Partial fractions to determine antiderivative of sec x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving a formula for the antiderivative of sec x using a specific identity and substitution. Participants explore the use of partial fractions and the implications of multiplying by a certain expression to achieve a more familiar form of the antiderivative.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the substitution of sin x and the application of partial fractions. There is confusion regarding the integration of certain terms and the implications of multiplying by (1+sin x)/(1+sin x). Questions arise about sign errors in logarithmic integration and the simplification of logarithmic expressions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with each other's attempts to clarify integration steps and logarithmic properties. Some have provided hints and corrections, while others are still working through their understanding of the problem. There is a collaborative effort to refine the solution without reaching a definitive conclusion yet.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential math errors and confusion about the properties of logarithms and integration techniques. Participants are encouraged to explore these issues further without a clear resolution at this stage.

hpnhpluv
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Homework Statement


Derive a formula for the antiderivative of sec x using the identity that sec x= cos x/ (1-sin^2x). Use a substitution for sin x and then partial fractions. Then multiply the solution by (1+sin x)/ (1+sin x) to obtain the more familiar formula for the antiderivative.


Homework Equations


Known antiderivative of sec x: ln (tanx+secx)+c


The Attempt at a Solution


U= sinx, du =cosxdx
intergral of du/1-u^2
integral of A/(1-u) + integral of B/(1+u) = integral of 1/(1-u^2)
A+B=1
Au-Bu=0
A= 1/2, B=1/2
plugging back in and integrating I got 1/2(ln(1-sinx)+ln(1+sinx))... can this be simplified more?

I am confused about how multiplying my solution by (1+sinx)/(1+sinx) is going to give me the formula I want... perhaps I made a math error? Please help!
 
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Yep, math error. The integral of 1/(1-u) isn't log(1-u). There's a sign error. Do you see it?
 
Dick said:
Yep, math error. The integral of 1/(1-u) isn't log(1-u). There's a sign error. Do you see it?

I still don't see it...
 
As Dick said, you have a sign error...once you've corrected it you can combine your two log terms using the following property of logs :

[tex]\ln (a) - \ln (b) = \ln \left( \frac{a}{b} \right)[/tex]
 
hpnhpluv said:
I still don't see it...

[tex]\frac{d}{du} \ln (1-u) = \frac{-1}{1-u}[/tex]

:wink:
 
Ok...so the integral in question should have been -ln(1-u)?
 
hpnhpluv said:
I still don't see it...

The integral of 1/(1-u) is -log(1-u). Check it by differentiating. Use the chain rule.
 
Oh, didn't see your last reply. Thanks. :)
 
hpnhpluv said:
Ok...so the integral in question should have been -ln(1-u)?

Sure.
 
  • #10
When I fixed my solution, I got 1/2*ln((1+sinx)/(1-sinx)).

Does that look right?
 
  • #11
Yes. Can you finish it? Use the hint.
 
  • #12
hpnhpluv said:
When I fixed my solution, I got 1/2*ln((1+sinx)/(1-sinx)).

Does that look right?

Looks fine, now what do you get when you multiply the argument of you logarithm by (1+sinx)/(1+sinx)?
 
  • #13
gabbagabbahey said:
Looks fine, now what do you get when you multiply the argument of you logarithm by (1+sinx)/(1+sinx)?

Slow night out there, gabbagabba?
 
  • #14
Dick said:
Slow night out there, gabbagabba?

All too often :wink:

*quietly butts out of thread*
 
  • #15
gabbagabbahey said:
Looks fine, now what do you get when you multiply the argument of you logarithm by (1+sinx)/(1+sinx)?

I know 1/2ln ((1+sinx)/(1-sinx)) is equivalent to saying ln ((1+sinx)/(1-sinx))^1/2...
 
  • #16
Sure, can you get rid of those 1/2's by making the argument of the log a perfect square?
 
  • #17
gabbagabbahey said:
All too often :wink:

*quietly butts out of thread*

No problem, but is was kind of echoy. We are saying exactly the same thing. Know anything about Banach spaces? There's a Carl140 problem way down the list I haven't had much time to think about.
 
  • #18
Dick said:
Sure, can you get rid of those 1/2's by making the argument of the log a perfect square?

By completing the square? I'm not quite sure how to do that in this case...
 
  • #19
I told you, use the hint. Like gabbagabba said, multiply (1+sin(x))/(1-sin(x)) by (1+sin(x))/(1+sin(x)). Don't expand the numerator. Do expand the denominator.
 
  • #20
Dick said:
I told you, use the hint. Like gabbagabba said, multiply (1+sin(x))/(1-sin(x)) by (1+sin(x))/(1+sin(x)). Don't expand the numerator. Do expand the denominator.

Ok, so I got the denominator to be cos^2(x), which I know is correct. My numerator is (1+sinx)*(1+sinx)^(1/2). I know this has to equal sin(x). I just don't see how...

Thank you for being so patient with me. :smile:
 
  • #21
No problem. The numerator is (1+sin(x))^2. The denominator is cos(x)^2. So you have (1/2)*log((1+sin(x))^2/cos(x)^2). I think you might be tired.
 
  • #22
Dick said:
No problem. The numerator is (1+sin(x))^2. The denominator is cos(x)^2. So you have (1/2)*log((1+sin(x))^2/cos(x)^2). I think you might be tired.

Ahh, I see now! I got it! Thank you so incredibly much for your help!

And you are right, I am tired. It's been a long week...
 

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