Integration which possibly involves partial fractions.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function \(\int \frac {sin^2x}{4+3cos^2x}dx\), which involves trigonometric identities and substitutions. Participants explore various methods to simplify the integral, particularly focusing on the use of partial fractions and substitutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts a substitution \(t = \tan x\) but expresses uncertainty about its effectiveness. Some participants question the choice of substitution and the resulting complexity of the integral. There is discussion about the potential use of partial fractions and the form of the integrand.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering suggestions and questioning each other's reasoning. Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of partial fractions, and there is a recognition of the need to check calculations. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to explore different methods without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

There is an acknowledgment of potential mistakes in the algebraic manipulation of the integral, particularly in the context of partial fractions. Participants are also considering the implications of the integrand's structure on the choice of integration techniques.

kirakun
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Homework Statement



Well this is part of an integration process, namely:

[tex]\int \frac {sin^2x}{4+3cos^2x}dx[/tex]

Homework Equations



My attempt involved using a u-substitution, namely t = tan x

The Attempt at a Solution



Using t = tan x, [tex]sin^2 x = \frac {t^2}{1+t^2}[/tex] and [tex]cos^2 x = \frac {1}{1+t^2}[/tex]

we have [tex]\int \frac {sin^2x}{4+3cos^2x}dx[/tex]

which becomes

1. [tex]\int \frac {t^2}{(1+t^2)(4+ \frac {3}{1+t^2})} \times \frac {1}{1+t^2}[/tex]

2. [tex]\int \frac {t^2}{(1+t^2)( \frac {4+4t^2+3}{1+t^2})} \times \frac {1}{1+t^2}[/tex]

and finally yields

[tex]\int \frac {t^2}{(7+4t^2)(1+t^2)}dt[/tex]

So i am basically stuck at this point and cannot proceed further.
Maybe i should have used another substitution or I started it wrongly.
I cannot seem to get to the solution though i suspect arctan might be present in the answer.
Please do guide me.
Thanks again.
 
Last edited:
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It's not clear why you chose t = tan x as your substitution.

It's also not clear how you obtained the integral in t after substituting. You clearly wound up with a more complicated integral using the t substitution. You should show all the steps you took to make sure you haven't made any mistakes.
 
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SteamKing said:
It's not clear why you chose t = tan x as your substitution.

It's also not clear how you obtained the integral in t after substituting. You clearly wound up with a more complicated integral using the t substitution. You should show all the steps you took to make sure you haven't made any mistakes.

What method do u think would be best to tackle this one? well i chose tan x because with the denominator containing terms squared, i thought i would end up with an arctan case, but the [tex]t^2[/tex] in the numerator after simplifying makes it harder to achieve the form if not impossible.

Also when t = tan x, [tex]sin^2 x = \frac {t^2}{1+t^2}[/tex] and [tex]cos^2 x = \frac {1}{1+t^2}[/tex]

Upon substituting including the dx i ended up simplifying it like i showed.

I am still trying some other methods...
 
Last edited:
kirakun said:
[tex]\int \frac {t^2}{(7+4t^2)(1+t^2)}dt[/tex]
Partial fractions, as you suggested. Did you try that?
 
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haruspex said:
Partial fractions, as you suggested. Did you try that?

It will be of the form

[tex]\frac {At+B}{1+t^2} + \frac {Ct+D}{7+4t^2}[/tex] right?

Consequently

For the numerator,

[tex]t^2 = (At+B)(7+4t^2) + (Ct+D)(1+t^2)[/tex]

[tex](4A+C)t^3 + (4B+D) t^2 + (7A+C)t + (7B+D) = t^2[/tex]

Comparing coefficients of t^2 and comparing constants we get the 2 equations respectively;

4B + D = 1 and 7B+D = 0

which gives B = - 1/3 and D = 7/3
A and C being both 0

Thus the partial fraction is

[tex]\frac {7}{3(7+4t^2)} - \frac {1}{3(1+t^2)}[/tex]

But on expanding it does not give t^2 in the numerator, am I doing something wrong?
 
Last edited:
kirakun said:
It will be of the form

[tex]\frac {At+B}{1+t^2} + \frac {Ct+D}{7+4t^2}[/tex] right?
I'll be trying this.
Since your integrand fraction only has t2 terms, no odd powers, the partial fraction expansion must have A = C = 0. (Imagine substituting u = t2 first.)
 
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haruspex said:
Since your integrand fraction only has t2 terms, no odd powers, the partial fraction expansion must have A = C = 0. (Imagine substituting u = t2 first.)

Alright. But it should give the same answer as in my edited post
 
kirakun said:
[tex]\frac {7}{3(7+4t^2)} - \frac {1}{3(1+t^2)}[/tex]

But on expanding it does not give t^2 in the numerator, am I doing something wrong?
Check that again. It does for me.
 
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haruspex said:
Check that again. It does for me.

Oh god yes, i forgot the 9 in the denominator. Well that partial fraction makes the integrand now easier.
I should complete the denominators to the square and use arctan integral?
 
  • #10
kirakun said:
Oh god yes, i forgot the 9 in the denominator. Well that partial fraction makes the integrand now easier.
I should complete the denominators to the square and use arctan integral?

Use arctan, yes. No need to complete any squares.
 
  • #11
haruspex said:
Use arctan, yes. No need to complete any squares.

Thank you!
 

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