Solving Definite Integral with a, b Parameters

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a definite integral involving parameters \(a\) and \(b\) in the context of trigonometric functions. The integral in question is \(\int_0^{2 \pi} \frac{\sin^2{t}}{\sqrt{a\cos{t} + b}} dt\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are positive constants. Participants explore various approaches to tackle this integral and related expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss attempts to solve the integral using integration by parts and differentiation with respect to parameters. There is mention of breaking the integral into separate parts, leading to elliptic integrals and series expansions. Questions arise regarding the feasibility of representing the integral with generalized functions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing various methods and expressing skepticism about the possibility of finding a solution. Some guidance is offered regarding the use of elliptic integrals and series expansions, but no consensus has been reached on a viable approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity introduced by the parameters \(a\) and \(b\), which may hinder straightforward solutions. There is an emphasis on the problem not being a traditional homework question, which influences the nature of the discussion.

zeebek
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This is not really a homework.

Homework Statement



I am trying to solve one definite integral

Homework Equations



[tex]\int_0^{2 \pi} \frac{\sin^2{t}}{\sqrt{a\cos{t} + b}} dt[/tex]

where [tex]a, b[/tex] are some positive numbers.

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried integrate by parts, also differentiate by parameter [tex]a[/tex]. Does not help because of the square root. In this case I got some diff.equation for the integral I want, but I need to solve even more nasty integrals:

either

[tex]\int_0^{2 \pi} \sqrt{a\cos{t} + b} \cos{t} dt[/tex]

or

[tex]\int_0^{2 \pi} \frac{1}{\sqrt{a\cos{t} + b}} dt[/tex]
 
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You joking, right? Even by breaking this up into two separate integrals, the first one 1/sqrt(a*cos(t)+b), t=0..2pi and second one -cos^2(t)/sqrt(a*cos(t)+b), t=0..2pi.. This gives some complete elliptic integral of first one for first part, and series expansion for second part. At best you can get a complete series expansion of this with http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=Expand+(1-cos^2(t))/sqrt(a*cos(t)+b)" and numerically evaluate it if you know a and b.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
cronxeh said:
You joking, right? Even by breaking this up into two separate integrals, the first one 1/sqrt(a*cos(t)+b), t=0..2pi and second one -cos^2(t)/sqrt(a*cos(t)+b), t=0..2pi.. This gives some complete elliptic integral of first one for first part, and series expansion for second part. At best you can get a complete series expansion of this with http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=Expand+(1-cos^2(t))/sqrt(a*cos(t)+b)" and numerically evaluate it if you know a and b.

Thank you for your reply. As I said this is not a homework problem. In fact if somebody could help me represent this intergral via some generalized functions this would do. Sorry for the misconception.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
zeebek said:
Thank you for your reply. As I said this is not a homework problem. In fact if somebody could help me represent this intergral via some generalized functions this would do. Sorry for the misconception.

I can't see how this could be done. a and b make this impossible
 

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