Stuck on U-Substitution: Find Answer

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function \(\int \frac{\cos(5x)}{e^{\sin(5x)}} dx\) using u-substitution. Participants explore the steps involved in the substitution process and the subsequent integration of the resulting expression, including potential complications and alternative approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using the substitution \(u = \sin(5x)\) and derives \(\frac{1}{5} \int \frac{1}{e^u} du\), questioning the integration of \(\frac{1}{e^u}\).
  • Another participant confirms the correctness of the transformation to \(\frac{1}{5}\int e^{-u}\,du\) and suggests proceeding with the integration.
  • A different participant indicates that the integral can be expressed as \(\frac{1}{5}\int\,d\left(-e^{-u} \right)\) and prompts further action.
  • One participant suggests a second substitution \(v = -u\) to facilitate integration, leading to the expression \(\frac{-e^{-sin(5x)}}{5}+C\).
  • Another participant asserts that no further substitution is necessary and that the integral can be directly evaluated as \(\int\,du = u + C\), followed by back-substitution for \(u\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether further substitution is necessary after the initial integration step, indicating a lack of consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference integration techniques and properties of exponents, but there is no resolution on the best method to proceed with the integral. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the substitution process and integration techniques.

find_the_fun
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I was practicing this question which is
[math]\int \frac{cos(5x)}{e^{sin(5x)}} dx[/math]
let u=sin(5x) then [math]\frac{du}{dx}=5cos(5x)[/math] which can be rewritten as [math]\frac{1}{5}du = cos(5x) dx[/math]
Substituting u in gives [math]\frac{1}{5} \int \frac{1}{e^u} du[/math]

This is where I get messed up. Can't you rewrite [math]\frac{1}{e^u}[/math] as [math]e^{-u}[/math]? and then use ∫ax dx = ax/ln(a) + C to get an answer? Is there really no elementary way to integrate [math]e^{-u}[/math]?
 
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Re: stuck on u substituion

You're on the right track there, since, by definition

$$\frac{1}{z^a}=z^{-a}$$Bearing that in mind, how does your solution pan out...?
All the best!

Gethin
 
Re: stuck on u substituion

Yes, you are correct when you state that the given substitution tranforms the indefinite integral into:

$$\frac{1}{5}\int e^{-u}\,du$$

Given that:

$$\frac{d}{du}\left(-e^{-u} \right)=e^{-u}$$

we may then write the integral as:

$$\frac{1}{5}\int\,d\left(-e^{-u} \right)$$

Can you proceed?
 
Re: stuck on u substituion

So I need to do u substitution again and use another variable?
Let [math]v=-u[/math] then [math]\frac{dv}{du}=-1[/math] rewriting gives [math]-dv=du[/math]
So [math](-1)\frac{1}{5} \int e^v dv= \frac{-e^v}{5}+C=\frac{-e^{-u}}{5}+C=\frac{-e^{-sin(5x)}}{5}+C[/math]
 
Re: stuck on u substituion

Using the form I wrote, no further substitution is needed to integrate, since:

$$\int\,du=u+C$$

Once you apply this, then back-substitute for $u$.
 

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