Quick question. How do you change the bounds of integration if using sec?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around changing the bounds of integration when performing a substitution involving the secant function. The original bounds are from 0 to π/3, and the participants are exploring how to correctly adjust these bounds after a u-substitution where u = sec(x).

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the process of changing the bounds of integration after a u-substitution, specifically questioning how to evaluate secant at given angles. There is confusion about the relationship between secant and the unit circle, and how to find specific values for sec(π/3) and sec(0).

Discussion Status

Several participants are attempting to clarify the bounds after substitution, with some expressing uncertainty about evaluating secant. There is a mix of approaches being suggested, with some participants reiterating the need for clarity on the substitution process and the evaluation of trigonometric functions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding trigonometric identities and the unit circle in relation to secant and cosecant, indicating a potential gap in foundational knowledge that may affect their ability to change the bounds accurately.

randoreds
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And in general, always been bad at it.

If original bounds are ∫pi/3 to 0 and I am changing the bounds because I'm U-substituting.
My subtitution is u=secx

so is it when cos = pi/3 and 0 or am I wrong?
so the new bound would be from pi/2 to pi/3..?
 
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the lower bound is x=\pi/3 right? And u=\sec(x) so the lower bound after the u-substitution will be u=\sec(\pi/3) and similarly the upper bound will be u=\sec(0)
 
just plug in the limits to the substitutition.

but usually you do not substitute a sec function, usually you would substitute a simpler function.

gd luck.
 
Last edited:
Mentallic said:
the lower bound is x=\pi/3 right? And u=\sec(x) so the lower bound after the u-substitution will be u=\sec(\pi/3) and similarly the upper bound will be u=\sec(0)

No the upper bound is pi/3 the lower bound is zero(the number on the bottom of the integral sign is zero). the equation is ∫ dx/ (x^2 times sqrt(4-x^2))
So you would have to use trig and U substitution( I think)

with trig sub I got 1/4 ∫csc^2theta

so you got to change the bounds. Before you plug anything in.
u = sec(pi/3) My question was more how do I know what that is. because you can easily find sin, cos with unit circle. but I'm confused how to do it with sec and csc.

because I have no idea when sec = pi/3 and don't really remember how to figure it out ; /

because once you change the limits you can just integrate it. which would lead to -1/4 cot

then you could just plug in those values and find the answer
 
randoreds said:
No the upper bound is pi/3 the lower bound is zero(the number on the bottom of the integral sign is zero). the equation is ∫ dx/ (x^2 times sqrt(4-x^2))
So you would have to use trig and U substitution( I think)
So with that problem, what did you make your U-sub?

randoreds said:
u = sec(pi/3) My question was more how do I know what that is. because you can easily find sin, cos with unit circle. but I'm confused how to do it with sec and csc.

\sec(x)=\frac{1}{\cos(x)}

\csc(x)=\frac{1}{\sin(x)}

\cot(x)=\frac{1}{\tan(x)}

So then what is \sec(\pi/3) ?

randoreds said:
because I have no idea when sec = pi/3 and don't really remember how to figure it out ; /
You're not looking for when "sec" = pi/3, you're looking for sec(pi/3).

randoreds said:
because once you change the limits you can just integrate it. which would lead to -1/4 cot

then you could just plug in those values and find the answer
So you were fine with finding specific values of cot(x)?
 

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