MHB Simplifying the Integral of 20 sec^3(x) dx using Trigonometric Identities

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The discussion centers on simplifying the integral of 20 sec^3(x) dx using trigonometric identities. Participants express difficulty in breaking down the integral, particularly after rewriting it as 20 sec^2(x) * sec(x) dx and attempting substitutions like u = tan(x) or sec(x). A suggested approach involves multiplying by cos(x)/cos(x) to transform the integral into a more manageable form. This leads to a new expression that can be simplified further using the substitution u = sin(x). The conversation highlights innovative methods for tackling complex integrals.
dexstarr
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I'm having a hard time breaking this down using tri identities.

} = integral sign 20}sec^3(x) dx
20}sec^2(x) * sec(x) dx
20}[tan^2(x)-1] * sec(x) dx

after this I'm stuck. I tried letting u = tan(x) or sec(x) but i can't seem to cancel anything out.
 
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Re: Integral of 20 sec^3(x)dx

dexstarr said:
I'm having a hard time breaking this down using tri identities.

} = integral sign 20}sec^3(x) dx
20}sec^2(x) * sec(x) dx
20}[tan^2(x)-1] * sec(x) dx

after this I'm stuck. I tried letting u = tan(x) or sec(x) but i can't seem to cancel anything out.

$$20 \int \frac{1}{\cos^3(x)}$$

Multiply by $$\dfrac{\cos(x)}{\cos(x)}$$

$$20 \int \frac{\cos(x)}{\cos^4(x)}$$

$$20 \int \frac{\cos(x)}{(1-\sin^2(x))^2}$$

Now use $$u = \sin(x)$$
 
Re: Integral of 20 sec^3(x)dx

SuperSonic4 said:
Multiply by $$\dfrac{\cos(x)}{\cos(x)}$$
Coooool! I've never seen that method.

-Dan
 
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