Integrating cos^6(x) using cos^4θ - sin^4θ and cos^4θ + sin^4θ

  • Thread starter Thread starter synkk
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integrating
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on integrating cos^6(θ) using the identities cos^4(θ) - sin^4(θ) = cos(2θ) and cos^4(θ) + sin^4(θ) = 1 - (1/2)sin^2(2θ). The user successfully evaluates the integral ∫₀^(π/2) cos^4(θ) dθ and attempts to apply the result to ∫₀^(π/2) cos^6(θ) dθ. However, they encounter difficulties when simplifying the expression for cos^6(θ) and seek assistance in resolving the cancellation of terms. Suggestions include using integration by parts and retaining cos(4θ) for further manipulation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically cos^4(θ) and sin^4(θ).
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, including integration by parts.
  • Knowledge of double angle formulas in trigonometry.
  • Experience with polynomial expressions in trigonometric integrals.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of integration by parts in trigonometric integrals.
  • Learn about the reduction formula for integrating powers of cosine.
  • Explore De Moivre's theorem and its applications in integration.
  • Investigate further simplifications of trigonometric identities for integration purposes.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying calculus, and anyone interested in advanced integration techniques involving trigonometric functions.

synkk
Messages
216
Reaction score
0
Using [itex]cos^4\theta - sin^4\theta = cos2\theta[/itex] and [itex]cos^4\theta + sin^4\theta = 1 - \frac{1}{2}sin^22\theta[/itex]

evaluate:

(i) [itex]\displaystyle \int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} cos^4\theta \ d\theta[/itex]

adding the two identities given I get: [itex]2cos^4\theta = cos2\theta + 1 - \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{4} cos4\theta[/itex] [itex]cos^4\theta = \frac{1}{8}\left (4cos2\theta + 3 + cos4\theta \right )[/itex]

integrating this I get the correct answer

(ii) [itex]\displaystyle \int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} cos^6\theta \ d\theta[/itex]

from the (i) [itex]cos^4\theta = \frac{1}{8}\left( 4cos2\theta + 3 + cos4\theta \right )[/itex]

so [itex]cos^6\theta = \frac{1}{8}(4cos^2\theta cos(2\theta) +3cos^2\theta + cos^2\theta cos4\theta)[/itex]

using the double angle formula I simplify down to:
[itex]cos^6\theta = \left(4\left( \dfrac{cos2\theta + 1}{2} \right)cos2\theta + 3\left(\dfrac{cos2\theta + 1}{2} \right) + cos^2\theta cos4\theta \right)[/itex]
[itex]cos^6\theta = \left(cos4\theta + 1 + \frac{7}{2} cos2\theta + \frac{3}{2} + cos^2\theta cos4\theta \right )[/itex]
considering [itex]cos^2\theta cos4\theta[/itex]

[itex]= cos^2\theta(2(2cos^2\theta - 1)^2 - 1) = 8cos^6\theta - 8 cos^4\theta + cos^2\theta[/itex]

so:
[itex]cos^6\theta = \frac{1}{8}\left(cos4\theta + \frac{5}{2} + \frac{7}{2}cos2\theta + 8cos^6\theta - 8 cos^4\theta + cos^2\theta \right)[/itex]

then the [itex]cos^6\theta[/itex] cancel out :S, any help?

(I've solved this problem using the reduction formula and de moivres theorem but I don't see where I'm going wrong here)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
You can use integration by parts twice. You will get cos^6 on both sides there, too, but they don't cancel.
Alternatively, keep cos(4θ) as it is and play around with cos^2(θ).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K