Integration by substitution of sqrt cos theta.sin cube theta

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral \(\int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \sqrt{\cos\theta} \sin^3(\theta) d\theta\) and confirming its value as \(\frac{8}{21}\). The problem involves integration techniques, particularly substitution and potentially integration by parts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of integration by substitution, with one suggesting the substitution \( \cos\theta = t^2 \) and another proposing \( t = \cos\theta \). There are questions regarding the appropriateness of the chosen methods and whether to consider integration by parts as an alternative.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the substitution methods and have encouraged further exploration of the integral. There is acknowledgment of the progress made by the original poster, but no explicit consensus on the best approach has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the methods they can use or the information they can assume. There is a focus on ensuring the steps taken align with the requirements of the problem.

davie
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Homework Statement



To show that [tex]\int_{0}^ \frac{\pi}{2}\sqrt{cos\theta}sin^3(\theta) d\theta[/tex] = 8/21


The Attempt at a Solution


The above expression was simplified as
[tex]\int_{0}^ \frac{\pi}{2}\sqrt{cos\theta}sin^2(\theta) sin(\theta) d\theta[/tex]
[tex]\int_{0}^ \frac{\pi}{2}\sqrt{cos\theta}(1-cos^2(\theta)) sin\theta d\theta[/tex]
I have tried using integration by substitution method.
Let [tex]cos\theta = t^2[/tex]
or,[tex]sin\theta d\theta = 2tdt[/tex]

also changing the limits, when [tex]\theta = 0[/tex] , t becomes 1
and when [tex]\theta = \frac{\pi}{2}[/tex], t becomes 0

therefore the expression will look like this.
[tex]\int_{1}^ 0 t.(t^4-1)2t.dt[/tex]

Am I going into the right direction or should I use any other method like integration by parts.
 
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Let t = cos θ. See if you can figure it out from there.
 
davie said:

Homework Statement



To show that [tex]\int_{0}^ \frac{\pi}{2}\sqrt{cos\theta}sin^3(\theta) d\theta[/tex] = 8/21

The Attempt at a Solution


The above expression was simplified as
[tex]\int_{0}^ \frac{\pi}{2}\sqrt{cos\theta}sin^2(\theta) sin(\theta) d\theta[/tex]
[tex]\int_{0}^ \frac{\pi}{2}\sqrt{cos\theta}(1-cos^2(\theta)) sin\theta d\theta[/tex]...
Distribute [itex]\sqrt{\cos(\theta)}[/itex] through (1 - cos2(θ)) .

and remember that [itex]\displaystyle \sqrt{x}=x^\frac{1}{2}\,.[/itex]

... and use Ivan92's suggested substitution.
 
davie said:
therefore the expression will look like this.
[tex]\int_{1}^ 0 t(t^4-1)2t dt[/tex]

Am I going into the right direction or should I use any other method like integration by parts.

Why don't you just integrate what you have and find out?
 
Thanks to everyone who responded, especially Harrisonized, you were right.
Guess I was heading into the right path.
[tex]\int_{1}^ 0 t(t^4-1)2t dt[/tex]

--->[tex]2.\frac{t^7}{7}-2.\frac{t^3}{3}[/tex] when integrated.

--->[tex]0-\frac{6-14}{21}[/tex] when variable substituted with the limits.
 

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