# Integration by substitution

1. Jun 22, 2009

### bobred

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

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

2. Relevant equations

$$\int_{ - \frac {\pi}{4}}^{\frac {\pi}{3}}\frac {2\sec x}{2 + \tan x}dx$$

3. The attempt at a solution

I can simplify it to

$$\int_{ - \frac {\pi}{4}}^{\frac {\pi}{3}}\frac {2}{2\cos x + \sin x}$$

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: Jun 22, 2009
2. Jun 22, 2009

### Dick

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.

3. Jun 22, 2009

### bobred

Hi

Yeah, I get to

2/t^2-t-1

and then I'm not sure what to do.

4. Jun 22, 2009

### Dick

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?

5. Jun 25, 2009

### bobred

Hi

I decided to try another route using trig identities.

$$\frac{2\sec x}{2+\tan x}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{5}\cos(\theta-x)}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{5}}\cdot\frac{1}{\cos(\theta-x)}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{5}}\cdot\sec(\theta-x)$$

where $$\theta=\arctan\left(1/2\right)$$

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