Integrating Sin^2[x] from 0 to t: Solve with Identity

  • Thread starter Thread starter zee_22
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integration
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving the integral of sin^2[x] from 0 to t using the identity sin^2[x] = (1 - cos[2x])/2. The initial approach involves substituting the identity into the integral, but confusion arises regarding the subsequent substitution and integration steps. Participants clarify that cos[2x] is directly integrable and that the substitution may not be necessary. The correct integral of sin^2[x] is confirmed as (1/2)(x - (sin[2x]/4)), with a reminder to apply the definite integral limits. The conversation emphasizes understanding the integration process and notation.
zee_22
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Use the identity Sin[x]^2 = [1-Cos[2x]]/2
to help calculate integral from 0 to t Sin[x]^2 dxThis question seems really easy but I am having some difficulty with it.
This is what I am thinking :
first put the [1-Cos[2x]]/2 instead of the Sin[x]^2
so this is what i have now (int from 0 to t) [1-Cos[2x]]/2dx
then i thought let u = cos[2x] then du = - Sin[2x]dx
and when x= 0 then u = 1 and when x= t then u= cos[2t]
then (int from 0 to t) [1-Cos[2x]]/2dx
=-1/2 (int from 1 to cos[2t] ) [1-u]/[Sin[2x]du]
Now i don't know what to do please help!:confused:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
zee_22 said:
Use the identity Sin[x]^2 = [1-Cos[2x]]/2
to help calculate integral from 0 to t Sin[x]^2 dxThis question seems really easy but I am having some difficulty with it.
This is what I am thinking :
first put the [1-Cos[2x]]/2 instead of the Sin[x]^2
so this is what i have now (int from 0 to t) [1-Cos[2x]]/2dx
then i thought let u = cos[2x] then du = - Sin[2x]dx
and when x= 0 then u = 1 and when x= t then u= cos[2t]
then (int from 0 to t) [1-Cos[2x]]/2dx
=-1/2 (int from 1 to cos[2t] ) [1-u]/[Sin[2x]du]
Now i don't know what to do please help!:confused:


Why did you make a substitution after you used the trig identity to get rid of the sine squared, cos(2x) is certainly integrable.
 
back to the integration problem

d_leet said:
Why did you make a substitution after you used the trig identity to get rid of the sine squared, cos(2x) is certainly integrable.

the substitution was the first thing i did i should leave the sin[x]^2 like it is then??
let sin[x]= u ?
what is the integral of Cos[2x]??
please
 
zee_22 said:
the substitution was the first thing i did i should leave the sin[x]^2 like it is then??
let sin[x]= u ?
what is the integral of Cos[2x]??
please


Ok i think i got it:shy:
I just one clerification is sin^2[x] the same as Sin[x]^2?
 
Do NOT post homework questions or any other questions in the tutorials section!

Warning sent off to mods.
 
arildno said:
Do NOT post homework questions or any other questions in the tutorials section!

Warning sent off to mods.
im very sorry ,I'm new ,i didn't know..
 
zee_22 said:
Ok i think i got it:shy:
I just one clerification is sin^2[x] the same as Sin[x]^2?

Yes that's correct. That notation is used to not confuse the following expressions.

\sin(x)^2 and \sin(x^2)
 
not much trouble by the way
but a slight mistake
if u=cos2x
than d(u)=-sin2xd(2x)
=-2sin2xdx
but i don't really know why u r making this substitution?
cos2x is a basic integration, but if u want to do it this way which is useless than do tell i will tell u than how to do this useless thing
 
u rnt using [x] to denote gretest integer function? that would make it slightly complex
 
  • #10
No, he's not using [x] as the greatest integer function. Anyway, here's the original integral.

\int \sin^2(x)dx=\frac{1}{2} \int 1-\cos(2x)dx= \frac{x}{2}-\frac{\sin(2x)}{4}

No constant of integration because it's a definite integral. Just plug in your bounds.
 
Back
Top