Integrating cos^3(x) and √cos^3(x): Step-by-Step Guide | Helpful Tips

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the integration of the function \(\sqrt{\cos^3(x)}\) and its complexities. Participants highlight that traditional methods, such as breaking down \(\cos^3(x)\) into \(\cos^2(x)\cos(x)\) and using substitution, do not yield a straightforward solution due to the presence of the square root. The integration leads to elliptic functions, specifically the EllipticF function, which complicates the problem further. Ultimately, the consensus is that this integral may not be solvable using elementary functions, particularly at the high school level.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities and functions
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, including substitution
  • Knowledge of elliptic functions and their properties
  • Basic calculus concepts, particularly the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of elliptic functions, specifically EllipticF
  • Study advanced integration techniques, including integration of trigonometric functions with square roots
  • Explore numerical methods for evaluating integrals that cannot be expressed in elementary terms
  • Review the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and its implications for integration
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for AP Calculus exams, educators teaching integration techniques, and anyone interested in advanced calculus topics, particularly those involving elliptic integrals.

  • #31
Player_13 said:
X-43D, I don't think that's correct. I plugged a value for each in my calculator, and the answers were different.

How much did you get?
 
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  • #32
Yeah I've been playing with it, can't really get anywhere. I was tryin to figure out a way with trig identities to simplify it, but I can't get rid of the square root.
 
  • #33
So I walk into class and my teacher begins to explain the problem... And all she has on the overhead is how to set up the problem, then tells us that she pluged it into the calculator. I guess there is no simple way of solving this, sorry for "wasting" your time with this.
 
  • #34
It's quite likely that it is impossible to find this antiderivative (the EllipticF function most likely can't be expressed in terms of simple functions, although I'm not entirely certain about that)~
 

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