Partial Fractions (with trig functions)

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on solving the integral of sin(x) divided by the expression (cos^2(x) + cos(x) - 2) using partial fractions. The initial attempt involved factoring the denominator and setting up a partial fractions equation, but the user expressed uncertainty about losing a term when solving for coefficients A and B. Other contributors suggested that partial fractions can be applied directly and recommended using a substitution with u = cos(x) for simplification. It was noted that the initial equations set up for A and B were incorrect, indicating the need for additional equations to solve for these coefficients accurately. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying partial fractions and the potential for using trigonometric identities in the integration process.
zooboodoo
Messages
28
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Integral(sinx(x)dx/(cos^2(x)+cos(x)-2)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


What I tried to do first was factor the denominator, so i got (cos(x)-1)(cos(x)+2)
from there, I set up my partial fractions equation trying to solve B(cos(x)-1) + A(cos(x)+2) = sin(x)

at this point i tried plugging in 0 for x -> A(0) + B(3) = 0 ? i didn't feel good about this, after working through the remainder using this i solved for A=0 and B=(-1), which left me with
integral( -dx/(cos(x)+2), at this point I thought there may have been a 1/2 / double angle formula that I could use to try to simplify the equation; cosx^2 = 1+cos2x / 2, however I havn't felt good about the solving for A=0 and losing a term? any insight would be great, thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
As far as I know, partial fractions only work with polynomials in the numerator and denominator.
Try a u-substitution with u=cosx and then partial fractions.
 
Partial fractions work perfectly here. A substitution is not needed to apply partial fractions, here after partial fractions is a good time to change variable because different changes can be used for each term.
A(0) + B(3) = 0 this is good, but there is a mistake elsewhere as A=0 B=-1 does not work you need another equation.
I would have started with the identity
\frac{\sin(x)}{\cos^2(x)+\cos(x)-2}=\frac{-\cos\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)}{3\sin\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)-2\sin^3\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)}
 
Last edited:
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K