Solving Trig Integral: \int\frac{dx}{1-tan^2(x)}

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral \(\int\frac{dx}{1-\tan^2(x)}\), which falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically integration techniques involving trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts a substitution with \(u = \tan x\) and expresses the integral in terms of \(u\). Some participants inquire about the details of the partial fraction decomposition used in the process. Others suggest alternative forms for the decomposition and question the validity of the original approach.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the steps taken in the integration process, particularly focusing on the partial fractions and the transformations involved. There is a mix of suggestions and clarifications being offered, with some participants expressing confidence in the validity of certain approaches while others seek further explanation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of correctly applying partial fractions and integrating techniques, while others express uncertainty about variable substitutions and their implications for the integral's form.

noblerare
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Homework Statement



[tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{dx}{1-tan^2(x)}[/tex]

Homework Equations



n/a

The Attempt at a Solution



Here's what I've tried:
u=tanx
x=arctanu

dx=[tex]\frac{du}{1+u^2}[/tex]

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

I then used partial fractions to get:
[tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{0.5}{1-u^2}[/tex]+[tex]\frac{0.5}{1+u^2}[/tex]du

[tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex][tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{du}{1+u^2}[/tex]+[tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex][tex]\int\frac{du}{1-u^2}[/tex]

The left side is simply arctanu while I used trig substitution to solve the right side
[tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]arctanu-[tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex][tex]\int[/tex]csc[tex]\theta[/tex]d[tex]\theta[/tex]

[tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]arctan(tanx)+[tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]ln(csc[tex]\theta[/tex]+cot[tex]\theta[/tex]) + C

[tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]x + [tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]ln([tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-u^2}}[/tex]+[tex]\frac{u}{\sqrt{1-u^2}}[/tex]) + C

With more re-substitution, I end up with:

[tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]x+[tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]ln(tanx+1)-[tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]ln([tex]\sqrt{1-tan(x)^2}[/tex]+C

For some reason, this is incorrect because when I try to take the derivative of that, I do not end up with [tex]\frac{1}{1-tan(x)^2}[/tex]

Is there something I'm doing wrong? What should I do?
 
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I'd like to see your work with the partial fractions.

Did it look like ... [tex]\frac{1}{(1+u^2)(1-u^2)}=\frac{Ax+B}{1+u^2}+\frac{Cx+D}{1-u^2}[/tex] ... ?
 
rocomath said:
I'd like to see your work with the partial fractions.

Did it look like ... [tex]\frac{1}{(1+u^2)(1-u^2)}=\frac{Au+B}{1+u^2}+\frac{Cu+D}{1-u^2}[/tex] ... ?

Shouldn't it be

[tex]\frac{1}{(1+u^2)(1-u)(1+u)} \equiv \frac{Au+B}{1+u^2}+\frac{C}{1-u}+ \frac{D}{1+u}[/tex]

or does it not matter about the [itex]1-u^2[/itex]?
 
rock.freak667 said:
Shouldn't it be

[tex]\frac{1}{(1+u^2)(1-u)(1+u)} \equiv \frac{Au+B}{1+u^2}+\frac{C}{1-u}+ \frac{D}{1+u}[/tex]

or does it not matter about the [itex]1-u^2[/itex]?
Good question, I overlooked that part.
 
I think his decomposition is valid (it certainly combines back correctly).

Try using this: [tex]\int \frac{1}{a^{2}-u^{2}}du = \frac{1}{2a}\ln{\frac{|u+a|}{|u-a|}}+c[/tex]


For your sake I hope you are using a calculator when you work it out.
 
To rocomath: yes, my partial fractions work did look like that. I did not try it the way rock.freak667 did it. Does it matter?

To exk: Thanks for the help, but could you maybe explain how that you got that integral? And yes, I am using a calculator : D
 
He got that integral through partial fractions again, and then using [itex]\log b - \log a = \log \left( \frac{b}{a}\right)[/itex]
 
exk said:
I think his decomposition is valid (it certainly combines back correctly).

Try using this: [tex]\int \frac{1}{a^{2}-u^{2}}du = \frac{1}{2a}\ln{\frac{|u+a|}{|u-a|}}+c[/tex]


For your sake I hope you are using a calculator when you work it out.

To do this integral, use partial fractions and integrate.
 
How do I make

[tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{dx}{1-tan^2x}[/tex] look like [tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{du}{a^2-u^2}[/tex] though?

Do I need to subtitute u=tanx? If so, I don't know how to change the variable of integration so that it matches that the second integral

Or can I simply take tanx as plug it into that equation?
 
  • #10
Wow! noblerare, your solution is correct!

[tex]\int\frac{dx}{1-\tan^2 x}=\frac{1}{2}x+\frac{1}{2}\ln\left( 1+ \tan x\right)-\frac{1}{2}\ln \sqrt{1- \tan^2 x}+C[/tex]

Check:

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}\left[\frac{1}{2}x+\frac{1}{2}\ln\left( 1+ \tan x\right)-\frac{1}{2}\ln \sqrt{1- \tan^2 x}+C\right] = \frac{1}{2}+\frac{\sec^2 x}{2(1+ \tan x)}+\frac{\sec^2 x\tan x}{2(1- \tan^2 x)} = \frac{1}{1- \tan^2 x}[/tex]
 
  • #11
noblerare said:
How do I make

[tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{dx}{1-tan^2x}[/tex] look like [tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{du}{a^2-u^2}[/tex] though?

Do I need to subtitute u=tanx? If so, I don't know how to change the variable of integration so that it matches that the second integral

Or can I simply take tanx as plug it into that equation?

You already had it in that form following your substitution. You have:

[tex] \frac{1}{2}\int\frac{du}{1+u^2}+\frac{1}{2}\int\frac{du}{1-u^2}[/tex]

If a=1 and u=u, then the integral in the second part is in the form you want.
 
  • #12
ah...i see,i got it; okay, thanks everybody!
 

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