Some integrals I just don't know how to do

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of specific functions, particularly (ln t)^2 and (sin t)^2, within the context of calculus. Participants are exploring methods such as integration by parts and substitution to tackle these integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using integration by parts for (ln t)^2, with some suggesting different assignments for u and v. There is also a mention of using trigonometric identities for (sin t)^2. Questions arise regarding the correct application of integration techniques and the handling of derivatives.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on integration techniques and questioning each other's approaches. There is recognition of potential misunderstandings in the application of integration by parts, and some participants are attempting to clarify their reasoning.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion over the correct differentiation and integration processes, indicating a need for careful consideration of the rules of integration. There are references to homework constraints and the correctness of previous attempts, which may influence the discussion.

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Homework Statement



Knowing what I do (U-Substitution, beginning Integration by Parts) what would you do for these?

(ln t)^2
(sin t)^2

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



All I have been able to do is change these to (ln t)(ln t) and then try by parts, but I just end up with something more complicated.
 
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For the second one, sin2(t) = (1 - cos(2t))/2.
For the first, I think you are on the right track with integration by parts. Can you show us what you've tried?
 
You are correct with using integration by parts on (lnt)^2

Instead of splitting it into (lnt)(lnt) set your v=log^2(t) and du=dt and find dv and u then sub that into your integration by parts formula.

See how that goes. Keep in mind you will do integration by parts twice in this problem.
 
KingBigness said:
You are correct with using integration by parts on (lnt)^2

Instead of splitting it into (lnt)(lnt) set your v=log^2(t) and du=dt and find dv and u then sub that into your integration by parts formula.

See how that goes. Keep in mind you will do integration by parts twice in this problem.

Sorry, I'm not sure I understand. Why would I set v to be log^2(t)? Did you mean u instead? Or dv? My understanding is that u and dv are the two parts that compose the actual function, while du and v are derivatives and integrals of the respective.
 
Yes, I think KingBigness had his letters mixed around.
 
Ok. For the first one I'm coming to:

(x/2) - (sin2x/4) + C

The homework marks this wrong, so I can only assume I'm messing up somewhere..
 
1MileCrash said:
Sorry, I'm not sure I understand. Why would I set v to be log^2(t)? Did you mean u instead? Or dv? My understanding is that u and dv are the two parts that compose the actual function, while du and v are derivatives and integrals of the respective.

Sorry I just had them back to front...

u=log^2(t) dv=dt
du=2log(t)/t dt v=t

do integration by parts to the above and tell me what you get.
 
For the second one I seem to have found myself in an infinite loop..

[itex]\int (lnt)^2 dt[/itex]

u = ln(t)^2
du = [(lnt)^2]/t dt

v = t
dv = dt

[itex]t(lnt)^2 - \int\frac{t(lnt)^2}{t} dt[/itex]


[itex]t(lnt)^2 - \int (lnt)^2 dt[/itex]

Which is just the same integral for the second term.
 
[STRIKE]If I were you I would use my log laws to bring the ^2 out the front of the integral sign and again integrate the log(t) dt via integration by parts.[/STRIKE]
 
Last edited:
  • #10
Right, that changes everything. Thanks!

Why couldn't I have done that from the get-go, though?
 
  • #11
Because I lied to you. Ignore my last comment and let's go back to your working.

If you look at your du you have [(lnt)^2]/t. This is not correct.

The derivative of (lnt)^2 = 2[lnt]/t NOT [(lnt)^2]/t

therefore, you get ... t(lnt)2−∫2(lnt)dt

factor out the 2 because it is a constant and you get... t(lnt)2−2∫(lnt)dt

now integrate that by part.
 
  • #12
What I got mixed up and I think you got mixed up is thinking you can bring the power out the front. This is only the case if the variable is squared (ln(t^2)) and not the whole (lnt)^2
 
  • #13
Sorry for my confusing rant but I hope you got some help from it
 
  • #14
use integration by parts and you should be able to get the right answer. I just worked out the first question doing so. Now, I'm going to see what the second one will be using, but I think it's pretty much the same thing.
 
  • #15

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