Partial Fractions (with trig functions)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the integral of sin(x) divided by the polynomial expression cos²(x) + cos(x) - 2 using partial fractions. The user initially factored the denominator to (cos(x) - 1)(cos(x) + 2) and attempted to set up a partial fractions equation. However, they encountered difficulties with the coefficients A and B, ultimately concluding that partial fractions can be applied effectively to this integral, and a substitution may be beneficial after setting up the partial fractions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus and techniques for integration.
  • Familiarity with partial fraction decomposition.
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities and functions.
  • Ability to perform variable substitutions in integrals.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of partial fraction decomposition in detail.
  • Learn about trigonometric identities, particularly those involving sin(x) and cos(x).
  • Explore u-substitution techniques for integrals involving trigonometric functions.
  • Practice solving integrals with polynomial denominators and trigonometric numerators.
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Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on integration techniques, as well as anyone looking to deepen their understanding of partial fractions and trigonometric integrals.

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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
 
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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)}
 
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