Integrating sin^3 x with Substitution?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integrating the function sin^3(x) using substitution methods. Participants are exploring various identities and substitutions related to trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest using trigonometric identities, such as sin^2(x) = 1 - cos^2(x), to facilitate the integration process. There is a mention of substitution techniques, with varying degrees of clarity and effectiveness. Some participants express confusion regarding the correct function to integrate and the implications of their substitutions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing different approaches and questioning their assumptions. There is acknowledgment of confusion regarding the function involved, and some guidance is offered on using identities, though no consensus on a specific method has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential for misunderstanding due to a miswritten function in the thread title, which has led to some confusion in the discussion. There are also informal remarks regarding the participants' states of mind, which may affect their contributions.

kasse
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What is the best way?
 
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Idk, you didn't show any work.
 
I guess I'll have to use an identity. Maybe sin^2(x) = 1-cos^2(x)?

(1-cos^2(x))*sin(x)

u = 1- cos^2(x)

du/dx = -2cos(x)sin(x)


so that


(1-cos^2(x))*sin(x) dx = (-u sin(x)/2cos(x)) du

Doesn't really help, or?
 
[tex]\int\cos x\cos^2 xdx[/tex]

Use a BASIC trig identity to change the 2nd degree cosine function.
 
not cosine, sine
 
kasse said:
not cosine, sine
What are you talking about?
 
Don't know, I guess I'm too drunk to do maths right now.
 
kasse said:
Don't know, I guess I'm too drunk to do maths right now.
Try again later :)
 
Oh, I wrote cos^3 x instead of sin^3 x in the headline. That explains my confusion.

sin^3 x

=

sin^2 x*sin x

=

(1 - cos^2 x)sin x

Then substitution?

u = 1-cos^2 x

du/dx = 2cos x*sin*x

so that

sin^3 x dx = - u / 2cos x

Hm...
 
  • #10
distribute the sinx and you'll see your solution
 
  • #11
kasse said:
Oh, I wrote cos^3 x instead of sin^3 x in the headline. That explains my confusion.

sin^3 x

=

sin^2 x*sin x

=

(1 - cos^2 x)sin x

Then substitution?

u = 1-cos^2 x

du/dx = 2cos x*sin*x

so that

sin^3 x dx = - u / 2cos x

Hm...
So how about just u= cos(x)?

You know what they say "Don't drink and derive"!
 

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