Integration involving trigonometric functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around techniques for integrating trigonometric functions, specifically focusing on the integrals $\displaystyle\int\frac{dx}{(1-\sin x)^2}$ and $\displaystyle\int\sin x\sin2x\sin3x \, dx$. Participants explore various methods and identities relevant to these integrals, including Pythagorean identities, product-to-sum identities, and substitution techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest using Pythagorean identities and double-angle identities to simplify the integral $\displaystyle\int\frac{dx}{(1-\sin x)^2}$, proposing a substitution to transform the integral into a more manageable form.
  • Others express that the steps involved in the proposed methods are complicated and seek a more straightforward approach to the integration problem.
  • One participant introduces the linear combination identity for trigonometric functions, explaining its utility in rewriting sinusoidal expressions.
  • Another participant provides a detailed breakdown of the integral $\displaystyle\int\sin x\sin2x\sin3x \, dx$, applying product-to-sum identities and suggesting term-by-term integration.
  • Some participants indicate they are new to the subject and express a desire for more comprehensive methods or explanations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for solving the integrals, with multiple competing approaches and varying levels of complexity presented. Some participants find the proposed methods too intricate and seek simpler alternatives.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific identities and techniques, but there are unresolved assumptions about the applicability and familiarity with these methods among learners. The discussion reflects a range of mathematical backgrounds and preferences for problem-solving approaches.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and learners of calculus, particularly those interested in integration techniques involving trigonometric functions and those seeking to understand different approaches to solving complex integrals.

bergausstein
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any hints on how to work out this problems.

$\displaystyle\int\frac{dx}{(1-sinx)^2}$

$\displaystyle\int\sin x\sin2x\sin3x dx$

thanks!
 
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Re: Integration of trig

1.) I would try the following:

Use a Pythagorean identity and the double-angle identity for sine:

$$1-\sin(x)=\sin^2\left(\frac{x}{2} \right)-2\sin\left(\frac{x}{2} \right)\cos\left(\frac{x}{2} \right)+\cos^2\left(\frac{x}{2} \right)$$

Factor as the square of a binomial:

$$1-\sin(x)=\left(\sin\left(\frac{x}{2} \right)-\cos\left(\frac{x}{2} \right) \right)$$

Apply a linear combination identity:

$$1-\sin(x)=2\sin^2\left(\frac{x}{2}-\frac{\pi}{4} \right)$$

Now the integral is:

$$I=\frac{1}{4}\int \csc^4\left(\frac{x}{2}-\frac{\pi}{4} \right)\,dx$$

Use the substitution:

$$u=\frac{x}{2}-\frac{\pi}{4}\,\therefore\,du=\frac{1}{2}dx$$

And we have:

$$I=\frac{1}{2}\int \csc^4(u)\,du$$

Using the Pythagorean identity:

$$\csc^2(\theta)=1+\cot^2(\theta)$$ we may write:

$$I=\frac{1}{2}\int \left(1+\cot^2(u) \right)\csc^2(u)\,du$$

Now, you should see a good substitution to use to finish...(Sun)
 
Re: Integration of trig

MarkFL said:
1.) I would try the following:

Use a Pythagorean identity and the double-angle identity for sine:

$$1-\sin(x)=\sin^2\left(\frac{x}{2} \right)-2\sin\left(\frac{x}{2} \right)\cos\left(\frac{x}{2} \right)+\cos^2\left(\frac{x}{2} \right)$$

Factor as the square of a binomial:

$$1-\sin(x)=\left(\sin\left(\frac{x}{2} \right)-\cos\left(\frac{x}{2} \right) \right)$$

Apply a linear combination identity:

$$1-\sin(x)=2\sin^2\left(\frac{x}{2}-\frac{\pi}{4} \right)$$

Now the integral is:

$$I=\frac{1}{4}\int \csc^4\left(\frac{x}{2}-\frac{\pi}{4} \right)\,dx$$

Use the substitution:

$$u=\frac{x}{2}-\frac{\pi}{4}\,\therefore\,du=\frac{1}{2}dx$$

And we have:

$$I=\frac{1}{2}\int \csc^4(u)\,du$$

Using the Pythagorean identity:

$$\csc^2(\theta)=1+\cot^2(\theta)$$ we may write:

$$I=\frac{1}{2}\int \left(1+\cot^2(u) \right)\csc^2(u)\,du$$

Now, you should see a good substitution to use to finish...(Sun)

sure i can solve the new form of the problem. but the preceding steps are complicated. (e.g the linear combination identity, i haven't heard of it.).

i believe there's an easier method to solve this.
 
