Integrating product of trig functs with different args

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster seeks assistance with integrating the product of two trigonometric functions, specifically sin(x) and cos(3x), noting difficulty despite prior knowledge.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest using trigonometric identities to simplify the integral, while others propose integration by parts as a potential method. There is also mention of a technique involving an "integrand loop" for a different integral, which may not directly apply to the original problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring various methods to approach the integration problem, with some providing formulas and others sharing insights on integration techniques. No consensus has been reached, but multiple avenues for exploration have been presented.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about their ability to solve the problem, indicating a potential gap in understanding or application of integration techniques.

electric.avenue
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Homework Statement



How do you integrate a product of two trigonometric functions of x, when the argument is different, ie:

what is the integral of

sin x cos 3x


I ought to know this, but don't seem to be able to do it.

Thanks in adv!



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Use the formulas for sin(a+b) and sin(a-b):

sin(a+b) = sin a cos b + cos a sin b
sin(a-b) = sin a cos b - cos a sin b

so

sin(a+b) + sin(a-b) = 2 sin a cos b
 
you can solve this by the formula
choose one part as v
choose the other as du

{-integral sigh

{vdu=v*u -{dv*u
 
Note that transgalactic's proposal will enable you to find the answer by entering an integrand loop of finite length.

To see what I mean with an "integrand loop", I'll take an example:

We are to compute:
[tex]I=\int_{0}^{1}e^{x}\cos(x)dx[/tex]
we use partial integration to write this as:
[tex]I=\int_{0}^{1}e^{x}\cos(x)dx=e^{x}\cos(x)\mid^{x=1}_{x=0}+\int_{0}^{1}e^{x}\sin(x)dx=(e^{x}\cos(x)+e^{x}\sin(x))\mid_{x=0}^{x=1}-\int_{0}^{1}e^{x}\cos(x)dx=(e^{x}\cos(x)+e^{x}\sin(x))\mid_{x=0}^{x=1}-I[/tex]
Therefore, we have gained the equation for I:
[tex]I=(e^{x}\cos(x)+e^{x}\sin(x))\mid_{x=0}^{x=1}-I[/tex]
which is easily solved for I.
 
Thanks for all the help and advice, everyone. I got an A in maths, btw.
 

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