Simplifying Trigonometric Integrals Using Trig Identities

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    Integrating Sin
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating trigonometric integrals, specifically focusing on the integrals of \(\sin^3(a\theta)\) and \(\sin^4(3x)\cos^3(x)\). Participants are exploring the application of trigonometric identities and substitution methods to simplify these integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of trigonometric identities and substitution methods, questioning the correctness of their formulas and the steps taken in the integration process. There is confusion over the application of integration techniques and the results obtained from the solution manual.

Discussion Status

Several participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering suggestions for using trigonometric identities and substitution. There is a recognition of potential errors in the original poster's approach and the solution manual, with ongoing exploration of the correct methods to apply.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the accuracy of their formulas and the solution manual, indicating a need for clarification on the integration process and the application of trigonometric identities. There is mention of possible typos in the solution manual that may affect the interpretation of results.

Saladsamurai
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Okay so I am suposed to evaluate 2 of these:

1.) [tex]\int\sin^3(a\theta)d\theta[/tex] the solution manual looks

like it used a trig ID to do this. Why??

Doesn't [tex]\int\sin^3u du=\frac{1}{3}\cos^3u-(\cos u)+C[/tex] ?

So just use the u-sub [tex]u=a\theta \Rightarrow du/a=d\theta[/tex]

So it should just be [tex]\frac{1}{3a}\cos^3a\theta-\frac{1}{a}\cosa\theta+C[/tex] ?But they got: [tex]-\frac{1}{a}\cos a\theta-\frac{1}{3a}\cos^3a\theta+C[/tex]

Why the negative -1/3a ? What did I miss? Is it my formula?
2.) For [tex]\int\sin^4(3x)\cos^3xdx[/tex] they went from <---that to

[tex]=\int\sin^4(3x)(1-sin^23x)\cos3xdx[/tex]

How the hell does that make this problem ANY easier?! Is there a formula for ^^^that!Casey
 
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You're using sin(u) like a variable, and integrating, which will certainly get you nowhere. One thing is that [tex]\int sin(u)^{3}[/tex] does not equal [tex]\frac{1}{3}\cos^3u[/tex]. You're going to have to use u-substitution, as you already have, and almost certainly some integration by parts.
 
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I would suggest you use the trig identity sin(x)^2=1-cos(x)^2, followed by u=cos(x).
 
[tex]=\int\sin^4(3x)(1-sin^23x)\cos3xdx[/tex]If you let u=sin3x does that make it any easier?
 
Dick said:
I would suggest you use the trig identity sin(x)^2=1-cos(x)^2, followed by u=cos(x).

I'll try that now. But why is my formula not producing the correct result if I am using u=a*theta ? Shouldn't it be 1/a *{Pug it in} ?
 
[tex]\int \sin^3(a\theta)d\theta = \int \sin(a\theta)d\theta - \int \sin(a\theta)\cos^2(a\theta)d\theta[/tex]

The first term should be easy for you to integrate, for the second term, try a substitution of

[tex]u = \cos(a\theta) \Rightarrow \frac{du}{d\theta} = -a\sin(a\theta) \Rightarrow \sin(a\theta)d\theta = -\frac{1}{a}du[/tex]

After which the equation simplifies a little.

Use a similar idea for the second one.
 
Dick said:
I would suggest you use the trig identity sin(x)^2=1-cos(x)^2, followed by u=cos(x).

So I got it using this. But I am still trying to figure out where I went wrong with the formula.

Casey
 
Saladsamurai said:
So I got it using this. But I am still trying to figure out where I went wrong with the formula.

Casey

Seems to me like there is simply a typo in the book (the coefficient of the cos^3 should indeed be positive)
 
  • #10
nrqed said:
Seems to me like there is simply a typo in the book (the coefficient of the cos^3 should indeed be positive)

Not if you use the trig substitution; it is negative. It is definitely a mistake on my part.

Casey
 
  • #11
No, it's positive. (1-cos^(x)^2)*sin(x)*dx. u=cos(x), du=-sin(x)*dx. The u^3/3 term comes out with a plus sign.
 
  • #12
Saladsamurai said:
2.) For [tex]\int\sin^4(3x)\cos^3xdx[/tex] they went from <---that to

[tex]=\int\sin^4(3x)(1-sin^23x)\cos3xdx[/tex]

did you mean [tex]\cos^{3}3xdx[/tex]?
 
  • #13
rocophysics said:
did you mean [tex]\cos^{3}3xdx[/tex]?

I don't know what I meant?! I figured it out though.

Thanks!
Casey
 
  • #14
i was trying to solve it for myself but then it saw that ... lol, is all good though.
 

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