Re: Integration of trig

The linear combination identity is a good tool to have when dealing with expressions of the form:

$$a\sin(\theta)+b\cos(\theta)$$

It allows us the write the above sinusoidal expression as a constant times a single sinusoid. When $0<a$, we have:

$$\sqrt{a^2+b^2}\sin\left(\theta+\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{b}{a} \right) \right)$$

If $a<0$ then we have:

$$\sqrt{a^2+b^2}\sin\left(\theta+\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{b}{a} \right)+\pi \right)$$
 
Re: Integration of trig

yes, that's interesting. but still i want a more comprehensive method.

by the way i think it's good to say that I'm just beginning to learn this subject.
 
Re: Integration of trig

bergausstein said:
yes, that's interesting. but still i want a more comprehensive method.

by the way i think it's good to say that I'm just beginning to learn this subject.

Well, I showed you how I would approach it. (Speechless)

Perhaps someone else can show you a method which suits your tastes.(Thinking)

You will find that linear combination identity cropping up in many places, so I would sincerely advise you to incorporate it into those things you are learning.
 
Re: Integration of trig

2.) Consider:

$$4\sin(x)\sin(2x)\sin(3x)=-2\sin(3x)\left(-2\sin(2x)\sin(x) \right)$$

Applying a product to sum identity (these are also very useful), we may write:

$$4\sin(x)\sin(2x)\sin(3x)=-2\sin(3x)\left(\cos(3x)-\cos(x) \right)$$

Distribute:

$$4\sin(x)\sin(2x)\sin(3x)=2\sin(3x)\cos(x)-2\sin(3x)\cos(3x)$$

For the first term, apply another product to sum identity, and for the second term, the double-angle identity for sine:

$$4\sin(x)\sin(2x)\sin(3x)=\sin(2x)+\sin(4x)-\sin(6x)$$

Hence:

$$\sin(x)\sin(2x)\sin(3x)=\frac{1}{4}\left(\sin(2x)+\sin(4x)-\sin(6x) \right)$$

Now integrate term by term.:D
 
Re: Integration of trig

bergausstein said:
any hints on how to work out this problems.

$\displaystyle\int\frac{dx}{(1-sinx)^2}$

$\displaystyle\int\sin x\sin2x\sin3x dx$

thanks!

\displaystyle \begin{align*} \int{ \frac{dx}{ \left[ 1 - \sin{(x)} \right] ^2 } } &amp;= \int{ \frac{\left[ 1 + \sin{(x)} \right] ^2 \, dx }{ \left[ 1 - \sin{(x)} \right] ^2 \left[ 1 + \sin{(x)} \right] ^2 } } \\ &amp;= \int{ \frac{ \left[ 1 + 2\sin{(x)} + \sin^2{(x)} \right] \, dx}{ \left[ 1 - \sin^2{(x)} \right] ^2 } } \\ &amp;= \int{ \frac{ \left[ 1 + 2\sin{(x)} + \sin^2{(x)} \right] \, dx}{ \left[ \cos^2{(x)} \right] ^2 } } \\ &amp;= \int{ \sec^4{(x)}\,dx } + 2\int{ \frac{\sin{(x)}\, dx}{\cos^4{(x)}} } + \int{ \tan^2{(x)}\sec^2{(x)} \, dx} \end{align*}

The first integral can be solved using a reduction formula, the second with the substitution \displaystyle \begin{align*} u = \cos{(x)} \end{align*} and the third with the substitution \displaystyle \begin{align*} v = \tan{(x)} \end{align*}.
 
Re: Integration of trig

bergausstein said:
any hints on how to work out this problems.

$\displaystyle\int\frac{dx}{(1-sinx)^2}$

$\displaystyle\int\sin x\sin2x\sin3x dx$

thanks!

\displaystyle \begin{align*} \int{ \sin{(x)}\sin{(2x)}\sin{(3x)}\,dx} &amp;= \int{ \sin{(x)} \left[ 2\sin{(x)}\cos{(x)} \right] \left[ -4\sin^3{(x)} + 3\sin{(x)} \right] \, dx} \end{align*}

Now this integral can be solved using the substitution \displaystyle \begin{align*} u = \sin{(x)} \end{align*}.
 

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