Reduction Formula and Integration by Parts

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the integration of sin²x using integration by parts and trigonometric identities. The correct integral is established as ∫ sin²x dx = x/2 - 1/4 sin(2x) + C, derived from the identity sin²x = 1/2 - 1/2 cos(2x). Participants clarify the steps involved in applying integration by parts, addressing common misconceptions regarding the substitution of variables and the application of trigonometric identities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integration techniques, specifically integration by parts.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities, particularly sin²x and cos²x.
  • Basic knowledge of calculus, including differentiation and integration of trigonometric functions.
  • Ability to manipulate integrals and apply substitution methods.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the integration by parts formula.
  • Learn about trigonometric identities and their use in simplifying integrals.
  • Practice solving integrals involving sin²x and cos²x using various methods.
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, including reduction formulas and their applications.
USEFUL FOR

Students of calculus, mathematics educators, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of integration techniques and trigonometric identities.

Serena_Greene
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I was sick and missed class:rolleyes:

∫ sin^2x dx = x/2 – sin2x/4 + C
(I see that there is a trig identity in the answer as sin2x = 2sinxcosx)

What I tried (copying the example in the book)
u = sinx du = sinxcosx dx (why is du not cosx?)
v = -cos x dv = sinx dx (why is this not just dx?)

∫ sin^2x dx = -cosxsinx + 1 ∫ sinx cos^2x dx (okay why did I add +1 and where did the funky ∫ come from) I see that cos^2x = 1 – sin^2x.

So now (from the example in the book but why?)
∫ sin^2x dx = -cosxsinx + 1 ∫ sinx dx – 1 ∫ sin^2x dx

2 ∫ sin^2x dx = -cosxsinx + 1 ∫ sinx dx (what happened to the -1?)

∫ sin^2x dx = -½cosxsinx + 1/2 ∫ sinx dx

Which I thought should give

-½cosxsinx – ½cosx + C

Nothing like the above answer……. Can someone help?

-Serena
 
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I don't want to read trough the whole thing, but I think it's easier to use the trig identity from the start:

sin^2 x = 1/2 - 1/2 cos(2x)

edit: this way you'll get to the answer easily too :)
 
Last edited:
u = sin(x)
du = cos)dx
v = -cos(x)
dv = sin(x)dx

Int[sin^2(x)] = -sin(x)cos(x) + Int[cos^2(x)]
Int[sin^2(x)] = -1/2sin(2x) + Int[1] - Int[sin^2x]
2Int[sin^2(x)] = -1/2sin(2x) + x
Int[sin^2(x)] = x/2 - 1/4sin(2x)
 

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