Integrating Sin^2x Secx: Best Method

  • Thread starter Thread starter robierob12
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integration
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The best method to integrate \(\sin^2 x \sec x\) is to first rewrite the expression as \(\int \frac{\sin^2 x}{\cos x} dx\). A recommended substitution is \(u = \cos x\), which leads to the integral being expressed as \(\int \sec x - \cos x dx\). The integral of \(\sec x\) is \(\ln |\sec x + \tan x|\), providing a definitive solution to the problem. This approach effectively simplifies the integration process and avoids circular reasoning.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, particularly \(\sin^2 x\) and \(\sec x\)
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, including substitution and integration by parts
  • Knowledge of logarithmic functions, specifically the integral of \(\sec x\)
  • Basic calculus concepts, including differentiation and integration of trigonometric functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the integral of \(\sec x\)
  • Practice integration techniques involving trigonometric identities
  • Explore advanced substitution methods in calculus
  • Review integration by parts with a focus on trigonometric functions
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus, as well as educators looking for effective methods to teach integration of trigonometric functions.

robierob12
Messages
48
Reaction score
0
In a diff. Equation I am doing I have to integrate

<br /> <br /> \sin ^2 x\sec x<br /> <br /> <br />


which I can remember how to do.

What is the best method for this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sec(x) = 1/cos x => (sin x)^2 / cos x

Notice how one of them is the derivative of the other.
 
with respect to x I'm guessing?

\int sin^2 x sec x dx=\int \frac{sin^2 x}{cos x} dx

just do a substitution. you probably didn't see the substitution right away with the secant, best to change to sin and cos first
 
<br /> <br /> \int {\frac{{\sin ^2 x}}{{\cos x}}} dx<br /> <br />

let u=sinx du=coxdx

I don't see this working because i have (1/cosx)dx not cosx dx...

Am I looking at the wrong substitution?

Rob
 
or if let u=cosx I am left with an exta sinx after substitution...
 
Try using sin^2x=1-cos^2x and then look for the integral of secx
 
....
 
rock.freak667 said:
Try using sin^2x=1-cos^2x and then look for the integral of secx

not sure what your getting at there

<br /> \[<br /> \int {\frac{{\sin ^2 x}}{{\cos x}}} dx = \int {\frac{{1 - \cos ^2 x}}{{\cos x}}dx = ?} <br /> \]<br />
 
I just tried integration by parts and I end up going in a circle...
don't know why this one is stumping me so much.
 
  • #10
hm..didn't notice that sin^2 x...

what rock.freak.667 meant was to split up that fraction and you'll have integral of sec x -cos x. so you'd have to find the integral of sec x.
 
  • #11
\[<br /> \begin{array}{l}<br /> \int {\sin ^2 x} \sec xdx = \int {(1 - \cos ^2 x)\sec xdx = \int {\sec x - \sec x\cos x\cos xdx} } \\ <br /> = \int {\sec x - \cos xdx} \\ <br /> \end{array}<br /> \]<br />

Does this work?
 
  • #12
yes, now you'd need to find the integral for sec x
 
  • #13
which i think its just the ln abs(secX + tanX)
 
  • #14
Thanks guys.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K