Integration by parts with trig function insanity

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral of the sine function raised to an even power, specifically from 0 to π/2, and establishing a relationship between integrals of different orders. The context includes integration techniques, particularly integration by parts, and the use of mathematical induction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various attempts at manipulating the integral and using integration by parts. There are suggestions to consider induction as a method to progress. Questions arise regarding the correctness of the provided formula for the integral as n approaches infinity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts and exploring different approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of induction and integration by parts, but no consensus or resolution has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the requirement to use this integral problem to prove another result, which adds a layer of complexity to their discussions. There is also mention of constraints regarding the behavior of the integral as n increases.

cuttlefish
Messages
12
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Let In=the integral from 0 to pi/2 of sinnxdx
show that (I2n+1)/(I2n)=(2n+1)/(2n+2)


Homework Equations


integral from 0 to pi/2 of sin2n=(2n-1)pi/4n


The Attempt at a Solution


I can't write down all that I've done because it's just too ridiculous. I've tried lots of forms of just trying to manipulate my equation above, which didn't work. I've tried integration by parts for sin2n+1*sinx but I've ended up with the integral of cos2xsin2nx and I can't find a suitable substitution for that. I've been working on this problem forever and it's killing me. If anyone has any suggestions I would be very appreciative.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Have you seen the derivation of Wallis' infinite product for pi/2?
 
unfortunately, I have to use this problem to prove that next.
 
so you're trying to do the even integral first? think you might have been on the right track how about looking at some induction as a next step...

I2n = [tex]\int[/tex]dt sint2n = [tex]\int[/tex]dt sint2n-1.sint

integrating by parts

I2n = (2n-1)[tex]\int[/tex]dt sint2(n-1)cost2

I2n = (2n-1)[tex]\int[/tex]dt sint2(n-1) - (2n-1)[tex]\int[/tex]dt sint2n

So
2n. I2n = (2n-1).I2(n-1)
 
so you're trying to do the even integral? think you might have been on the right track how about looking at some induction as a next step...

so from I2n = [tex]\int[/tex]dt sint2n = [tex]\int[/tex]dt sint2n-1.sint

and integrating by parts like you did, I get to

2n. I2n = (2n-1).I2(n-1)

Also is that formula for I2n in the post correct? i would of thought it should tend zero as n heads towrds infinity
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
2K