Integration by substitution find the area under the graph

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the area under the graph of a given function using integration techniques, specifically integration by substitution. The function in question involves trigonometric identities and integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various substitution methods, including the Weierstrass substitution and trigonometric identities. There are attempts to simplify the integral and questions about the next steps after reaching certain forms.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing different approaches and expressing uncertainty about subsequent steps. Some guidance has been offered regarding completing the square and integrating rational functions, but no consensus has been reached on the best method to proceed.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention constraints related to course coverage of certain methods, indicating a desire to understand the material independently despite having access to computational tools.

bobred
Messages
170
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I have the function below which i need to find the area under the graph.

Homework Equations



[tex]\int_{ - \frac {\pi}{4}}^{\frac {\pi}{3}}\frac {2\sec x}{2 + \tan x}dx[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I can simplify it to

[tex]\int_{ - \frac {\pi}{4}}^{\frac {\pi}{3}}\frac {2}{2\cos x + \sin x}[/tex]

But I am at a loss as to where to go from here, I've tried all sorts of things. I have Mathcad which has given me the answer, but I want to be able to do it myself. I have been shown the Weierstrass substitution method which I can follow, but it is something that isn't covered by the course.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Now do the substitution. t=tan(x/2). I.e. sin(x)=2t/(1+t^2) etc. Try to integrate the resulting rational function. What's stopping you from continuing? It's sounds like you know the right method.
 
Hi

Yeah, I get to

2/t^2-t-1

and then I'm not sure what to do.
 
I seem to be getting -2/(t^2-t-1). But now you complete the square. Write the quadratic as (t-a)^2-b^2. What next?
 
Hi

I decided to try another route using trig identities.

[tex]\frac{2\sec x}{2+\tan x}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{5}\cos(\theta-x)}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{5}}\cdot\frac{1}{\cos(\theta-x)}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{5}}\cdot\sec(\theta-x)[/tex]

where [tex]\theta=\arctan\left(1/2\right)[/tex]

[tex]\int\frac{2\sec x}{2+\tan x}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{5}}\ln\left|\sec (-\arctan\left(1/2\right)+x)+\tan (-\arctan\left(1/2\right)+x)\right|+c[/tex]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K