Problem with integration by parts

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the integration of the equation d(y/x) = c cos(x)/x^2 dx, where the user struggles with the complexity of the right-hand side after applying integration by parts. A suggestion is made to use a series expansion for f(x) = cos(x)/x^2 to simplify the integration process. The conversation highlights that the integral leads to the sine integral function, Si(x), which may not be covered in basic calculus courses. There is a debate about the appropriateness of using series expansions at the user's current calculus level. Ultimately, the conclusion is that while series may provide an approximation, they cannot perfectly solve the integral.
bobey
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Homework Statement


the question :

integrate the following :

integration of d(y/x) = integration of(c cos x/x^2) dx , where c is a constant







Homework Equations



integration of d(y/x) = integration of(c cos x/x^2) dx
y/x = c integration of (c cos x/x^2) dx (*)
= c(x^-2 sin x -integration(sin x (-2x^-3))dx

(*) i let u = x^-2
du = -2x^-3

dv= cos x dx
v = sin x

and by integration by parts, i got (*)

but the integration on the RHS seems to complex which contradicts with the principle of integration by parts, which makes the integration simpler... i think i made some mistake some where... can anyone highlight it to me... please...



The Attempt at a Solution

 
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bobey said:

Homework Statement


the question :

integrate the following :

integration of d(y/x) = integration of(c cos x/x^2) dx , where c is a constant







Homework Equations



integration of d(y/x) = integration of(c cos x/x^2) dx
y/x = c integration of (c cos x/x^2) dx (*)
= c(x^-2 sin x -integration(sin x (-2x^-3))dx

(*) i let u = x^-2
du = -2x^-3

dv= cos x dx
v = sin x

and by integration by parts, i got (*)

but the integration on the RHS seems to complex which contradicts with the principle of integration by parts, which makes the integration simpler... i think i made some mistake some where... can anyone highlight it to me... please...



The Attempt at a Solution


Do you own the Edwards and Penny Calculus Bible? In there you are presented with several integrals which can't be solved using standard methods. This is one them...

I learned to find a solution in Calculus. But if you can't find in your book. Please report back to me and I will guide you :)

Remember you want evaluate \int c \cdot \frac{cos(x)}{x^2} dx which is a series also. Did you know that?

Find a series for f(x) = \frac{cos(x)}{x^2} and then report back to me :)
 
Last edited:
If you change your u=cos(x) and v'=x^-2 you can integrate it easier but you get to a point where you get the integral of sin(x)/x. Which if you don't know is Si(x). If you want to keep going you can use the taylor polynomial of sin(x) which is x-(x^3)/3!+(x^5)/5!-(x^7)/7!. It really keeps going forever but this will be really really close integrate this and you should have an answer. But depending on where you are in Calculus you should just leave it:

-cos(x)/x - Si(x)
 
SgtSniper90 said:
If you change your u=cos(x) and v'=x^-2 you can integrate it easier but you get to a point where you get the integral of sin(x)/x. Which if you don't know is Si(x). If you want to keep going you can use the taylor polynomial of sin(x) which is x-(x^3)/3!+(x^5)/5!-(x^7)/7!. It really keeps going forever but this will be really really close integrate this and you should have an answer. But depending on where you are in Calculus you should just leave it:

-cos(x)/x - Si(x)

I'm not trying argue but isn't the Si function post Calculus?
 
I think so but there really is no other answer at your level of calc (not to insult you). Even if you used the taylor polynomial you can never get it to fit the entire graph, you can get really really close but never perfect. I haven't tried but i don't think that a series would help here anyways
 
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