Integration: Trig Substitution

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the integration of the function \(\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{4-x^2}}\) using trigonometric substitution. The substitution \(x = 2\sin\theta\) is applied, leading to the integral \(\frac{1}{2} \int \frac{dx}{\cos\theta}\), which simplifies to \(\frac{1}{2} \ln |\sec\theta + \tan\theta|\). The new limits of integration are determined by substituting the original limits into the trigonometric substitution, resulting in the interval \([- \frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}]\).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically \(a^2 - a^2\sin^2\theta\).
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, particularly trigonometric substitution.
  • Knowledge of limits of integration in definite integrals.
  • Basic proficiency in LaTeX for mathematical notation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of trigonometric substitution in integrals.
  • Learn how to derive new limits of integration after substitution.
  • Practice using LaTeX for mathematical expressions and integrals.
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, including integration by parts and partial fractions.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on integration techniques and trigonometric substitutions. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of definite integrals and their limits.

char808
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My apologies. I'm not proficient with latex, and it is bogging my computer down for some reason today.

Homework Statement



[tex]int[/tex]dx/[tex]\sqrt{(4-x^2)}[/tex] [0, 2/[tex]sqrt{2}[/tex]

Homework Equations



Trig Identity: a^2-a^2sin^2[tex]\theta[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



In the interest of my own sanity I am going to leave out the limits of integration, assume they are there. Can someone explain how I input them in latex?

x=2sin[tex]\theta[/tex]

[tex]\int[/tex] dx/[tex]\sqrt{4-2sin\theta}[/tex]

[tex]\int[/tex] dx/[tex]\sqrt{4cos^2\theta[/tex]

[tex]\int[/tex] dx/[tex]2cos\theta[/tex]

1/2 [tex]\int[/tex] dx/[tex]cos\theta[/tex]

1/2ln |[tex]sec\theta + tan\theta|[/tex]

New Limits will be restricted to [-pi/2, pi/2]

I know when I use the identity that changes the limits, but I'm not sure how to calculate them..I assumed since the substitution corresponding to the identity only works on that interval than those would be the new limits.
 
Last edited:
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If you have limits of integration (in this case, they are values on an interval along x), then you need to plug them into x in your substitution. Then, isolate theta and make those your new limits.
 

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