Trig identity that I'm missing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function -tan(x)sec^2(x) and the differing results obtained from manual calculation and computational tools. Participants explore the implications of these results and the relationships between trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims to have integrated -tan(x)sec^2(x) and obtained -tan^2(x) / 2, questioning the validity of this result compared to Wolfram Alpha's output of -sec(x)/2.
  • Another participant references the identity [tan(x)]^2 = [sec(x)]^2 - 1, suggesting it may relate to the integration results.
  • A later reply acknowledges a misreading of the results, indicating some confusion among participants.
  • One participant explains that in indefinite integrals, different techniques can yield different answers that differ by a constant, noting that the two results differ by a constant due to the relationship sec^2(x) = tan^2(x) + 1.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the integration results, as there are differing interpretations and calculations presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific identity and its implications.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding assumptions made about trigonometric identities and the techniques used for integration, which are not fully explored.

member 392791
I am trying to integrate -tan(x)sec^2(x) and getting -tan^2(x) / 2. When I put it in wolfram alpha it gets the same answer when I press show solution, but without pressing it it shows -sec(x)/2.

So I am wondering, is it the case tan^2(x) = sec(x)?? I don't remember this as a correct trig identity

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=-tan%28x%29sec^2%28x%29+integral

Notice the difference in answer when you press for the show step by step solution
 
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I'm reading (1/2)[-sec(x)]^2 + C, in which case they might've used [tan(x)]^2 = [sec(x)]^2-1
 
Ahh I was misreading it, thanks.
 
In indefinite integral can have different answers, depending on the technique that is used, but the answers can differ by at most a constant.

When you integrated -tan(x)sec2(x) you got -(1/2)tan2(x). Wolfram's answer was -(1/2)sec2(x). Since sec2(x) = tan2(x) + 1, your answer and Wolfram's answer differ by a constant.
 

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