Integration by Parts: \int{\frac{xcosx}{sin^2x}dx}

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral \(\int{\frac{x \cos x}{\sin^2 x}dx}\), which involves techniques of integration, specifically integration by parts and substitution. The subject area includes calculus and integration methods.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the selection of \(u\) and \(dv\) for integration by parts, with one suggesting \(u = x\) and \(dv = \frac{\cos x}{\sin^2 x}dx\). Others question the use of substitution for the integral \(\int \frac{\cos x}{\sin^2 x}dx\) and propose letting \(u = \frac{1}{\sin x}\) and \(dv = \cot x \, dx\). There is discussion about the differentiation of \(\frac{1}{\sin x}\) and the application of the chain rule.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on alternative approaches, such as substitution instead of integration by parts. There are multiple lines of reasoning being explored, and participants are actively questioning their assumptions and methods without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the differentiation and integration processes involved, indicating a need for clarification on the application of integration techniques and the chain rule. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of the integral and the potential for different methods to be valid.

jetpac
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Homework Statement




Use integration by parts to evaluate the following integral:

[tex] \int{\frac{x cos x}{sin^2 x}dx}<br /> [/tex]

Homework Equations



[tex] \int{udv} = uv - \int{v du}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



Select U according to the order:

L - logarithmic, a - algebraic, t - trigonometric, e - exponential.

So possible contender for u would by x, leaving dv = [tex]\frac{cosx}{sin^2x}[/tex]

so du/dx= 1 => du = dx, v = [tex]\int{\frac{cosx}{sin^2x}}[/tex]

= [tex]\int\frac{1}{sinx}*\frac{cosx}{sinx} = \int\frac{1}{sinx}*cotx[/tex]

That's kind of where I'm lost if anyone can help, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!
 
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The integral
[tex]\int \dfrac{\cos x}{\sin^2 x}\,dx[/tex]​

can be done with a substitution. Do you see how?
 
Would i be on the right track to let u = 1/sinx and dv = cotx dx so v = ln|sinx|? Maybe it sounds stupid but I can't think right now how to go about differentiating 1/sinx. Would it be something like the chain rule, so -cosx * (1/sinx) * err.. a bit lost here again sorry!
 
Ah, you are trying to integrate by parts again, but I should have been more specific -- it can be done by u-substitution. That is, you let u = something and du = something dx and substitute. If we think about this carefully, then it is true that this is argument is supported by the chain rule.
 
jetpac said:
Would i be on the right track to let u = 1/sinx and dv = cotx dx so v = ln|sinx|? Maybe it sounds stupid but I can't think right now how to go about differentiating 1/sinx. Would it be something like the chain rule, so -cosx * (1/sinx) * err.. a bit lost here again sorry!

So I like how in your first post, you went ahead and wrote out the integration by parts [let v = int(cos(x)/(sin(x)^2)dx)]:

x*v-int(v dx)

Clearly, from there you need to be able to do the integration in v. I also like how you started considering cot(x)...maybe if you rewrote the integrand of v using cot(x) and another function, you'll notice a familiar derivative?

After that, you need a bit of finesse to finish int(v dx)...hint: multiply by "1" in order to make a u-sub.
 

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