Integrating x^2sinx: Finding Limits and Solution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the integral of the function x^2 sin(x) with specified limits of 0 and π. Participants are exploring the integration process and addressing discrepancies between their results and a textbook answer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of integration by parts, with one user attempting to integrate the function and expressing uncertainty about their process. Questions arise regarding the correct substitution of limits and the potential for errors in calculation.

Discussion Status

The conversation has led to some participants confirming their integration steps and questioning the accuracy of their limit substitutions. There is acknowledgment of a possible error in using a calculator that was not set to radians, which could explain discrepancies with the textbook answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of ensuring that calculations are performed in the correct mode (radians) when dealing with trigonometric functions. There is also a reference to the textbook answer, which raises questions about the reliability of their own results.

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Homework Statement


Find the integral of:


Homework Equations


x^2 . sinx dx (With upper and lower limits of pi and 0 respectively.)


The Attempt at a Solution



Integrating for the first time:
-x^2 . cos x + 2 [integral of] x . cosx dx

After integrating a part of my first integration:
-x^2 . cosx + 2xsinx + 2cosx

----------------------------

I used the method of integration by parts where u = x^2 and dv = sinx.

I don't really need the final answer, i just want to see where i am going wrong with the actual integration.

Anything with trig in it seems to completely throw me

Thanks.

----------------------------
 
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Mo said:

Homework Statement


Find the integral of:


Homework Equations


x^2 . sinx dx (With upper and lower limits of pi and 0 respectively.)


The Attempt at a Solution



Integrating for the first time:
-x^2 . cos x + 2 [integral of] x . cosx dx

After integrating a part of my first integration:
-x^2 . cosx + 2xsinx + 2cosx

----------------------------

I used the method of integration by parts where u = x^2 and dv = sinx.

I don't really need the final answer, i just want to see where i am going wrong with the actual integration.

Anything with trig in it seems to completely throw me

Thanks.

----------------------------

Mo, your solution (-x^2 . cosx + 2xsinx + 2cosx) is CORRECT :: approve

marlon
 
Thanks for the help. The thing is, if i input the limits of pi and 0, i get a completely different answer to that in the book!

The book gives the answer as ((pi^2) - 4)

Either i am substituting the limits incorrectly (likely) or the book's answer is incorrect (unlikely..)

Am I right in saying that first we substitute pi for x, get an answer, then substitute 0 for x and again get an answer.

We then subtract the our the latter answer from the first.

ie:

(-pi^2 . cos(pi) + 2(pi)sin(pi) + 2cos(pi)) - (2cos(0))

which will give us the final answer.

Regards.

ps: thanks for spotting that, cristo
 
Last edited:
Mo said:
ie:

(-pi^2 . cos(pi) + 2(pi)sin(pi) + 2cos(pi)) - (2cos(pi))

Probably a typo, but this should read

(-pi^2 . cos(pi) + 2(pi)sin(pi) + 2cos(pi)) - (2cos(0))
 
Mo said:
(-pi^2 . cos(pi) + 2(pi)sin(pi) + 2cos(pi)) - (2cos(pi))

which will give us the final answer.

Regards.

again correct...It must be a typo

cos(pi) = -1
sin(pi) = 0

i get

(-pi^2* (-1) + 2(pi)* 0 + 2* (-1)) - (2)
marlon
 
Last edited:
In that case the book was correct.

I was doing the substitutions using my calculator which was not in radians mode. :cry:

Thanks for your help though, much appreciated.
 

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