Integrating (tan(x/2))^2 between 0 and pi

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral of (tan(x/2))^2 and later shifts to (cos(2x))^3, both evaluated between 0 and π. Participants explore the implications of the integral's behavior and the graphical representation of the functions involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the original integral and its evaluation, questioning the correctness of the approach and the resulting expression. There is a suggestion to sketch the graph of tan(x/2) to understand its behavior at the limits of integration. The conversation shifts to the integral of (cos(2x))^3, with participants considering the implications of the integrand's sign and the concept of area under the curve.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants clarifying their understanding and correcting previous statements. There is no explicit consensus, but some guidance is offered regarding the interpretation of the integral and the conditions under which the area might be calculated.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of specific directions for the integral and express uncertainty about the correct approach to take, particularly regarding the evaluation of areas and the behavior of the functions at the given limits.

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Homework Statement



Hi, no directions were given it just says ∫(tan(x/2))^2 dx between 0 and pi.
You will get for the integral (1/2 (sin(2x)) - ((1/6)sin(2x))^3
I think that this is OK. Part of the graph of the origonal function dips below the axis so it end up being 0. I should change the limits of integral between [0,pi/2] then multiply that answer by 4 because there are 4 areas of that size.
Is this right?
So my final answer I got (4 (1/3)) so 4/3.


Thanks

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Jbreezy said:

Homework Statement



Hi, no directions were given it just says ∫(tan(x/2))^2 dx between 0 and pi.
You will get for the integral (1/2 (sin(2x)) - ((1/6)sin(2x))^3
How did you get that expression? Sketch the graph of tan(x/2) and observe the behaviour at x = π. What does this suggest about the integral?
 
I wrote the wrong integral. I mean integral of (cos(2x))^3 between 0 and Pi.
Now read the rest of what I wrote. I'm so sorry.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Jbreezy said:
I wrote the wrong integral. I mean integral of (cos(2x))^3 between 0 and Pi.
Now read the rest of what I wrote. I'm so sorry.
If the question is just ##\int_0^\pi (\cos(2x))^3 dx##, then as you said the answer is zero.
You computed the integral of the modulus of the integrand over the same interval of integration.

If the question asked something like 'Find the area enclosed by cos^3(2x)..'', for example, then do as you did.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
It doesn't say anything it just has the integral. So I guess I will go with 0 then. Thanks dude. Sorry about the mistake.
 

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