Solving Integral of sin^11x: Step-by-Step Guide

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the integral of sin raised to the 11th power, specifically \(\int \sin^{11}x \, dx\). The original poster attempts to manipulate the integral using trigonometric identities and substitution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various approaches, including expanding the expression \((1 - u^2)^5\) and using the binomial theorem. Some express concerns about the practicality of expanding the expression fully. Others suggest integration by parts as a potential method.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with multiple participants offering different strategies and questioning the efficiency of certain methods. There is no explicit consensus on the best approach, but several lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that this problem may be relevant for an upcoming exam, which adds a sense of urgency to finding a solution. There is also mention of homework constraints that may influence the methods discussed.

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Homework Statement


[tex]\int sin^{11}x.dx[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\int (sin^{2}x)^{5}.sinx.dx[/tex]
[tex]\int (1-cos^{2}x)^{5}.sinx.dx[/tex]

let cosx be u, statement became

[tex]- \int (1-u^{2})^{5}.du[/tex]

and I'm stuck here. Any help is appreciated,
thank you
 
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Why don't you just multiply the expression (1-u^2)^5 out to get just powers of u?
 
Last edited:
This is potentially one of the 10 questions to be asked in tomorrow's 45 minutes exam, there should be a quicker way...

Plus expanding the whole expression would be too long and impractical..

Thanks anyways,
any other suggestions?
 
(1+a)^5=1+5a+10a^2+10a^3+5a^4+a^5. Put a=-u^2. It's pretty easy if you remember the binomial theorem. I can't think of anything easier.
 
No quicker way,EXPAND it!
 
[tex] \int {\sin ^k xdx} = \int {\sin ^{k - 1} x\sin xdx}[/tex]

IBP:
[tex] <br /> - \cos x\sin ^{k - 1} x - \int { - \cos x\left( {k - 1} \right)\sin ^{k - 2} x} \cos xdx<br /> [/tex]

rewrite:[tex] <br /> - \cos x\sin ^{k - 1} x + \left( {k - 1} \right)\int {\cos ^2 x\sin ^{k - 2} x} dx<br /> [/tex]

Use the identity:

[tex] <br /> \cos ^2 x\sin ^{k - 2} x = \left( {1 - \sin ^2 x} \right)\sin ^{k - 2} x = \sin ^{k - 2} x - \sin ^k x<br /> [/tex]

And so:

[tex] <br /> - \cos x\sin ^{k - 1} x + \left( {k - 1} \right)\int {\sin ^{k - 2} x} dx - \left( {k - 1} \right)\int {\sin ^k x} dx<br /> [/tex]

[tex] <br /> k\int {\sin ^k xdx} = - \cos x\sin ^{k - 1} x + \left( {k - 1} \right)\int {\sin ^{k - 2} x} dx<br /> [/tex]

Conclusion:
[tex] <br /> \int {\sin ^k xdx} = - \frac{{\cos x\sin ^{k - 1} x}}{k} + \frac{{k - 1}}{k}\int {\sin ^{k - 2} x} dx<br /> [/tex]
 

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