Solve trig integral by substitution

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SUMMARY

The integral $\displaystyle \int \sin^6(x)\cos^3(x) dx$ can be effectively solved using the substitution method, specifically with $u = \sin(x)$ and $du = \cos(x)dx$. This transforms the integral into $\int u^6(1-u^2) du$, which simplifies to $\int (u^6 - u^8) du$. The final result is $\frac{\sin^7(x)}{7} - \frac{\sin^9(x)}{9} + C$. The discussion highlights that alternative methods, such as power reduction formulas, may yield more complex results, but the substitution method provides a straightforward solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of U-substitution in calculus
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities
  • Knowledge of integration techniques
  • Ability to differentiate functions to verify results
NEXT STEPS
  • Practice solving integrals using U-substitution with different trigonometric functions
  • Explore power reduction formulas for trigonometric integrals
  • Learn about the verification of integrals through differentiation
  • Study advanced integration techniques, such as integration by parts
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians focusing on integration techniques, and anyone seeking to improve their skills in solving trigonometric integrals.

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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