Solving the Integral of 1+sinx/(cosx)²

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the integral of the expression (1 + sin x)/(cos x)², exploring different interpretations and approaches to the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct interpretation of the integrand, questioning whether it is (1 + sin x)/cos² x or 1 + (sin x/cos² x). There are attempts to use substitution and rewrite the integral in different forms, with some participants expressing confusion about separating terms and the role of differentials.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered guidance on how to approach the integral, suggesting different methods of rewriting the expression. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of these methods, with some participants expressing understanding and others still grappling with the concepts.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes that the problem is not for homework, indicating a different context for the discussion. There are also indications of confusion regarding the separation of integrals and the necessity of including differential factors.

stargazer843
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∫1+sinx/(cosx)² dx

I made u = cos x.

du = -sinxdx

-du = sinxdx

so:

∫1+sinxdx/(cosx)² = ∫1-du/u² = ∫ (1/u²) * (1-du)

This is where I got stuck. the 1-du is throwing me off. distributing would get me nowhere and I don't know how to get rid of the 1.

Please help!
 
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Is the integrand (1 + sin x)/cos2x ? Or 1 + sin x/cos2x?

In the second case, for the second addend note that if u = cos x, -du = sin x dx:

∫ 1 + sin x/cos2x dx = x + ∫ -du/u2 = x + 1/u + C = x + 1/cos x + C

In the first case, write 1/cos2x + sin x/cos2x and integrate the second term as we did previously.
Also, 1/cos2x = sec2x -- this is the derivative of which function?
 
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first case, and ill remember that next time, although this isn't homework
 
Once I get it to ∫1-du/u²

If I separate it:

[∫(1/u²)]-[∫(du/u²)]

[∫(1/u²)du]-[∫(1/u²)du]

This = 0

I can only separate it at the beginning?
 
stargazer843 said:
∫1+sinx/(cosx)² dx

Instead of substitution where you would get something like dx = 1-du, which is not helpful, why don't we rewrite the integral as

\int \left( \frac{1}{cos^2x} + \frac{sinx}{cos^2x} \right) dx

Now do you know what 1/cosx is the same as and what sinx/cosx is the same as?

When you get that, rewrite it the integral again but replace 1/cosx with the equivalent and do the same with sinx/cosx.

Post what you get.
 
stargazer843 said:
Once I get it to ∫1-du/u²
This is incorrect, in part because it is meaningless.
stargazer843 said:
If I separate it:

[∫(1/u²)]-[∫(du/u²)]
Each integral needs the differential factor. In what you have above, ∫(1/u²) is missing du.
stargazer843 said:
[∫(1/u²)du]-[∫(1/u²)du]

This = 0

I can only separate it at the beginning?
 
ah ok, now I understand.

Thank you for all the help guys! :D
 

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