Integrating $\sin^4 x$ to get $\cos^2 2x$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function $\sin^4 x$, exploring different methods and approaches to simplify the integral. Participants examine algebraic manipulations, trigonometric identities, and the potential use of the chain rule in the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a method involving the expansion of $\sin^4 x$ into $\left(\sin^2 x\right)^2$ and subsequently applies the identity for $\cos(2x)$.
  • Another participant points out an error in the application of constants in the integral and suggests an alternative approach using $\sin^2 x(1-\cos^2 x)$, proposing to use half-angle identities for simplification.
  • A later reply reiterates the initial method and emphasizes the need to apply a double angle formula on the final term.
  • Some participants inquire about the possibility of using the chain rule instead of expansion, leading to a discussion on the requirements for such an approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the methods to integrate $\sin^4 x$, with no consensus on the best approach. Some favor expansion while others explore the chain rule, indicating an unresolved debate on the most effective technique.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the implications of their proposed methods, and there are indications of missing assumptions regarding the application of identities and the chain rule.

karush
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$$\int \sin^4\left({x}\right) dx
\implies\int \left(\sin^2 \left({x}\right)\right)^2 dx$$

$$\implies \frac{1}{4}\int\left(1-\cos\left({2x}\right)\right)^2 dx

\implies \frac{1}{4}\int\left(1-2\cos\left({2x}\right)+\cos^2 \left({2x}\right)\right)dx $$

Got this far...hope ok
 
Last edited:
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You've got too many $\dfrac14$'s in the first integral on the second line; everything else looks ok. Alternatively, you could rewrite the integrand as $\sin^2x(1-\cos^2x)$, which gives

$$\int\sin^2(x)\,dx-\dfrac14\int\sin^2(2x)\,dx$$

Then use the half-angle identities to simplify. That may be a little easier.By the way, why did you title this thread "abs limit"?
 
karush said:
$$\int \sin^4\left({x}\right) dx
\implies\int \left(\sin^2 \left({x}\right)\right)^2 dx$$

$$\implies \frac{1}{4}\int\left(1-\cos\left({2x}\right)\right)^2 dx

\implies \frac{1}{4}\int\left(1-2\cos\left({2x}\right)+\cos^2 \left({2x}\right)\right)dx $$

Got this far...hope ok

This is fine, now you are going to need to use a double angle formula again on the final term...
 
Can this be done with the chain rule and not expansion
 
karush said:
Can this be done with the chain rule and not expansion

No, if you were going to use the chain rule you need a multiple of the derivative of cos(2x)...
 

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