Reduction formula instead of using identities for trigonometric integration?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the integration of trigonometric functions, specifically using reduction formulas versus identities. The example provided demonstrates the integration of \( \cos^5 x \) using both methods, yielding different intermediate forms but ultimately leading to equivalent results. The reduction formula approach involves expressions such as \( \frac{\cos^2{x}\sin{x}}{5} + \frac{4}{5}\int \cos^3{x} dx \), while the identity method simplifies to \( \sin x - \frac{2\sin^3 x}{3} + \frac{\sin^5 x}{5} + C \). The conclusion emphasizes that both methods can yield the same final result when properly manipulated.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities
  • Familiarity with integration techniques
  • Knowledge of reduction formulas in calculus
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of reduction formulas in trigonometric integration
  • Practice integrating higher powers of trigonometric functions using identities
  • Explore the Pythagorean identity and its applications in integration
  • Learn about alternative integration techniques such as integration by parts
USEFUL FOR

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

aleksbooker1
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This is one of the example problems in my book to show how to deal with integrating trigonometric functions to higher powers, by breaking them down into identities.

$$=\int cos^5x dx$$
$$=\int (cos^2x)^2cos^x dx $$
$$=\int (1-sin^2x)^2*d(sin x)$$
$$=\int (1-u^2)^2 du$$
$$=\int 1-2u^2 + u^4 du$$
$$=u-\frac{2}{3}u^3 + \frac{1}{5}u^5$$
$$=sinx-\frac{2sin^3x}{3}+\frac{sin^5x}{5}+C$$

I tried to do the same problem, but with the reduction formula instead. I'm not sure if I did it right, since the result doesn't really look the same.

$$=\frac{\cos^2{x}\sin{x}}{5} + \frac{4}{5}\int \cos^3{x} dx$$
$$=\frac{1}{5}\cos^4{x}\sin{x} + \frac{4}{5}(\frac{1}{3}\cos^2{x}\sin{x} + \frac{2}{3}\int \cos{x})$$
$$=\frac{1}{5}\cos^4{x}\sin{x}+\frac{4}{15}\cos^2{x}\sin{x}+\frac{8}{15}\sin{x}$$
$$=\frac{3\cos^4{x}\sin{x}+4\cos^2{x}\sin{x}+8\sin{x}}{15}$$
$$=\frac{1}{15}\sin{x}(3\cos^4{x}+4\cos^2{x}+8)+C$$
 
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Use the Pythagorean identity $\cos^2(x)=1-\sin^2(x)$ on your second form, then expand and collect like terms and you will find it is the same as your first form. :D
 

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