Integrating cos^-2(x) after inverse substitution

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SUMMARY

The integral of 1/[(16-x^2)^(3/2)] can be evaluated using the substitution x=4sin(t). This leads to the transformation of the integral into a simpler form involving cos(t). Specifically, the integral simplifies to (1/16) ∫ [cos^-2(t)] dt, which is equivalent to (1/16) ∫ sec^2(t) dt. The final result of this integral is tan(t) multiplied by the constant factor (1/16).

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Homework Statement



Use the substitution x=4sin(t) to evaluate the integral: S 1/[(16-x^2)^(3/2)] dx

Homework Equations



x = 4sin(t)

The Attempt at a Solution



x = 4sin(t)
dx = 4cos(t) dt

4cos(t) = (16-x^2)^(1/2), i cube both sides to get

(4cos(t))^3 = (16-x^2)^(3/2), then plug in dx and denominator into the equation to get

S 4cos(t)/[(4cos(t))^3] dt simplified and constant taken out i now get
(1/16) S [cos^-2(t)] dt

how do i integrate cos^-2(t) to get a simple answer. I don't think i can use the S cos^n(t) formula because then i have to integrate sin^-4(t) afterwards.

any help would be awesome, thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
cos^-2(x) = sec^2(x)

Integral of sec^2(x) = tan(x)
 

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