Solving Integration Problem: I Have No Idea What I'm Doing Wrong

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a numerical integration problem involving the integral \(\int^{\frac{\pi}{2}}_{-\frac{\pi}{2}} \frac{3\cos(t)dt}{(2+\sin(t))^{2}}\), which is known to equal 2. The user struggles with algebraic manipulation and the application of integration properties, specifically the even function property. The correct approach involves using u-substitution and adjusting the limits of integration to 1 and 3, rather than relying on the even function property, which led to an incorrect result of 1 instead of the expected 2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of definite integrals and their properties
  • Familiarity with u-substitution in integration
  • Knowledge of numerical integration techniques, specifically the trapezoidal rule and Simpson's rule
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study u-substitution in detail, focusing on changing limits of integration
  • Learn about the properties of even and odd functions in integration
  • Explore numerical integration methods, specifically the trapezoidal rule and Simpson's rule
  • Practice solving definite integrals with various functions to reinforce understanding
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Students studying calculus, particularly those tackling numerical integration problems, as well as educators looking for examples of common pitfalls in integration techniques.

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I have no idea what I am doing wrong. I keep getting one when I should be getting two. It is part of a numerical integration problem. I've got the numerical integration part down which is ironic. The part I am having problems with is finding the actual value of the integral. I need this to find the error of the trapezoid and Simpson's estimations.

Homework Statement


The integral is:
\int^{\frac{\pi}{2}}_{-\frac{\pi}{2}} \frac{3\cos(t)dt}{\left(2+\sin(t)\right)^{2}} = 2

I know it equals 2 cause of the integrate function on my calculator. I am trying to figure out where I am going wrong with my algebra.

Homework Equations


\int^{a}_{-a} x dx = 2\cdot\int^{a}_{0} x dx

Let u = sin(t) + 2, du = cos(t)dt

The Attempt at a Solution


So we start by saying:
\int^{\frac{\pi}{2}}_{-\frac{\pi}{2}} \frac{3\cos(t)dt}{\left(2+\sin(t)\right)^{2}}

We can use the above property of integration to change this to:
2\cdot\int^{\frac{\pi}{2}}_{0} \frac{3\cos(t)dt}{\left(2+\sin(t)\right)^{2}}

We then use u substitution thus we can say:
x=0 \rightarrow u=2

x= \frac{\pi}{2} \rightarrow u=3

so we get:
2\cdot\int^{3}_{2} \frac{3du}{u^{2}}

We can shove the 3 out front and then integrate the resulting \frac{du}{u^{2}}
Thus we get:
6\cdot\frac{-1}{u} Evaluated from 2 to 3.

This goes to:
6\cdot\left(\frac{-1}{3}-\frac{-1}{2}\right)

Which in turn goes to:
6\cdot\frac{1}{6} = 1

I don't know what I am doing wrong. Please help.
 
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efekwulsemmay said:

Homework Equations


\int^{a}_{-a} x dx = 2\cdot\int^{a}_{0} x dx

This is true if the function is even. Try not using this when you solve for the integral. ie. use 1 and 3 as your new bounds for your u integral
 
jav said:
This is true if the function is even. Try not using this when you solve for the integral. ie. use 1 and 3 as your new bounds for your u integral

Oh bloody hell. :mad: G**d*** m*****f****** piece of s*** integral... grrrr.

Thank you for your help jav. I truly appreciate it. Now I must bang my head against a brick wall somemore :smile:
 

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