# Homework Help: Integrating Trigonometric Functions with Irrational Exponents

1. Feb 23, 2009

### Hogger

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
The integral from 0 to pi/2 of 1/(1 + (tanx)^sqrt2) dx.

2. Relevant equations
trig identities?

3. The attempt at a solution
I tried some substitutions but it just made the problem more complicated. I also multiplied by (tanx)^sqrt2 in the numerator and denominator in an attempt to solve it using partial fractions. That ended up with a complex solution which I know is wrong. If it matters I plugged it into my calculator and got about .785. Any nudge in the right direction would be great. Also, is there a way to use equations without having to type it all out?

2. Feb 23, 2009

### lanedance

is series solution an option?

3. Feb 23, 2009

### Hogger

We're starting series in a few weeks I think so I'm pretty sure it's not an option. This is for BC Calc and the teacher said that we know how to do it but it will be challenging. My thought is some sort of trig identity but nothing seems to work out.

4. Feb 23, 2009

### Dick

It's a rotten dirty trick question. The integral from 0 to pi/2 of 1/(1+tan(x)^b) is the same as the integral over the same interval of 1/(1+cot(x)^b). Where b is any number. Why? That's the trig identity. Now add them and divide by two.

Last edited: Feb 23, 2009
5. Feb 24, 2009

### Hogger

wow, I knew there was a reason why my teacher smiled when she wrote this on the board. I wrote out the proof of it always equaling pi/4. I also would never have realized that from 0 to pi/2 the tan and cot have the same integral. Thank you so much.

6. Feb 24, 2009

### lanedance

yeah that's neat