Solving Trigonomic Integrals: Confusion with Prof's Solution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of trigonometric functions, specifically the integral of cos^5(x) sin^4(x) and related expressions. Participants express confusion regarding the integration process and the transformations applied during the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss different methods of integration, including substitution and the application of the chain rule. Questions arise about the correctness of the professor's solution and the handling of trigonometric identities.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of various integration techniques, with some participants suggesting alternative approaches and questioning the steps taken in the original solution. No consensus has been reached, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion stemming from the transformation of variables and the handling of trigonometric functions. There is also mention of differing perspectives on simplifying the integrals.

ex81
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Homework Statement



do my professor did this in class, and it doesn't make sense to me
∫cos^5(x) sin^4(x) dx
∫cos^4(x) sin^4(x) cos(x) dx
∫(1-sin^2(x))^2 sin^4(x) cos(x) dx
∫(sin^4(x) -2sin^6(x) +sin^8(x))cos(x) dx

so the above I get but when my professor integrated I became lost, this is his solution

1/5 sin^5(x) - 2/7 sin^7(x) +1/9 sin^9(x)

shouldn't those sin be cos? And where did the cos on the outside go?
 
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hi ex81! :smile:

(try using the X2 button just above the Reply box :wink:)
ex81 said:
∫(sin^4(x) -2sin^6(x) +sin^8(x))cos(x) dx

so the above I get but when my professor integrated I became lost, this is his solution

1/5 sin^5(x) - 2/7 sin^7(x) +1/9 sin^9(x)

shouldn't those sin be cos? And where did the cos on the outside go?

eg (sin9x)' = 9sin8x(sinx)' = 9sin8xcosx :wink:

(from the chain rule … (f(g(x))' = f'(g(x))g'(x))
 
Another way to think about it is that you are making the substitution y= sin(x) so that dy= cos(x) dx. The integral becomes
[tex]\int (y^4- 2y^6+ y^8)dy[/tex]

integrate that and replace y with sin(x).
 
I think I know where you are going.

Lets try another one :D

∫cos^5(x)/(sin(x))^1/2 dx
so the next step would be to split a cos off of that
∫cos^4(x) cos(x) /(sin(x))^1/2 dx
∫(1-sin^2(x))^2 (cos(x) /(sin(x))^1/2 dx
∫ (1-2sin^2(x) + sin^4(x)) cos(x) /(sin(x))^1/2 dx

This is where I get stuck, and it seems more complicated than it needs to be but I am not sure where to go
 
ex81 said:
∫ (1-2sin^2(x) + sin^4(x)) cos(x) /(sin(x))^1/2 dx

then eg the ∫ sin4x cosx / sin1/2x dx

= ∫ sin3.5x cosx dx

= … ? :smile:
 
Well, that is definitely different than what I was trying to do. Looks way more simple :)

hehe, go figure I wouldn't look at it from a POV of long division

∫(1/(sin(x))^1/2 -2sin^3/2 (x) + sin^7/2 (x) )cos (x)

so that would be 2 sin^1/2 (x) -4/5 sin^5/2 (x) + 2/9 sin^9/2 (x) +C

THANKS!
 

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