Simplifying a Complicated Integral: Tips and Tricks

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying a complicated integral involving the function \(\sin(2\tan^{-1}(x))\). Participants are exploring various approaches to make the integral more manageable, particularly through trigonometric identities and substitutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the double angle formula and substitutions involving \(\sin(\tan^{-1}(x))\) and \(\cos(\tan^{-1}(x))\). There are questions about the relationships between these trigonometric functions and how to derive new expressions. Some participants express confusion about the steps involved in the simplification process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and suggestions for simplification. There is a recognition of the complexity introduced by the factor of "2" in the integral, and some participants are attempting to clarify the relationships between the variables involved. No consensus has been reached, but various lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the methods they can use. There is also mention of a triangle method for visualizing the relationships between the trigonometric functions, indicating a reliance on geometric interpretations.

transgalactic
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i added a file with of the integral
and how i "solved" it

on the final stage of my integral i gut stuck on a
complicated fuction

is there a way to change it so it will look simpler

please help
 

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So you're asking if you can simplify [itex]\sin(2\tan^{-1}(x))[/itex]? Use the double angle formula to get it in terms of [itex]\sin(\tan^{-1}(x))[/itex] and [itex]\cos(\tan^{-1}(x))[/itex]. Then if you put [itex]u=\sin(\tan^{-1}(x))[/itex], you have [itex]\cos(\tan^{-1}(x))=\sqrt{1-u^2}[/itex] and:

[tex]\frac{u}{\sqrt{1-u^2}}=\frac{\sin(\tan^{-1}(x)}{\cos(\tan^{-1}(x))}=\tan(\tan^{-1}(x))=x,[/tex]

which you can solve for in terms of u.
 
you said u=sin(arctan(x))
how come i have cos(arctan(x))=(1-u^2)^0.5

i didnt understand what to do step by step

?
 
Because cos^2+sin^2=1.
 
but the "u" expression represents x

i heard of some triangle method of solving stuff like
[itex] \sin(2\tan^{-1}(x))[/itex]

??
 
transgalactic said:
but the "u" expression represents x
No, u= sin(arctan(x))

i heard of some triangle method of solving stuff like
[itex] \sin(2\tan^{-1}(x))[/itex]

??
For something simple, like sin(tan-1(x)), you can imagine a triangle with "opposite side" x and "near side" 1 so that "opposite side over near side" = tan(angle)= x and angle= tan-1(x). Then sin(tan-1(x))= sin(angle) which is "near side over hypotenuse". Use the Pythagorean theorem to find the length of the hypotenus: [itex]\sqrt{x^2+ 1}[/itex] and you get sin(tan-1(x))= [itex]x/\sqrt{x^2+ 1}[/itex].

However, the "2" multiplying tan-1(x) makes that much harder.
 
how to build the new integral
i need to build a du for that which i the derivative of
u= sin(arctan(x))

what is the full new integral?
 

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