tex]
Found here

I have no idea where they got cotan from.
 
Last edited:
  • #6
Cmertin said:
[tex]\frac{1}{5}\int\frac{2}{sin^{2}x}+3 dx[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{5}(3x+\int\frac{2}{sin^{2}x}dx)[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{5}(3x+2csc^{2}x)[/tex]But the answer is:
[tex]\frac{1}{5}(3x-2cot(x))[/tex]
Found here

I have no idea where they got cotan from.
You never took the integral of the csc2(x). Take the derivative of tan(x) and see what you get.
 
  • #7
To elaborate a bit on what Mentallic said, this is what you did:
[tex]\int \frac{2}{sin^2(x)}dx~=~\int 2~csc^2(x) dx~=~2csc^2(x)[/tex]

If only integration were that simple!
 
  • #8
Mentallic said:
You never took the integral of the csc2(x). Take the derivative of tan(x) and see what you get.

Ah, the integral of csc2(x) is -cot(x). That's where my mistake was. Thanks.
 
  • #9
Mark44 said:
To elaborate a bit on what Mentallic said, this is what you did:
[tex]\int \frac{2}{sin^2(x)}dx~=~\int 2~csc^2(x) dx~=~2csc^2(x)[/tex]

If only integration were that simple!

Yea, I wish it was that simple :P Thanks for the clarification.
 

1. What is the definition of integrating a fraction?

Integrating a fraction is the process of finding the anti-derivative of a given fraction. In other words, it is finding a function whose derivative is equal to the given fraction.

2. What are the steps involved in integrating a fraction?

The steps involved in integrating a fraction are: 1) Simplify the fraction, if possible. 2) Identify the power rule or other integration rule that applies. 3) Apply the integration rule to find the anti-derivative. 4) Add the constant of integration.

3. How is the integration of fractions useful in real life?

The integration of fractions is useful in various fields of science and engineering, such as physics, chemistry, and economics. It helps in solving problems involving rates of change, optimization, and finding areas under curves.

4. Can all fractions be integrated?

No, not all fractions can be integrated. There are certain fractions that cannot be integrated using basic integration rules and require more advanced techniques, such as substitution or integration by parts.

5. Are there any common mistakes to avoid when integrating fractions?

One common mistake to avoid when integrating fractions is forgetting to add the constant of integration. Another mistake is applying the wrong integration rule or not simplifying the fraction before integrating, which can lead to incorrect results.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
346
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
548
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
181
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
562
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
787
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
917
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
840
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
949
Back
Top