Integration via Trigonometric Substitution

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on evaluating the integral \(\int{\frac{x^2}{(1-x^2)^\frac{5}{2}}}dx\) using trigonometric substitution, specifically with the substitution \(x = \sin\theta\). Participants clarify that the integral transforms to \(\int{\frac{\sin^2\theta}{\cos^5\theta}} d\theta\) and emphasize the importance of correctly relating \(dx\) to \(d\theta\) through the derivative \(\frac{dx}{d\theta} = \cos\theta\). The final correct form of the integral is \(\int{\frac{\sin^2\theta}{\cos^4\theta}} d\theta\), highlighting the need for careful attention to trigonometric identities and differentiation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, particularly sine and cosine functions.
  • Familiarity with the concept of trigonometric substitution in calculus.
  • Knowledge of the chain rule for differentiation.
  • Ability to manipulate integrals and perform substitutions correctly.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of trigonometric substitution in integrals, focusing on examples similar to \(\int{\frac{x^2}{(1-x^2)^\frac{5}{2}}}dx\).
  • Learn how to derive \(dx\) in terms of \(d\theta\) when using trigonometric substitutions.
  • Explore the application of the chain rule in integration and differentiation.
  • Practice evaluating integrals involving trigonometric functions to solidify understanding of the concepts discussed.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on integration techniques, as well as anyone seeking to improve their understanding of trigonometric substitutions in integral calculus.

Cpt Qwark
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Homework Statement


Evaluate \int{\frac{x^2}{(1-x^2)^\frac{5}{2}}}dx via trigonometric substitution.
You can do this via normal u-substitution but I'm unsure of how to evaluate via trigonometric substitution.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Letting x=sinθ,
\int{\frac{sin^{2}θ}{(1-sin^{2}θ)^\frac{5}{2}}}dθ=\int{\frac{sin^{2}θ}{(cos^{2}θ)^\frac{5}{2}}}dθ
but I'm not sure how the working in the answers gets up to \int{\frac{x^2}{(1-x^2)^\frac{5}{2}}}dx=\int{\frac{sin^{2}θ}{cos^{4}θ}}dθ.
 
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Try to change the last integral by using other trigonometric functions, like ## \tan\theta ## and ## \sec\theta.##
 
Oh, I misunderstand what you want to know. I thought you want to calculate the last thing.

When you starts from the beginning, there should be ## dx##, the integral variable. Then, I think you may find what you missed during your calculation.
 
So what is wrong with this:
\int{\frac{sin^{2}θ}{(cos^{2}θ)^\frac{5}{2}}}dθ=<br /> <blockquote data-attributes="member: 573183" data-quote="Daeho Ro" data-source="post: 5253790" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> Daeho Ro said: </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Oh, I misunderstand what you want to know. I thought you want to calculate the last thing.<br /> <br /> When you starts from the beginning, there should be ## dx##, the integral variable. Then, I think you may find what you missed during your calculation. </div> </div> </blockquote><br /> Yeah I forgot to type that in, anyway it&#039;s trig identity I&#039;m kinda having trouble with atm.
 
## dx ## cannot change directly ## d\theta ##. They have to connected by some function.
 
Daeho Ro said:
## dx ## cannot change directly ## d\theta ##. They have to connected by some function.

Not too sure what you mean by that.
For functions with the form \sqrt{a^2-x^2} you can express them as x=asinθ
 
See,

\int \dfrac{x^2}{(1-x^2)^{5/2}} dx = \int \dfrac{ \sin^2\theta}{(1-\sin^2\theta)^{5/2}} dx = \int \dfrac{\sin^2 \theta}{\cos^5\theta} dx \neq \int \dfrac{\sin^2 \theta}{\cos^5\theta} d\theta.
You missed something in the lase step.
 
Yeah it was a typo...
 
Then, what is ## dx ## as a function of ## \theta ##?
 
  • #10
The denominator is somehow supposed to be cos^{4}θ, not cos^{5}θ. That's all I need help with, nothing else.
 
  • #11
Cpt Qwark said:
The denominator is somehow supposed to be cos^{4}θ, not cos^{5}θ. That's all I need help with, nothing else.
Yes, I know and you almost reach the final goal.

##dx## have to change as ## d\theta ## because the last integration is in a form ## \int (\cdots) d\theta ##. But as you know, ## dx \neq d\theta ##.

What is ## dx / d\theta ##? It's really strong hint about this problem.
 
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  • #12
I hope you already got the answer for the problem.

The key idea is chain rule. The differentiation of ## x## with respect to ## \theta ## is ## dx/d\theta = \cos\theta ##. Then, the integration will change as
$$ \int \dfrac{\sin^2\theta}{\cos^5\theta} dx = \int \dfrac{\sin^2\theta}{\cos^5\theta} \dfrac{dx}{d\theta} d\theta = \int \dfrac{\sin^2\theta}{\cos^5\theta} \cos \theta d\theta = \int \dfrac{\sin^2\theta}{\cos^4\theta} d\theta.$$
 

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