Integrating x^2 sin x: Find Exact Value of Abs(-pi/2 to pi/2)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the integration of the function x^2 sin x dx and the subsequent evaluation of the definite integral of abs(x^2 sin x) from -π/2 to π/2. The integral of x^2 sin x is correctly identified as -x^2 cos x + 2x sin x + 2 cos x + C. However, the user encounters an error when evaluating the definite integral, resulting in an incorrect answer of 2π. The discussion emphasizes the importance of considering the sign of the function within the specified limits before applying the absolute value.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of definite integrals and their properties
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, specifically integration by parts
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and their behavior over specified intervals
  • Concept of absolute value in the context of integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Review integration by parts for functions involving products of polynomials and trigonometric functions
  • Study the properties of definite integrals, particularly with respect to even and odd functions
  • Explore the concept of absolute value in integrals and how it affects the evaluation process
  • Practice evaluating integrals of similar forms, such as x^2 cos x and x^2 e^x
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians focusing on integration techniques, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of definite integrals involving trigonometric functions.

madhamster
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
The question asks me to integrate x^2 sin x dx and then use it to find the exact value of the integration of abs ( x^2 sin x dx) with upper limit of pi/2 and lower limit of -pi/2.

I have found the integration of x^2 sin x dx which is -x^2 cosx + 2xsinX + 2 cosx + C

but after putting in the upper limits and lower limits i get the answer 2pi, where have i gone wrong because my first part is correct but the second part is different from the answer given.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
For what values of x is x2 sin x positive and for what values of x is it negative? Remember that |a|= a if a is positive and |a|= -a if a is negative. You cannot just evaluate x2 cosx + 2xsinX + 2 cosx + C at -pi/2 and pi/2.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K