Integrating Trigonometric Functions with Powers and Substitution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of trigonometric functions, specifically focusing on the integral $$I=\int_{0}^{\pi/2}\cos^3\left({x}\right)\sin\left({2x}\right) \,dx$$ and the methods of substitution and changing limits in definite integrals. Participants explore the implications of substitution on the limits of integration and the evaluation of the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims that the integral evaluates to $$I=\frac{2}{5}$$ and provides a substitution method involving $$u=\cos\left({x}\right)$$.
  • Another participant questions the handling of limits when performing the substitution.
  • A different participant reiterates the integral and suggests that the substitution leads to $$I=-2\int_{0}^{\pi/2}\cos^4\left({x}\right)\sin\left({x}\right)\, dx$$.
  • One participant points out that the limits change when substituting, leading to a new expression for the integral in terms of $$u$$.
  • There is a discussion about the negative sign in the integral and how it affects the limits, with a participant clarifying that it results in a positive integral when the limits are adjusted.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct handling of limits during substitution, and there is no consensus on the evaluation of the integral or the implications of the substitution method.

Contextual Notes

Some participants do not agree on the final form of the integral after substitution, and there are unresolved issues regarding the limits of integration and the correctness of the negative sign in the integral expression.

karush
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$\large{S6.7.R.27}$
$$\displaystyle
I=\int_{0}^{\pi/2}\cos^3\left({x}\right)\sin\left({2x}\right) \,dx = \frac{2}{5}$$
since $\sin\left({2x}\right)=2\sin\left({x}\right)\cos\left({x}\right) $ then..
$$I=2\int_{0}^{\pi/2}\cos^4\left({x}\right)\sin\left({x}\right)\, dx \\
\begin{align}
u&=\cos\left({x}\right) &du=-\sin\left({x}\right) \, dx
\end{align}$$
then
$$\displaystyle
I=\int_{0}^{\pi/2}{u}^{4} \, du$$

I continued but didn't get the answer for some reason
 
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When you do a substitution, what happen to the limits of the integral?
 
$\large{S6.7.R.27}$
$$\displaystyle
I=\int_{0}^{\pi/2}\cos^3\left({x}\right)\sin\left({2x}\right) \,dx = \frac{2}{5}$$
since $\sin\left({2x}\right)=2\sin\left({x}\right)\cos\left({x}\right) $ then..
$$I=-2\int_{0}^{\pi/2}\cos^4\left({x}\right)\sin\left({x}\right)\, dx \\
\begin{align}
u&=\cos\left({x}\right) &du&=-\sin\left({x}\right) \, dx \\
0&=\cos\left({\frac{\pi}{2}}\right) &1 &=\cos\left({0}\right)
\end{align}$$
then
$$\displaystyle
I=2\int_{0}^{1} {u}^{4} \, du
=2\left| \frac{{u}^{5}}{5} \right|_{0}^1$$
 
Last edited:
$\cos(0)=1$, so you've got

$$-2\int_1^0u^4\,du=2\int_0^1u^4\,du$$
 

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