Integration Using U-Substitution involving Trig Functions and Identities

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a trigonometric function involving u-substitution, specifically the integral ∫[(7 sin (x))/[1+cos^2(x)]] * dx. Participants explore the use of trigonometric identities and various substitution methods to approach the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the potential use of the identity sin^2 x + cos^2 x = 1 and consider different substitutions such as u = sin(x) and u = cos(x). There are attempts to separate the integral into simpler parts, but some participants express confusion about the validity of these steps. Questions arise regarding the application of integration rules and the handling of negative signs during substitution.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's reasoning and calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct interpretation of integration rules and the importance of precise notation. There is a recognition of the need to clarify misunderstandings, particularly around the integration of specific functions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework guidelines, which may limit the extent of direct assistance. There is an emphasis on understanding the underlying concepts rather than simply arriving at a solution.

seanoe25
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1.) ∫[(7 sin (x))/[1+cos^2(x)]] * dx



2.) I'm looking at the trig identity sin^2 x+cos^2 x=1, and am wondering if I could use that in solving the problem. Or should I use u=sin x, then du= cos x, then plug those in?



3.) so I thought maybe it would be easier to separate the two integrals. I came up with
7∫sin (x)*dx + ∫[1+cos^2(x)]^-1*dx.

which equals
7 cos (x)dx+∫1/[1+cos^2(x)]

u=sin(x)
du=cos(x)*dx

= ∫dx/[1+du^2]

And now I'm stuck. Please help
 
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seanoe25 said:
1.) ∫[(7 sin (x))/[1+cos^2(x)]] * dx



2.) I'm looking at the trig identity sin^2 x+cos^2 x=1, and am wondering if I could use that in solving the problem. Or should I use u=sin x, then du= cos x, then plug those in?
If you use u = sin(x), do you see a du=cos(x)dx in your problem? What if you try u = cos(x)?
3.) so I thought maybe it would be easier to separate the two integrals. I came up with
7∫sin (x)*dx + ∫[1+cos^2(x)]^-1*dx.
No hope of getting a correct answer with that kind of algebra.

which equals
7 cos (x)dx+∫1/[1+cos^2(x)]

Yellow is unreadable.
 
I'm sorry, but first of all: What makes you think that

[itex]\int \frac{7 \sin{x}}{1+cos^{2}{x}} dx = \int 7 \sin{x} dx + \int \frac{1}{1+cos^{2}{x}} dx[/itex]
 
Don't be sorry, you all are helping me


I took the integral identity ∫f(x)+g(x)=∫f(x)+∫g(x), and somehow came up with some bogus new rule.

I used u =cos (x)
du= - sin (x)*dx
dx= du/-sin (X)

∫ 7 sin (x)*dx/[1+u^2]
∫ [7 sin (x)* [du/-sin (x)]/ 1+u^2
=
∫-7du/[1+u^2]
=
7∫1/[1+u^2] * du. Is that correct?
 
seanoe25 said:
Don't be sorry, you all are helping me


I took the integral identity ∫f(x)+g(x)=∫f(x)+∫g(x), and somehow came up with some bogus new rule.

I used u =cos (x)
du= - sin (x)*dx
dx= du/-sin (X)

∫ 7 sin (x)*dx/[1+u^2]
∫ [7 sin (x)* [du/-sin (x)]/ 1+u^2
=
∫-7du/[1+u^2]
=
7∫1/[1+u^2] * du. Is that correct?

Yes, but why did you drop the minus sign? And, of course, you have to finish...
 
I just forgot to type it in.

so now I have

-7 ∫1/(1+u^2), but this is where it gets hazy for me.

would it be

-7* 1/(-2+1) *u^(-2+1)?

which would equal

-7*-1*u^-1, which gives me 7/cos(x), but that doesn't seem right.
 
actually I got it. I forgot arctan (u) = 1/1+u^2. So it becomes

-7 ∫arctan (u)*du
=
-7 arctan (cos x) +C

Thanks for the push. And putting up with my crappy algebra
 
seanoe25 said:
actually I got it. I forgot arctan (u) = 1/1+u^2. So it becomes

-7 ∫arctan (u)*du
=
-7 arctan (cos x) +C

Thanks for the push. And putting up with my crappy algebra

Yes. And you can verify it is correct by differentiating it.
 
seanoe25 said:
so now I have

-7 ∫1/(1+u^2), but this is where it gets hazy for me.

would it be

-7* 1/(-2+1) *u^(-2+1)?
The rule you tried to use,
$$\int x^n\,dx = \frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1}+C,$$ doesn't apply here because ##\frac{1}{1+u^2}## isn't of the form ##u^n##. I know you were just making a wild guess here, but you should have known it was wrong.

seanoe25 said:
actually I got it. I forgot arctan (u) = 1/1+u^2.
What you've written isn't correct. You left out the parentheses around the denominator, and arctan u isn't equal to 1/(1+u2). What you meant was that
$$\frac{d}{du}\arctan u = \frac{1}{1+u^2}.$$ You can't just leave out the d/du part.

You should really make an effort to understand the notation and get in the habit of writing things down precisely and correctly, if only so you don't annoy whoever is grading your exams. (Trust me, they find it annoying when you're sloppy with the notation.) You'll also probably find that making this effort will help in your understanding of the material.

So it becomes

-7 ∫arctan (u)*du
=
-7 arctan (cos x) +C
Same thing here. You're not integrating arctan u; you're integrating 1/(1+u2). What you meant was
$$-7\int \frac{1}{1+u^2}\,du = -7\arctan u + C = -7\arctan(\cos x)+C$$
 
  • #10
vela said:
Same thing here. You're not integrating arctan u; you're integrating 1/(1+u2). What you meant was
$$-7\int \frac{1}{1+u^2}\,du = -7\arctan u + C = -7\arctan(\cos x)+C$$

Yes, and I should have read what he actually wrote more carefully instead of just observing he had the final answer correct. :frown:
 

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