Integration of trigonometric functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of trigonometric functions, specifically addressing challenges encountered in solving integration problems involving these functions. Participants explore various methods and strategies for tackling such integrals, including substitution techniques and specific identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in solving a specific integration problem involving constants a and b.
  • Another suggests using substitution with the expression a - b cos x set to u as a potential approach.
  • A different participant recommends the Weierstraß substitution as a general strategy for dealing with trigonometric functions, although not specifically applicable to the current problem.
  • There is a mention of a trigonometric identity, ##sin x cos x = \frac{sin 2x}{2}##, which simplifies the integral but acknowledges that the presence of a denominator complicates the integration process.
  • One participant notes the challenges of integrating products and quotients of functions, referencing the Jacobi identity and product rule as relevant concepts in this context.
  • A link to an external resource on integration techniques is provided for further exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a specific solution to the integration problem. Multiple approaches and techniques are suggested, indicating a variety of perspectives on how to tackle the integration of trigonometric functions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of integrating products and quotients of trigonometric functions, with participants noting the limitations of certain methods and the need for careful consideration of identities and rules.

Indir
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TL;DR
Integration problem
Was solving a problem in mathematics and came across the following integration. Unable to move further. Can somebody provide answer for the following ( a and b are constants ).
Integ.gif
 

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Why don not you try substitution
a-b \cos x = u?
 
A good plan to tackle such questions is: remove what disturbs the most! That often helps to get into the problem. If you have trig functions then it is always good to keep the Weierstraß substitution in mind; not here but in general.
 
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On its own, just as a trick, ##sinxcosx=\frac{sin2x}{2}##, with simple integral ##\frac{-Cos2x}{2}##
But, yes, that denominator kills it. Maybe Fresh can write an insight on integrating expressions a/b from the respective integrals of a,b , right, Fresh? ;)
 
WWGD said:
On its own, just as a trick, ##sinxcosx=\frac{sin2x}{2}##, with simple integral ##\frac{-Cos2x}{2}##
But, yes, that denominator kills it. Maybe Fresh can write an insight on integrating expressions a/b from the respective integrals of a,b , right, Fresh? ;)
The difficulty with integrating products (and likewise quotients) arises from the fact that differentiation is a derivation. The Jacobi identity / Leibniz rule / product rule rules this world and not the chain rule.
$$
D(f\cdot g) = Df \cdot g + f\cdot Dg
$$
We can sometimes use the fact the ##D\sin= \cos## and ##D\cos= -\sin## and in the case of trigonometric functions. Here is an example:
https://www.physicsforums.com/insig...tion/#Integration-by-Parts-–-The-Leibniz-Rule
 
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