Integrating Trig functions (Namely tan^{2}x)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integrating trigonometric functions, specifically focusing on the integral of \(\tan^{2}x\) and \(\sec^{4}5x\). Participants express confusion regarding the derivation of these integrals and the application of trigonometric identities in the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between \(\tan^{2}x\) and \(\sec^{2}x\), questioning how to derive the integral of \(\tan^{2}x\) from known identities. There are attempts to manipulate \(\sec^{4}5x\) into forms involving \(\tan^{2}5x\) and \(\sec^{2}5x\), with some participants noting errors in equivalences. Questions arise about the appropriate identities to use and how to simplify the integrals effectively.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing various insights and suggestions for approaching the integration problems. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of identities and substitutions, but there remains a lack of consensus on the best approach to take for the integrals in question. Multiple interpretations and methods are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to memorize trigonometric identities and express uncertainty about the integration process, indicating that some foundational knowledge may be assumed or lacking. There are also reminders to avoid posting complete solutions, emphasizing the forum's focus on learning and understanding.

aFk-Al
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I know that
[tex]\int \tan^{2}x dx= \int \sec^{2}x-1\ dx = \tan x - x + C[/tex]
but i don't completely understand how this is derived. Because of this lack of comprehension, I have no idea what to do with [tex]\int \sec^{4}5x\ dx[/tex]. I went from there to get:
[tex]\int \sec^{4}5x\ dx=[/tex]
[tex]\int [\sec^{2}5x]^{2}\ dx=[/tex]
[tex]\int \tan^{2}5x\ dx =[/tex]
but I have no idea where to go from here. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
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change from [text] to [tex][/tex]
 
...and change from [\text] to [/tex].

Edit: boy, are we helpful. :biggrin:
 
Ha there we go! Thank you. How about help with the problem now?
 
aFk-Al said:
I know that

[tex]\int [\sec^{2}5x]^{2}\ dx=[/tex]
[tex]\int \tan^{2}5x\ dx =[/tex]

This is wrong, these two lines are not equivalent. What trigonometric identity do you know that relates secant and tangent?
 
Doesn't [tex]\int \sec^{2}x\ dx=\int \tan x dx[/tex]?

Edit: I answered the question as I was asking it. It equals [tex]\tan x[/tex] not [tex]\int \tan x dx[/tex]. So what should I do instead? I would also still like to know how to integrate [tex]\tan^2 x[/tex]
 
Last edited:
aFk-Al said:
Doesn't [tex]\int \sec^{2}x\ dx=\int \tan x dx[/tex]?

No. What is the derivative of tan(x)?
 
d_leet said:
No. What is the derivative of tan(x)?
[tex]\sec^2 x[/tex]. roger. so what instead?
 
aFk-Al said:
Doesn't [tex]\int \sec^{2}x\ dx=\int \tan x dx[/tex]?

Edit: I answered the question as I was asking it. It equals [tex]\tan x[/tex] not [tex]\int \tan x dx[/tex]. So what should I do instead? I would also still like to know how to integrate [tex]\tan^2 x[/tex]

Ok Starting with

[tex]\int \sec^{4} 5x dx[/tex]

split this up to

[tex]\int (\sec^{2} 5x)(\sec^{2} 5x) dx[/tex]

Then use an identity to simplify the first sec2(5x) and then it should be much simpler.
 
  • #10
Use complex numbers via
[tex]\cos(x)=\frac{1}{2}(e^{ix}+e^{-ix}})[/tex]
[tex]\sin(x)=\frac{1}{2i}(e^{ix}-e^{-ix}})[/tex]
where [tex]i^2=-1[/tex]
... and make use of
[tex]e^{ix}=\cos(x)+i\sin(x)[/tex] (to convert back)

[Integrating the exponential function is much easier.]
 
  • #11
robphy said:
Use complex numbers via
[tex]\cos(x)=\frac{1}{2}(e^{ix}+e^{-ix}})[/tex]
[tex]\sin(x)=\frac{1}{2i}(e^{ix}-e^{-ix}})[/tex]
where [tex]i^2=-1[/tex]
... and make use of
[tex]e^{ix}=\cos(x)+i\sin(x)[/tex] (to convert back)

[Integrating the exponential function is much easier.]

With sines and cosines this is easy, but with secants and tangents i think this would actually complicate things.
 
