Struggling with Integrating Sine and Cosine?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the integration of the function \(\int \cos^2(x)\sin^7(x)dx\). Participants suggest using the substitution \(\cos^2(x) = 1 - \sin^2(x)\) to simplify the integral and recommend applying integration by parts to derive a formula for \(\int \sin^n(x)dx\). The final approach involves rewriting the integral as \(\int \cos^2{x}(1-\cos^2{x})^3\sin{x}dx\) and performing a substitution \(u = \cos{x}\). This method leads to a solvable integral, confirming the effectiveness of substitution and integration techniques in solving complex integrals.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic integral calculus
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities
  • Knowledge of substitution methods in integration
  • Basic comprehension of integration by parts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the technique of integration by parts in detail
  • Learn about trigonometric substitutions in integrals
  • Practice solving integrals involving powers of sine and cosine
  • Explore reduction formulas for trigonometric integrals
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for calculus exams, educators teaching integral calculus, and anyone interested in mastering integration techniques involving trigonometric functions.

meee
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I need to find \int \cos^2(x)\sin^7(x)dx

I'm not sure what substitution to make
 
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If you start by turning \cos^2 (x) into 1 - \sin^2(x), you get an integral that can be done by a reduction formula.
 
Or you can do intergration by parts but the above way is prob quicker
 
ok so now i got

\int (1-\sin^2(x))\sin^7(x)dx

and then what?

\int \sin^7(x)-\sin^9(x) dx ?? and now I am stuck :(

and then \int (1-\cos^2(x))^3\sin(x) - (1-\cos^2(x))^4\sin(x)) dx

ahh
 
Last edited:
Try doing \int \sin^n(x)dx by integration by parts, to get a formula in terms of an integral of sin to a lower power
 
Office_Shredder said:
Try doing \int \sin^n(x)dx by integration by parts, to get a formula in terms of an integral of sin to a lower power
sorry, I am not sure what integration by parts is? :frown:
 
integration by parts:

\int udv = uv - \int vdu

basically, if you have an integral that is the product of a function u, and the derivative of another function v, it equals u*v - the integral of v times the derivative of u. Here's an example:

\int x*e^xdx Say u=x, and dv=exdx. Then v=ex, and du=dx. So:

\int x*e^xdx = x*e^x - \int e^xdx = x*e^x - e^x
 
Learning another method to integrate is good, but if meee is required to do this particular problem by just using sub. methods, then this is probably a way.

Rewrite the integral as...

\int{\cos^2{x}\sin^6{x}\sin{x}dx}

Convert the \sin^6{x} in terms of cos, and the do the substitution u = cos(x).
 
ok thanks guys...

Office_Shredder thanks for that.. but i think integration by parts is beyond my current course.

neutrino, i tried what you said, but it looks kinda weird...

\int{\cos^2{x}\sin^6{x}\sin{x}dx}

= \int{\cos^2{x}(1-\cos^2{x})^3\sin{x}dx}

let u = \cos{x}
\frac{du}{dx} = -\sin{x}

= -\int{u^2(1-u^2)^3 du}
= -\int{u^2(1-3u^2+3u^4-u^6) du}
= -\int{u^2-3u^4+3u^6-u^8)du}
= -(\frac{1}{3}u^3-\frac{3}{5}u^5+\frac{3}{7}u^7-\frac{1}{9}u^9)and then sub u=cos(x) back in

is that right?
 
Last edited:
  • #10
that is correct
 
  • #11
thanks :D cool
 
  • #12
Yes.

Btw, I don't think you'll have to wait till university to find more about integration by parts. You'll definitely meet it at the school level.
 
  • #13
oh reali?
ive finished my year 12 course (exams in 2 weeks), and haven't seen it in school or outside school lectures.

maybe it will be useful for me to learn it.
 
  • #14
meee said:
oh reali?
ive finished my year 12 course (exams in 2 weeks), and haven't seen it in school or outside school lectures.

Okay, shouldn't have generalised. I was under the assumption that every school, in every part of the world taught this. :rolleyes:

maybe it will be useful for me to learn it.
It most certainly will.
 
  • #15
ok, thanks

and lol I am in australia our schools are probly weird
 
  • #16
My school which is in Australia are doing it now. Its fairly easy to learn.
 

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