Integration of Sqrt Tangent

1. Jun 18, 2005

amcavoy

How would you compute something like:

$$\int \sqrt{\tan \theta}\space d\theta$$

I cannot seem to be able to use any trig. identities.

Thanks.

2. Jun 18, 2005

mattmns

Try $$u = tan\theta$$

Then $$u = x^2$$

One more hint: $$(x^4+1)= (x^2 - \sqrt{2}x+1)(x^2 + \sqrt{2}x + 1)$$

3. Jun 18, 2005

Jameson

4. Jun 18, 2005

amcavoy

Yeah, but then the new integral has two different variables.

With $$u=\tan{\theta}$$, I come up with:

$$\int \sqrt{u}\cos^2{\theta}du$$

Last edited: Jun 18, 2005
5. Jun 18, 2005

dextercioby

$$u^{2}=\tan\theta$$

is the right one to do.

Daniel.

6. Jun 18, 2005

mattmns

cos^2 = 1 / sec^2 right, and sec^2 = 1 + tan^2 right

so the integral is

$$\int \frac{\sqrt{u}}{1 + u^2}du$$

then used the hint above.

edit... looking at the other thread, you should probably do dex's substitution.

Last edited: Jun 18, 2005
7. Jun 18, 2005

amcavoy

Alright, that makes sense. The only problem I see is this:

Shouldn't the integral be $$\int \frac{\sqrt{u}}{1+u^2}du$$?

8. Jun 18, 2005

mattmns

Yes you are right, sorry.

9. Jun 18, 2005

amcavoy

Alright, well I can integrate that. Thanks a lot for your help.