Struggling with Integrating Sine and Cosine?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function \(\int \cos^2(x)\sin^7(x)dx\), focusing on various methods for solving the integral, including substitution and integration by parts.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different methods for integrating the function, including substitution of \(\cos^2(x)\) and using integration by parts. There are questions about the appropriateness of these methods given the original poster's current understanding.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on potential approaches, while others express uncertainty about the methods discussed. There is a recognition of varying levels of familiarity with integration techniques among participants.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of imposed homework rules that may restrict the use of certain methods, as well as a discussion about the educational context in different regions, particularly regarding the teaching of integration by parts.

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

I'm not sure what substitution to make
 
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If you start by turning [tex]\cos^2 (x)[/tex] into [tex]1 - \sin^2(x)[/tex], 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

[tex]\int (1-\sin^2(x))\sin^7(x)dx[/tex]

and then what?

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

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

ahh
 
Last edited:
Try doing [tex]\int \sin^n(x)dx[/tex] by integration by parts, to get a formula in terms of an integral of sin to a lower power
 
Office_Shredder said:
Try doing [tex]\int \sin^n(x)dx[/tex] 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:

[tex]\int udv = uv - \int vdu[/tex]

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:

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

[tex]\int x*e^xdx = x*e^x - \int e^xdx = x*e^x - e^x[/tex]
 
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...

[tex]\int{\cos^2{x}\sin^6{x}\sin{x}dx}[/tex]

Convert the [tex]\sin^6{x}[/tex] 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...

[tex]\int{\cos^2{x}\sin^6{x}\sin{x}dx}[/tex]

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

let u = [tex]\cos{x}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{du}{dx} = -\sin{x}[/tex]

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

is that right?
 
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  • #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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