Solving Trigonometric Integral Using Trig Substitution and Limits of Integration

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral \(\int\frac{1}{t^3\sqrt{t^2-1}}dt\) with limits of integration from \(\sqrt{2}\) to \(2\). The context is trigonometric substitution in integral calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use trigonometric substitution, specifically setting \(t = \sec \theta\), and expresses the integral in terms of \(\theta\). Some participants question the correctness of the algebraic manipulations involved in the integration process.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the steps taken in the integration process, with some noting potential mistakes in the algebra. There is an ongoing exploration of how to handle the arcsin values that arise, particularly regarding their domains. Guidance has been offered on converting the limits of integration based on the substitution.

Contextual Notes

There are concerns regarding the domain of the arcsin function as applied to the limits of integration, as well as the need to convert these limits appropriately based on the substitution used.

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Homework Statement



[tex]\int\frac{1}{t^3\sqrt{t^2-1}}dt[/tex] with limits of integration [tex][\sqrt{2}, 2][/tex]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Using trig. sub, I have [tex]sec \theta=t[/tex]

[tex]dt=sec \theta tan \theta d \theta[/tex]

[tex]\int\frac{1}{t^3\sqrt{t^2-1}}dt[/tex] with limits of integration [tex][\sqrt{2}, 2][/tex]

[tex]=\int\frac{sec \theta tan\theta d \theta}{(sec \theta)^3\sqrt{(sec \theta)^2-1}}[/tex]

[tex]=\int\frac{tan \theta d \theta}{(sec \theta)^2\sqrt{(sec \theta)^2-1}}[/tex]

[tex]=\int\frac{tan \theta d \theta}{(sec \theta)^2\sqrt{(tan \theta)^2}}[/tex]

[tex]=\int\frac{tan \theta d \theta}{(sec \theta)^2tan \theta}[/tex]

[tex]=\int\frac{d \theta}{(sec \theta)^2}[/tex]

[tex]=\int\cos \theta^2 d\theta[/tex]

[tex]=\int\frac{1+cos \theta}{2} d\theta[/tex]

[tex]=\int\frac{1}{2}+\frac{cos \theta}{2} d\theta[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}\int d \theta +\frac{1}{2}\int cos \theta d \theta[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2} \theta | +\frac{1}{2}sin \theta |[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}arcsec t +\frac{1}{2}t[/tex] with limits [tex][\sqrt{2},<br /> 2][/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}[arcsec (2)-arcsec (\sqrt{2})]+\frac{1}{2}[2-\sqrt{2}][/tex]

I need to get to the answer: [tex]\frac{\pi}{24}+\frac{\sqrt{3}}{8}-\frac{1}{4}[/tex]. I don't see anything wrong up to this point so I guess my question is more of an algebra question, but how could I arrive at the stated answer?
 
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[tex]\cos^2\theta = \frac{1 + \cos{(2 \theta})}{2}[/tex]
 
That was a silly mistake.

Alright, so:

[tex]\int (cos \theta)^2 d\theta[/tex]

[tex]=\int \frac{1+cos(2\theta)}{2} d\theta[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}\int d\theta+\frac{1}{2}\int cos(2\theta)d\theta[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}\theta| +\frac{1}{2}\frac{sin(2\theta)}{2}|[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}\theta| +\frac{1}{4}sin(2\theta)|[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}\theta| +\frac{1}{4}(2sin\theta cos\theta)|[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}arcsin (t)| +\frac{1}{2}(\frac{t^2-1}{t})(\frac{1}{t})|[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}arcsin (t)| +\frac{1}{2}(\frac{t^2-1}{t^2})|[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}arcsin (t)| +\frac{1}{2}(1-\frac{1}{t^2})|[/tex]

with limits of integration [tex][\sqrt{2}, 2][/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}(arcsin(2)-arcsin(\sqrt{2})) +\frac{1}{2}[(1-\frac{1}{2^2})-(1-\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}^2})[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}(arcsin(2)-arcsin(\sqrt{2})) +\frac{1}{2}[(1-\frac{1}{4})-(1-\frac{1}{2})][/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}(arcsin(2)-arcsin(\sqrt{2})) +\frac{1}{2}[(1-\frac{1}{4})-(1-\frac{1}{2}})][/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}(arcsin(2)-arcsin(\sqrt{2})) +\frac{3}{8}-\frac{1}{4}[/tex]

I'm not sure if this is correct, but how do I deal with the arcsin values since they aren't in the domain of the standard arcsin function? Lastly, how would I algebraically convert this to
[tex] \frac{\pi}{24}+\frac{\sqrt{3}}{8}-\frac{1}{4}[/tex]?

Thanks.
 
3.141592654 said:
[tex]=\frac{1}{2}arcsin (t)| +\frac{1}{2}(\frac{t^2-1}{t})(\frac{1}{t})|[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}arcsin (t)| +\frac{1}{2}(\frac{t^2-1}{t^2})|[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}arcsin (t)| +\frac{1}{2}(1-\frac{1}{t^2})|[/tex]

with limits of integration [tex][\sqrt{2}, 2][/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}(arcsin(2)-arcsin(\sqrt{2})) +\frac{1}{2}[(1-\frac{1}{2^2})-(1-\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}^2})[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}(arcsin(2)-arcsin(\sqrt{2})) +\frac{1}{2}[(1-\frac{1}{4})-(1-\frac{1}{2})][/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}(arcsin(2)-arcsin(\sqrt{2})) +\frac{1}{2}[(1-\frac{1}{4})-(1-\frac{1}{2}})][/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{2}(arcsin(2)-arcsin(\sqrt{2})) +\frac{3}{8}-\frac{1}{4}[/tex]
Thanks.

You don't have to go through all this drama. You know that t=sec(theta), so cos(theta)=1/t. Just use this to convert the limits of integration to theta.
 

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