Mastering Indefinite Integration: Tips for Solving (sin(x))/x Without Tricks

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SUMMARY

The indefinite integral of (sin(x))/x does not have an elementary solution. Instead, it is represented by the Sine Integral function, SinIntegral(x), which is defined specifically for this integral. To derive an approximation, one can express sin(x) as an infinite series and divide by x, leading to the series representation of (sin(x))/x. Integrating this series with respect to x yields the infinite series representation of the Sine Integral.

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  • Understanding of indefinite integrals
  • Familiarity with infinite series and Taylor series expansions
  • Basic knowledge of mathematical functions, specifically SinIntegral
  • Proficiency in calculus, particularly integration techniques
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  • Study the properties and applications of the Sine Integral function, SinIntegral(x)
  • Learn how to derive Taylor series expansions for trigonometric functions
  • Explore numerical integration techniques for approximating integrals without elementary solutions
  • Investigate advanced calculus topics related to series convergence and integration
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Students, mathematicians, and educators interested in advanced calculus, particularly those focusing on integration techniques and special functions.

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I am trying to integrate (sin(x))/x It's an indefinite integral I can't think of any tricks to work this out
 
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voomdama said:
I am trying to integrate (sin(x))/x It's an indefinite integral I can't think of any tricks to work this out

It has no elementry solution.

There is a function however called SinIntegral(x) that is defined by this very integral: http://mathworld.wolfram.com/SineIntegral.html
 
The most I can guess is to write out sin(x) as the infinite series and divide by x and integrate

sinx=\sum_{n=0} ^\infty \frac{(-1)^n x^{2n+1}}{(2n+1)!}

then \frac{sinx}{x} will become

\sum_{n=0} ^\infty \frac{(-1)^n x^{2n}}{(2n+1)!}

Integrate this w.r.t.x and you'll get the infinite series representation of it
 

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