Solve this integral involving a fraction with a trig function

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a specific integral involving the trigonometric function sine, particularly the identity for ##\sin(2x)## expressed as ##\sin(2x) = \frac{2\tan(x)}{1+\tan^2(x)}##. Participants identify errors in the application of trigonometric identities and emphasize the importance of correctly interpreting the behavior of the tangent function over specified intervals. The correct approach involves breaking the integral at points where the argument of the arctangent becomes unbounded, ensuring accurate evaluation of the improper integral.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically the tangent half-angle formula.
  • Familiarity with properties of definite integrals.
  • Knowledge of improper integrals and their evaluation techniques.
  • Proficiency in using LaTeX for mathematical expressions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the tangent half-angle formula and its applications in integration.
  • Learn techniques for evaluating improper integrals, focusing on breaking limits at critical points.
  • Explore properties of definite integrals to enhance understanding of integration techniques.
  • Practice using LaTeX for clearer presentation of mathematical problems and solutions.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and anyone involved in calculus or integral calculus who seeks to improve their understanding of trigonometric integrals and evaluation techniques.

Rhdjfgjgj
Messages
31
Reaction score
3
Homework Statement
Hello guys. Please look at the following problem .(image).
The first line is the the problem statement. Later is my attempt to solve it. I have done the working as per the standard techniques taught by my sir. But I end up at the wrong answer. What may I have done wrong. the actual answer is 2pi/√3. Please point out the steps which are wrong or give a correct approach.
Relevant Equations
Properties of definite integrals and standard integral formulae.
IMG-20231127-WA0000.jpg
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your second line looks wrong to me. It appears that you replaced ##\sin(2x)## with the identity for ##\tan(2x)## except that the denominator should be ##1 - \tan^2(x)## not ##1 + \tan^2(x)##. In any case, that's not the correct identity for ##\sin(2x)##.

It's hard for me to read much of what you wrote after that, and this is one of the reasons we discourage photos of hand-written work.
 
No there's this formula that goes like
Sin2x=2tanx/(1+tan^2x)
It's a standard trigonometric formula.
 
Im sorry about the picture.
 
Rhdjfgjgj said:
No there's this formula that goes like
Sin2x=2tanx/(1+tan^2x)
It's a standard trigonometric formula.
OK, you're right. I can't read what you have from the third line on...
 
Rhdjfgjgj said:
Homework Statement: Hello guys. Please look at the following problem .(image).
The first line is the the problem statement. Later is my attempt to solve it. I have done the working as per the standard techniques taught by my sir. But I end up at the wrong answer. What may I have done wrong. the actual answer is 2pi/√3. Please point out the steps which are wrong or give a correct approach.
Relevant Equations: Properties of definite integrals and standard integral formulae.

View attachment 336195
I follow you down to the third line, equivalent to ##\frac 12\int\frac{dt}{1+t+t^2}##, but don't see how you got the next line.
 
I completed the square
1+t+t^2 =1+2(1/2)t+(1/2)^2+3/4
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: SammyS
Rhdjfgjgj said:
I completed the square
1+t+t^2 =1+2(1/2)t+(1/2)^2+3/4
Ah, I read the t in the denominator as a 4.
I would say your problem is the behaviour of tan as the angle goes from 0 to 2π.
Try breaking up the range, dealing with each improper integral carefully and watching how you evaluate arctan. Remember, the integrand you started with is everywhere positive.
 
Last edited:
haruspex said:
Ah, I read the t in the denominator as a 4.
I would say your problem is the behaviour of tan as the angle goes from 0 to 2π.
Try breaking up the range, dealing with each improper integral carefully and watching how you evaluate arctan. Remember, the integrand you started with is everywhere positive.
The end result of improper integral itself gave the hint that I had to break the limit.
But where, I would be glad if you could help me out on this
 
  • #10
Rhdjfgjgj said:
The end result of improper integral itself gave the hint that I had to break the limit.
But where, I would be glad if you could help me out on this
Break it at each point where the argument of the arctan is unbounded, or where t is unbounded, which is the same.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: SammyS
  • #11
Rhdjfgjgj said:
No there's this formula that goes like
Sin2x=2tanx/(1+tan^2x)
It's a standard trigonometric formula.
It is the tangent half-angle formula for sine, in disguise. I wouldn't call it standard.

This entire thread would be more accessible if more LaTeX was used.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
  • #12
SammyS said:
It is the tangent half-angle formula for sine, in disguise. I wouldn't call it standard.
Oh. I would.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K