  • #12
aFk-Al said:
I know that
[tex]\int \tan^{2}x dx= \int \sec^{2}x-1\ dx = \tan x - x + C[/tex]
but i don't completely understand how this is derived. Because of this lack of comprehension,

FYI, the only trick you have used here is the fact that
[tex]\tan^2 x = \sec^2 x -1[/tex]
which is a trig identity derived from
[tex]\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x = 1[/tex]
btw, knowing this is inconsequential to how you may solve
[tex]\int \sec^4 (5x)\;dx[/tex]

as previous posters mentioned, split them up and use the identity once...your aim is to rewrite the expression in terms of things you can readily integrate like
[tex]\sec^2 x, \sec^2 x \tan^2 x[/tex]

hope I haven't given away too much :smile:
 
  • #13
aFk-Al said:
[tex]\int \sec^{4}5x\ dx=[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{5}\int \frac{du}{\cos^{4}u}[/tex]

where [itex]u=5x[/itex].

Now make the substitution

[tex]\tan u =y[/tex]

Daniel.
 
  • #14
aFk-Al said:
I know that
[tex]\int \tan^{2}x dx= \int \sec^{2}x-1\ dx = \tan x - x + C[/tex]
but i don't completely understand how this is derived. Because of this lack of comprehension, I have no idea what to do with [tex]\int \sec^{4}5x\ dx[/tex]. I went from there to get:
[tex]\int \sec^{4}5x\ dx=[/tex]
[tex]\int [\sec^{2}5x]^{2}\ dx=[/tex]
[tex]\int \tan^{2}5x\ dx =[/tex]
but I have no idea where to go from here. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

The easiest way to go about this is

sec^4 (5x) dx
let 5x = y (which you can differentialte and substitue accordingly).

so let's integrate
I= sec^4 x dx.
= (sec^2x . sec^2x) dx
= ((1+tan^2x) .sec^2x)dx
= Sec^2 dx + sec^2x.tan^2x dx
= tan x + c + J

J = sec^2x.tan^2x dx

Now let tan x =t
therefore, sec^2xdx =dt
substituting
J = t^2 dt
J= t^3 / 3 + c

I=tan x + c + (t^3 / 3) + c
tan x +(tan^3x)/3 + constant of indefinate integration.
 
  • #15
that is good
 
  • #16
This is great guys, thank you all. I just need to memorize all those stupid trig identities and I think this will be a lot easier for me. Thanks again everyone!

-Al
 
  • #17
dickcruz said:
The easiest way to go about this is

sec^4 (5x) dx
let 5x = y (which you can differentialte and substitue accordingly).

so let's integrate
I= sec^4 x dx.
= (sec^2x . sec^2x) dx
= ((1+tan^2x) .sec^2x)dx
= Sec^2 dx + sec^2x.tan^2x dx
= tan x + c + J

J = sec^2x.tan^2x dx

Now let tan x =t
therefore, sec^2xdx =dt
substituting
J = t^2 dt
J= t^3 / 3 + c

I=tan x + c + (t^3 / 3) + c
tan x +(tan^3x)/3 + constant of indefinate integration.


Please don't post complete solutions to homework questions.
 
  • #18
aFk-Al said:
This is great guys, thank you all. I just need to memorize all those stupid trig identities and I think this will be a lot easier for me. Thanks again everyone!

-Al

You don't have to memorize the identitites.
I derive them when i need them

the basic ones are

Sin^2 x + cos^2 x= 1
Cos2x = Cos^2 - sin^2x
sin 2 x = 2. cosx. sinx

from the first one we can divide through by cos and get values for
tan^2x +1=sec^x.
dividing by sin gives
1+cot^2x = csc^2x.

from the second one
you can substitute sin^2x or cos^2x as 1-cos^2x or 1-sin^2x
this is how how you integrate
 
  • #19
thanks for the advice, i'll work on that.
 
  • #20
to add to what dickcruz said, the cos2x formulas (there are 3) are very useful in integration:

take cos2x= 1 - 2sin^2x and solve for sin^2x
(or take cos2x = 2cos^2x - 1 and solve for cos^2x
This gives you the power reducing formulas which you'll use when you have even powers.
i.e. to integrate (cos^2 x)
you would first change it to the integral of (1 + cos2x)/2; a relatively simple integral to take care of.
 
  • #21
Yes I know how to integrate that. I am sorry but I'm not following where to go after you have split up [tex]\sec^4 5x[/tex] to [tex]\sec^2 5x + \sec^2 5x * \tan^2 5x[/tex]. I understand that you can now integrate each part separately. I'm pretty sure you can use the power reducing formula to break down [tex]\sec^2 5x[/tex] to 1/cos. As for the other half, I know how to integrate tanx * secx but it's different with sec^2*tan^2. Do I break it down to sin^2/cos^4?
 
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  • #22
Dickcruz, please use tex, makes an easier read.

Basically with integrals with secants and tangents, we convert of the the factors into the other trig function using an identity. eg tan^3 x= (sec^2 x-1)(tan x), then we make a substituion.
 

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