Solve trig integral by substitution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the integral $\displaystyle \int \sin^6(x)\cos^3(x) dx$ using the method of substitution, specifically $u$-substitution. Participants explore the steps involved in the substitution process and the resulting expressions, while also comparing their findings with outputs from computational tools.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using $u = \sin(x)$ for the substitution, leading to the integral $\int u^6(1-u^2) du$.
  • Another participant agrees with the substitution method and outlines the general form of the integral after substitution.
  • A participant calculates the integral after distribution, arriving at the expression $\frac{\sin^7(x)}{7} - \frac{\sin^9(x)}{9} + C$.
  • There is a mention of a computational tool (W|A) providing a more complicated answer, suggesting that different methods may yield various representations of the integral.
  • One participant notes that differentiating the result can confirm its correctness, indicating a method for verifying the solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the substitution method and the resulting integral expression, but there is a recognition that different approaches can lead to varying forms of the answer, which remains a point of discussion.

Contextual Notes

There is no consensus on the most simplified or preferred form of the integral, and the discussion acknowledges the existence of multiple valid representations of the result.

karush
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this is supposed to be solved with U substitution
$\displaystyle
\int \sin^6(x)\cos^3(x)
$
since $$\cos^3(x)$$ has an odd power then
$\displaystyle
\int \sin^6(x)\left(1-\sin^2(x)\right)\cos(x) dx
$
then substitute $$u=\sin(x)$$ and $$du=cos(x)dx$$
$
\int u^6 \left(1-u^2\right) du
$
so if ok so far
 
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Yes, that looks good. Like you, I would seek an integral of the form:

$$\int f\left(\sin(x) \right)\,\cos(x)\,dx$$

and then use the substitution:

$$u=\sin(x)\,\therefore\,du=\cos(x)\,dx$$

and so we have:

$$\int f(u)\,du$$

So, now just integrate with respect to $u$, then back substitute for $u$ to express the anti-derivative in terms of $x$.
 
so from
$\int u^6 \left(1-u^2\right) du$
by distribution

$\int \left(u^6-u^8\right) du$

$\left(\frac{u^7}{7}-\frac{u^9}{9}\right)$

$\frac{sin^7(x)}{7}-\frac{sin^9(x)}{9}+C$

W|A gave a much more complicated answer than this??
 
Last edited:
karush said:
so from
$\int u^6 \left(1-u^2\right) du$
by distribution

$\int \left(u^6-u^8\right) du$

$\left(\frac{u^7}{7}-\frac{u^9}{9}\right)$

$\frac{sin^7(x)}{7}-\frac{sin^9(x)}{9}+C$

W|A gave a much more complicated answer than this??

Your result is correct. W|A probably applied power reduction formulas to get their result. With trigonometric integrals, there are usually many ways to represent the result. If you are unsure of your result, differentiate it to ensure you get the original integrand.
 

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