Integration by Trigonometric Substitution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function \(\int\frac{1}{(4 - \tan^2{x})^{3/2}}dx\) using trigonometric substitutions. Participants are exploring the validity of different substitution methods in the context of trigonometric integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts a substitution of \(\tan{x} = 2\sin{\theta}\) and provides a series of transformations leading to a complex integral. Some participants question the validity of this substitution and suggest alternative approaches, such as using \(\tan{\theta}\) directly.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the effectiveness of the chosen substitution and the resulting integral. While one participant indicates they have resolved their issue, others express uncertainty about the integration process and the correctness of the initial setup.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a possible error in copying the problem statement, which may affect the discussion's focus and the approaches being considered.

James98765
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Homework Statement


Evaluate:
\int\frac{1}{(4 - \tan^2{x})^{3/2}}dx


Homework Equations


I must integrate the above equation using only trigonometric subtitutions of algebraic equations.


The Attempt at a Solution


Here is what I have so far:

Let \tan{(x)} = 2\sin{(\theta)}

x = \tan^{-1}{(2\sin{(\theta)})}

dx = \frac{4\sin{(\theta)}\cos{(\theta)}}{1 + 4\sin^2{(\theta)}}d\theta

\int\frac{1}{(4 - \tan^2{x})^{3/2}}dx = \int\frac{1}{(4 - (2\sin{(\theta)})^2)^{3/2}}\frac{4\sin{(\theta)}\cos{(\theta)}}{1 + 4\sin^2{(\theta)}}d\theta

= \frac{4}{8}\int\frac{\sin{(\theta)}\cos{(\theta)}}{(1 + 4\sin^2{(\theta)})(1 - \sin^2{\theta)})^{3/2}}d\theta

=\frac{1}{2}\int\frac{\sin{(\theta)}\cos{(\theta)}}{(1 + 4\sin^2{(\theta)})\cos^3{(\theta)}}d\theta

=\frac{1}{2}\int\frac{\sin{(\theta)}\sec^2{(\theta)}}{1 + 4\sin^2{(\theta)}}d\theta

=\frac{1}{2}\int\frac{\sec{(\theta)}\tan{(\theta)}}{1 + 4\sin^2{(\theta)}}d\theta

I can't seem to integrate the final integral above. Can anybody help me get past this step or can anybody tell me if I've made a mistake. Thanks!
-James

P.S. Sorry if it's messy!
 
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Sorry to reply to my own post but I've solved the problem and I do not know how to delete this. Thank you!
-James
 
Did the substitution you used work out? It doesn't look like it produced anything that would be useful.
 
Your substitution tanx = 2sinΘ doesn't look valid at all. I would have tried x = tanΘ. What did you get for your answer?
 
No actually I managed to waste a lot of time after I copied the problem down wrong from the book. I gues that doesn't change the fact that I still don't know how to integrate the problem I posted but it no longer matters.
 

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