Integrating $\sec^2(2x)$: A Puzzler

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter karush
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integrating
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function $\sec^2(2x)$, specifically the integral $\int_{0}^{\pi/8}\frac{\sec^2(2x)}{2+\tan(2x)} \, dx$. Participants explore various substitution methods to simplify the integral and express their uncertainties regarding the correct approach.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Homework-related, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the substitution $u = \tan(2x)$, noting that this leads to a complication with a constant in the denominator.
  • Another participant questions the derivative of 2, possibly indicating confusion about constants in the integration process.
  • A different substitution, $u = 2 + \tan(2x)$, is proposed by another participant, which leads to a new expression for $du$.
  • Following the substitution, a participant calculates the integral as $I = 2\int_{2}^{3} \frac{1}{u} \, du$ and arrives at a logarithmic expression for the integral.
  • Another participant confirms the calculation but highlights a minor correction regarding the integral's expression.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion features multiple competing views on the appropriate substitution for the integral, and there is no consensus on the best approach or the final result.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainties regarding the implications of their substitutions and the handling of constants, indicating potential limitations in their approaches.

karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
I_{7}&=\int_{0}^{\pi/8}\frac{\sec^2(2x)}{2+\tan\left({2x}\right)} \\
&=
\end{align*}
not sure of the u substitution here... if $u=tan(2x)$ then $du=2sec^2(2x)$ but stuck with 2 in the denominator after subst
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What's the derivative of 2?
 
So maybe the substitution $\displaystyle \begin{align*} u = 2 + \tan{(2\,x)} \end{align*}$ might be more appropriate...
 
$u=2+\tan(2x) \therefore du = 2 \sec^2(2x) \, dx$
so then
$\displaystyle I= 2\int_{2}^{3} \frac{1}{u}\,du=
\frac{1}{2}\left[ln(u)\right]_2^3$
so then
$I=\frac{1}{2}\ln\left({\frac{3}{2}}\right)$
hopefully
 
Last edited:
$$I=\color{red}\frac12\color{black}\int_2^3\frac1u\,\text{ d}u=\left[\frac12\log(u)\right]_2^3$$

Otherwise ok.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
980
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K