Integrating Sin^2x Secx: Best Method

  • Thread starter robierob12
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    Integration
In summary, the best method for integrating sin x and cos x is to use substitution and integrate by parts.
  • #1
robierob12
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0
In a diff. Equation I am doing I have to integrate

[tex]

\sin ^2 x\sec x


[/tex]


which I can remember how to do.

What is the best method for this?
 
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  • #2
Sec(x) = 1/cos x => (sin x)^2 / cos x

Notice how one of them is the derivative of the other.
 
  • #3
with respect to x I'm guessing?

[tex]\int sin^2 x sec x dx=\int \frac{sin^2 x}{cos x} dx[/tex]

just do a substitution. you probably didn't see the substitution right away with the secant, best to change to sin and cos first
 
  • #4
[tex]

\int {\frac{{\sin ^2 x}}{{\cos x}}} dx

[/tex]

let u=sinx du=coxdx

I don't see this working becuase i have (1/cosx)dx not cosx dx...

Am I looking at the wrong substitution?

Rob
 
  • #5
or if let u=cosx I am left with an exta sinx after substitution...
 
  • #6
Try using sin^2x=1-cos^2x and then look for the integral of secx
 
  • #7
....
 
  • #8
rock.freak667 said:
Try using sin^2x=1-cos^2x and then look for the integral of secx

not sure what your getting at there

[tex]
\[
\int {\frac{{\sin ^2 x}}{{\cos x}}} dx = \int {\frac{{1 - \cos ^2 x}}{{\cos x}}dx = ?}
\]
[/tex]
 
  • #9
I just tried integration by parts and I end up going in a circle...
don't know why this one is stumping me so much.
 
  • #10
hm..didn't notice that sin^2 x...

what rock.freak.667 meant was to split up that fraction and you'll have integral of sec x -cos x. so you'd have to find the integral of sec x.
 
  • #11
[tex]\[
\begin{array}{l}
\int {\sin ^2 x} \sec xdx = \int {(1 - \cos ^2 x)\sec xdx = \int {\sec x - \sec x\cos x\cos xdx} } \\
= \int {\sec x - \cos xdx} \\
\end{array}
\]
[/tex]

Does this work?
 
  • #12
yes, now you'd need to find the integral for sec x
 
  • #13
which i think its just the ln abs(secX + tanX)
 
  • #14
Thanks guys.
 

1. What is the best method for integrating sin^2x secx?

The best method for integrating sin^2x secx is by using the trigonometric identity: sin^2x = 1/2(1-cos2x) and the substitution method.

2. How do I use the substitution method to integrate sin^2x secx?

To use the substitution method, let u = cosx. Then, du = -sinx dx. Rewrite the integral as ∫sin^2x secx dx = ∫(1-cos^2x)/cosx dx = ∫(1-u^2)/u du. This can now be solved using u-substitution and then substituting back in for x.

3. Can I use integration by parts to integrate sin^2x secx?

Yes, integration by parts can also be used to integrate sin^2x secx, but it may be more complicated and time-consuming compared to the substitution method.

4. Is there a shortcut for integrating sin^2x secx?

There is no specific shortcut for integrating sin^2x secx, but using the trigonometric identity and the substitution method is the most efficient way to solve the integral.

5. Are there any special cases when integrating sin^2x secx?

One special case is when the integral includes an odd power of secx, such as ∫sin^2x sec^3x dx. In this case, the substitution method may not work and a different approach, such as using partial fractions, may be needed.

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