Substitution homework question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integration techniques, specifically focusing on the substitution method in calculus. Participants are examining the integral of trigonometric functions, including sine, secant, and cotangent, and exploring various substitution strategies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing the integration of specific trigonometric functions and the appropriate substitutions to use. Some are questioning the correctness of their antiderivative calculations, while others are exploring different approaches to the same integrals.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing examination of the original poster's integration steps, with some participants providing corrections and clarifications regarding the antiderivative of secant squared. Multiple interpretations of the substitution method are being explored, and guidance is being offered without a clear consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion regarding the use of substitutions and the handling of trigonometric identities. There are indications of differing opinions on the necessity of substitutions in certain integrals, as well as discussions about the implications of negative signs in the integration process.

suspenc3
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Hi, I am having a little bit of trouble with the following:

[tex]\int sintsec^2(cost)dt[/tex]

heres what I have so far

[tex]u=cost[/tex]

[tex]du=-sintdt[/tex]

[tex]-\int sec^2(u)du[/tex]

[tex]-2tan(u) + C[/tex]

is this right?
 
Last edited:
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As I recall the derivative of tan(u) is sec^2(u)du
 
yea but I am integrating..so the antiderivative of sec^2(u) is tanu?
 
[tex]\int \sec^2 x \; dx = \tan x +c[/tex]

~H
 
I have another..i don't know where to start..can someone point out what I should sub U for?

[tex]\int_{1/2}^{1/6}csc \pi t cot \pi t dt[/tex]
 
Last edited:
suspenc3 said:
I have another..i don't know where to start..can someone point out what I should sub U for?

[tex]\int_{1/2}^{1/6}csc \pi t cot \pi t dt[/tex]

My first step would be to turn the cosec and cot into sine and cosine. See where that takes you.

~H
 
ok..so i did..
[tex]\int_{1/2}^{1/6} \frac{1}{sin\pi t) \frac{cos \pi t}{sin \pi t}dt[/tex]
ended up with...
[tex]\int_{1/2}^{1/6} cot \pi t[/tex]

im guessing its wrong haha
 
suspenc3 said:
ok..so i did..
[tex]\int_{1/2}^{1/6} \frac{1}{sin\pi t) \frac{cos \pi t}{sin \pi t}dt[/tex]
ended up with...
[tex]\int_{1/2}^{1/6} cot \pi t[/tex]

im guessing its wrong haha

It's almost there :wink:

[tex]\frac{1}{\sin \pi t} \cdot \frac{\cos \pi t}{\sin \pi t} = \frac{\cos \pi t}{\sin^2 \pi t}[/tex]

Now, see what you can do with the identity [itex]\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1[/itex]. Btw, I think this can be done without a substitution.

~H
 
Last edited:
do you mean..sin^2(pi t) = 1-cos^2(pi t)..and then sub?
 
  • #10
Forget about the subs.
Try putting sin(pi*t) = x
What is dx ?
 
  • #11
suspenc3 said:
Hi, I am having a little bit of trouble with the following:

[tex]\int sintsec^2(cost)dt[/tex]

heres what I have so far

[tex]u=cost[/tex]

[tex]du=-sintdt[/tex]

[tex]-\int sec^2(u)du[/tex]

[tex]-2tan(u) + C[/tex]

is this right?

As others have pointed out, the anti-derivative of sec2(u) is tan(u), not -tan(u).

Also, the original problem does not say anything about "u"! That was your "invention". To properly answer the question, you need to go back to t:

[tex]\int sintsec^2(cost)dt= 2tan(cos(t)+ C[/tex]
 
  • #12
Actually, the original poster (with respect to the original question) is correct, save for the two.

[tex]\int sin(t) sec (cos(x))^2 dx[/tex]

[tex]u = cos(x) du = -sin(x) dx[/tex] This is right. Substituting back yields

[tex]- \int sec(u)^2 du[/tex] Just as the OP said. The negative sign is the result of the du = -sin(x) dx part.

Now, the antiderivative of sec(x)^2 = tan(x) + C (as everyone as stated)

- ( tan(u) + C)
-tan(cos(x) + C.

The original poster's only error is the two infront. The minus sign is correct . Check with differentiatoin (or use the "Integrator").
 

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