Is this the correct way to solve for the integral of x^3cosx^2?

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    Integral
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function x^3cos(x^2), exploring different approaches to solve the integral using integration by parts. Participants share their methods, calculations, and express confusion regarding the powers of trigonometric functions involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a method for integrating x sin(x) cos(x) and seeks help for the integral of x^3cos(x^2), expressing confusion about the powers on the trigonometric functions.
  • Another participant agrees with the initial method and suggests that the second integral can also be solved by parts, emphasizing the importance of choosing u and dv appropriately.
  • A different approach is attempted by a participant who sets u = cos(x^2) and dv = x^3, leading to a recursive pattern in the integration process, although they express uncertainty about its effectiveness.
  • One participant claims to have arrived at a specific answer for the integral, but expresses concern about potential mistakes in their calculations.
  • Another participant critiques their previous choice of u and dv, suggesting alternative pairs and referencing the ILATE rule for guidance, while noting exceptions to the rule.
  • A later reply proposes a different choice of u and dv, leading to a straightforward application of the integration by parts formula.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for solving the integral, and multiple competing approaches are presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion regarding the integration process, particularly with the powers of trigonometric functions, and there are unresolved calculations and assumptions regarding the choice of u and dv.

CDevo69
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This has been posted before although I've come across it and got a different answer from https://www.physicsforums.com/archive/index.php/t-108378.html

x sinx cosx dx using the identity sin2x = 2sinxcosx

u = x
du = 1
dv = 1/2 sin 2x
v = -1/4 cos 2x

x sinx cosx dx = -1/4xcos2x - Int -1/4cos2x + c
= -1/4xcos2x + 1/8sin2x + c
Right?

And I need some help to work out:
Integral of x^3cosx^2

I'm always getting confused with powers on the trig for some reason.
Thankyou
 
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I would agree with that.

Your second integral is also solvable by parts. The trick for choosing u and dv is you got to choose dv such that [itex]\int dv[/itex] is feasable! Based on that, what are you going to choose for u and dv?
 
Well let's try...

Int x^3cos(x^2)

u = cos(x^2)
du = -2x sin (x^2)
dv = x^3
v = (x^4)/4

Int x^3cos(x^2) = (x^4cos(x^2))/4 + 1/2 Int x^5 sin (x^2)

u = sin(x^2)
du = 2x cos(x^2)
dv = x^5
v = (x^6)/6

Int x^5 sin (x^2) = (x^6sin(x^2))/6 - 1/3 Int x^7 cos (x^2)

Hmmm... Doesn't seem to be working out that way... Unless I look at the pattern and find...

Int x^3cos(x^2) = (x^4cos(x^2))/4 + 1/2((x^6sin(x^2))/6) - 1/3((x^8cos(x^2))/8) + 1/4((x^10sin(x^2))/10)...

Although that's just a guess...
Damn year 12...
 
Some how the answer comes out to be:

1/2 (x^2sinx^2 + cosx^2) + c

and I hope I didn't make a mistake in my calculations up there...
 
Alright, I guess my "trick for choosing u and dv" isn't so good afterall because what you took as dv has an easily found primitive but you got nowhere with it.

What other choice of u and dv can you make? There aren't an infinity, there are only two:

- There's u=x, dv=x²cos(x²). You can try doing it with this if you know the primitive of wcos(w). I haven't tried it so I don't know if it will work.

- There's u=x², dv=xcos(x²). Can you see that this choice of dv makes it perfectly fit for an integration by change of variable?You might want to look at the ILATE rule on wiki that gives a general rule of thumb for what to take as u and dv. There is a remark at the end however that warn the reader that there are exceptions to the ILATE rule. This problem of yours is one of them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integration_by_parts#The_ILATE_rule
 
Last edited:
Let [tex]u = x^{2}[/tex] and [tex]dv = x\cos(x^{2}) dx[/tex]Then [tex]du = 2x dx[/tex] and [tex]v = \frac{1}{2} \sin(x^{2})[/tex]

Then just apply the formula from here.

[tex]\int udv = uv - \int vdu[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Didn't know you could just move over the x. Sweet.
Thankyou both quasar987 and courtrigrad
 

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