Solving ∫x sin^3x dx with Integration by Parts

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral ∫x sin^3x dx, focusing on methods for solving it, particularly through integration by parts and alternative approaches using trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts integration by parts but questions the complexity of their approach. Some participants suggest using a half-angle identity instead of integration by parts. Others explore rewriting sin^3x to facilitate integration.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing different methods to approach the integral. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of trigonometric identities, and there is an acknowledgment of the potential for simpler methods. However, there is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the integration process, and participants are questioning the effectiveness of their current methods. The original poster expresses a desire for a more efficient solution.

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Homework Statement



Finding ∫x sin^3x dx

Homework Equations



I don't think this is needed

The Attempt at a Solution


∫x sin^3x dx using integration by parts u = x, du = dx, dv = sin^3x, v = 1/3cos^3x - cosx
= (x)(1/3cos^3x - cosx) - ∫1/3cos^3x - ∫cosx dx
= (x)(1/3cos^3x - cosx) - 1/3∫cos^3x dx + (sinx)
= (x)(1/3cos^3x - cosx) - 1/3∫cos^2xcosx dx + (sinx)
= (x)(1/3cos^3x - cosx) - 1/3∫(1-sin^2x)(cosx) dx + (sinx)
= (x)(1/3cos^3x - cosx) - (1/3∫cosx dx - ∫cosxsin^2x dx) + (sinx)
= (x)(1/3cos^3x - cosx) - (1/3 (-sinx) - ∫cosxsin^2x dx) + (sinx)
using subsitution u = sinx, du = cosx dx
= (x)(1/3cos^3x - cosx) - (1/3 (-sinx) - ∫u^2 du) + (sinx)
= (x)(1/3cos^3x - cosx) - (1/3 (-sinx) - 1/3u^3) + (sinx)
then subsitute back
= (x)(1/3cos^3x - cosx) - (1/3 (-sinx) - 1/3sin^3x) + (sinx) + C

Anything I did wrong?
Anyway to do this much easier/faster?
 
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Don't integrate by parts. Not yet, at least.

Use the half-angle identity:
sin2x = 1/2(1 - cos(2x))
 
Ok, I do that then
I'll get something like:

= 1/2∫(1-cos2x)xsinx dx
= 1/2∫xsinx - ∫xsinxcos2x dx <-- I get stuck here
 
You can always check your answer by differentiating it and seeing if you recover the integrand.
 
Bimpo said:

Homework Statement



Finding ∫x sin^3x dx

The Attempt at a Solution


∫x sin^3x dx using integration by parts u = x, du = dx, dv = sin^3x  dx, v = 1/3cos^3x - cosx
To find v by integrating, I would rewrite sin3 x as

sin3 x = (1 - cos2 x)sin  x
= sin  x - sin  x   cos2 x​

This is fairly easy to integrate.
 

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