Solving Trig Substitution: \int cos^2x tan^3xdx

suspenc3
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How would I go about solving this:

\int cos^2x tan^3xdx..all i did so far ..

\int cos^2x tanx(tan^2x)

[[ \frac{1}{cosx}^2 -1] = tan^2x

so...

\int cos^2x[[ \frac{1}{cosx}]^2-1]tanx

is this right so far...now what?
 
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Another way would be using tan(x) = sin(x)/cos(x), like:

<br /> \cos ^2 x\tan ^3 x = \cos ^2 x\frac{{\sin ^3 x}}<br /> {{\cos ^3 x}} = \frac{{\sin ^3 x}}<br /> {{\cos x}}<br />

Now if you use sin³x = sin²x.sinx and convert the sin²x to 1-cos²x, I smell a good substitution coming :smile:

Your method was fine as well though, continuing could give:

<br /> \cos ^2 x\tan ^3 x = \cos ^2 x\left( {\sec ^2 x - 1} \right)\tan x = \tan x - \cos ^2 x\tan x = \tan x - \sin x\cos x<br />
 
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ohh..ok so i got as far as \int \frac{sinx - sinxcos^2x}{cosx}
 
Well, you can do many things with that. My choice would be rewriting as:

<br /> \int {\frac{{\sin x - \sin x\cos ^2 x}}<br /> {{\cos x}}dx} = \int {\frac{{\sin x\left( {1 - \cos ^2 x} \right)}}<br /> {{\cos x}}dx} <br />

Do you see a nice substitution now?
 
yes I get ln|cosx| - \frac{1}{2}cos^2x + C
 
You should check that again (signs?)
 
im having trouble with another..ive worked it down..but i think its wrong..

\int cot^5xsin^4xdx

\int \frac{cos^5x}{sinx}dx...would i just simplify the top to cos^2x(cos^2x)(cosx)?
 
Sure, and switch each cos²x to 1-sin²x so you can substitute y = sin(x).

Watch out though: your last one wasn't correct. I find:

<br /> - \ln \left( {\cos x} \right) - \frac{{\sin ^2 x}}<br /> {2} + C<br />
 
yea i messed up the signs thanks|
 
  • #10
Ok, the other one should be fine now?

<br /> \int {\frac{{\cos ^5 x}}<br /> {{\sin x}}dx} = \int {\frac{{\left( {1 - \sin ^2 x} \right)^2 }}<br /> {{\sin x}}\cos xdx} <br />

Perfect for y = sin(x).
 
  • #11
how about \int sec^6tdt

where to start?

sec^2t(sec^2t)(sec^2t)?
 
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  • #12
suspenc3 said:
how about \int sec^6tdt

where to start?

sec^2t(sec^2t)(sec^2t)?

The first thing you want to do is split up \int sec^6tdt into components so some parts of it will cancel.

You're on the right track, remember that sec^2t = 1 + tan^2t, and make a u substitution. If you go about it correctly, one of those sec^2ts will cancel and you will have the integral in terms of u. Once you get to that step, backsubstitute and tack on the C at the end.

Best of luck.
 
  • #13
Uhm, sec6x = sec6x - sec4x + sec4x - sec2x + sec2x = sec4x (sec2x - 1) + sec2x (sec2x - 1) + sec2x.
And you should also notice that:
\frac{d}{dx} \tan x = \sec ^ 2 x
I'll give you an example.
---------------
Example:
\int \sec ^ 4 x dx = \int \left( \sec ^ 4 x - \sec ^ 2 x + \sec ^ 2 x \right) dx = \int \left( \sec ^ 2 x (\sec ^ 2 x - 1) + \sec ^ 2 x \right) dx
= \int ( \sec ^ 2 x \tan ^ 2 x ) dx + \int \sec ^ 2 x dx = \int \tan ^ 2 x d(\tan x) + \int \sec ^ 2 x dx = \frac{\tan ^ 3 x}{3} + \tan x + C
Can you go from here? :)
 
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