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

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on solving the integral \(\int \cos^2 x \tan^3 x \, dx\) using trigonometric substitution techniques. Participants explore various methods, including rewriting \(\tan^3 x\) in terms of sine and cosine and applying substitutions such as \(y = \sin(x)\). The conversation also touches on related integrals like \(\int \cot^5 x \sin^4 x \, dx\) and \(\int \sec^6 t \, dt\), emphasizing the importance of recognizing patterns and simplifying expressions for easier integration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically \(\tan^2 x = \sec^2 x - 1\)
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, including substitution and integration by parts
  • Knowledge of basic calculus concepts, such as derivatives and antiderivatives
  • Experience with manipulating trigonometric functions in integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn advanced techniques for trigonometric substitution in integrals
  • Study integration of higher powers of trigonometric functions, such as \(\int \sec^n x \, dx\)
  • Explore the method of integration by parts in greater depth
  • Practice solving integrals involving products of trigonometric functions and polynomials
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians focusing on integral calculus, and anyone looking to enhance their skills in solving complex trigonometric integrals.

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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