Solving Trig Anti-Derivative: Int of sin x over -sin^2 x of dx

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral of sin(x) over -sin^2(x) with participants exploring the correct interpretation and simplification of the expression. The subject area is calculus, specifically focusing on integration techniques and trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify the original integral and its simplification, questioning the correctness of various steps in the process. There is discussion about the relationship between sin(x) and csc(x), and whether integration by parts is applicable.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with several participants providing insights and corrections regarding the simplification of the integral. There is no explicit consensus, but some guidance has been offered regarding potential approaches to the integral.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the interpretation of the integral and the signs involved in the trigonometric identities. Participants are also addressing the challenge of integrating csc(x) and the implications of various substitutions.

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Homework Statement



Int of sin x over - sin ^2 x of dx


The Attempt at a Solution



I don;t know if I have the right question. But I just couldn't reproduce the problem (from my answer)!
please take a look at my note, see if you can reproduce the original question

i am talking about question #7
 

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Is this your integral?
\int \frac{sin x}{-sin^2 x}dx

If so, this is the same as
\int -csc (x) dx
If I recall correctly, this can be done using integration by parts.
 
yeah i think that;s what it is
but if we use -csc x can it be done easily?
i mean cscx does not have any Anti-derv...
DSC04361.jpg
 
But -sin^2(x) isn't equal to cos^2(x), so your first step is incorrect.
 
then shouldn't it be int of sinx times -sin^2 x?
 
jwxie said:
then shouldn't it be int of sinx times -sin^2 x?

I don't know what you mean. This is what you wrote in your first post in this thread:
Int of sin x over - sin ^2 x of dx
By "over" I assume you mean the quotient of sin(x) and -sin^2(x), which is what I showed in the integral.
 
i am sorry, i am referring to your #4
you said my first step was wrong

now, i knew the mistake, and this is what i did

original question:
Int of sin x over - sin ^2 x of dx

first step, change the bottom, -sin^2 (x) to this form --> 1 over csc^2 (x)

so the entire int will become

int of sin (x) times csc^2 (x)

because 1/sinx = cscx, then 1 / -sin^2 (x) = csc^2 (x)
am i correct?
 
jwxie said:
i am sorry, i am referring to your #4
you said my first step was wrong

now, i knew the mistake, and this is what i did

original question:
Int of sin x over - sin ^2 x of dx
Or, using inline LaTeX tags,
\int sin(x)/(-sin^2(x)) dx
jwxie said:
first step, change the bottom, -sin^2 (x) to this form --> 1 over csc^2 (x)
You've lost a sign. -sin^2(x) = -1/csc^2(x)
jwxie said:
so the entire int will become

int of sin (x) times csc^2 (x)
Or \int sin(x)(-csc^2(x)) dx
jwxie said:
because 1/sinx = cscx, then 1 / -sin^2 (x) = csc^2 (x)
am i correct?
No.
1 / -sin^2 (x) = -csc^2 (x)
 
You're going around in circles. The integrand simplifies to -1/sin x or -csc x.

It is not at all obvious how to integrate csc x. Try multiplying the integrand by a certain factor which allows you to make a substitution, but which doesn't change the value of the integrand. Hint: the final result involves a logarithm.
 

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