Method of integration? Integration by Parts

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SUMMARY

The integral of x^5 sec(x^6) dx can be simplified by using the substitution method rather than integration by parts. The correct substitution is u = x^6, which leads to a more straightforward evaluation of the integral. The discussion emphasizes that applying integration by parts in this case complicates the solution unnecessarily. Participants highlighted the importance of recognizing when a substitution is more effective than integration by parts.

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Homework Statement



Evaluate. This may not require integration by parts:

integral of x^5 sec(x^6) dx

Homework Equations



integral sec x dx = ln | sec x + tan x| + C

integral u dv = uv - integral v du

... tabular integration process

The Attempt at a Solution



u = sec x^6
du = ln | sec x^6 + tan x^6 | + C
v = 1/6x^6
dv = x^5

secx^6 * 1/6x^6 - integral 1/6x^6 * ln |sec x^6 + tan x^6 |

(secx^6)/6 * x^6 - integral (x^6 ln | sec x^6 + tan x^6 | + C)/6

... this just looks really wrong. Help! :)
 
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Substitute u=x^6 first. It'll be a pleasant surprise:smile:
 
As a side note, the problem sort of <warned> you about not applying the part integration method. Yet you did and ended up nowwhere. That should tell you about what to do next.

As for this part:

u = sec x^6
du = ln | sec x^6 + tan x^6 | + C


it's wrong.
 
Last edited:
losiu99 said:
Substitute u=x^6 first. It'll be a pleasant surprise:smile:

Doh! I saw the answer as soon as I set that. Too much late night math homework after working full time really eats away at the brain, as we all see by the "backwards integration" that bigubau pointed out.

Thanks guys :)
 

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