Trig Integral Question: Which Method is Correct?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral of (tanx)^5*(secx)^4, with participants exploring different methods for solving the problem. The subject area is integral calculus, specifically focusing on trigonometric integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss two different approaches to the integral, with one method involving breaking down sec^4x and using substitution with u = tanx, while another method suggests factoring out (secxtanx) and using u = secx. Questions arise regarding the validity of the original poster's method and the reasoning behind the book's preferred approach.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the two methods, with some participants affirming the correctness of the original poster's steps while others suggest that different limits of integration may be necessary for the alternative method. No consensus has been reached, but participants are engaging constructively with each other's reasoning.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention an upcoming exam, indicating a time constraint and the pressure to understand the material thoroughly. There is also a reference to the book's insistence on a particular method, which adds to the discussion of assumptions and preferences in problem-solving approaches.

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Homework Statement



Evaluate the integral

integral of (tanx)^5*(secx)^4

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



what I did was broke the sec^4x into 2 sec^2's multiplied by each other
then one of these terms became tan^2x +1
so I had tan^5x*(tan^2x + 1)*sec^2x

then u = tanx
du = sec^2x

eventual answer tan^8x/8 + tan^6x/6 + c

however the book shows this problem by taking a (secxtanx) out of eveyrthing then doing tan^4x = (sec^2x -1)^2*sec^3x
u= secx
du = tanxsecx

eventual answer sec^8x/8 - sec^6x/3 + sec^4x/4 + C

...is there something wrong with the way I did it; I don't see anything wrong with the way I'm doing it but the book insists on doing all problems like this the otherway. I wouldn't mind but I don't like memorizing things and the way I always seem to think of doing these problems is the first method I wrote out please respond I have an exam on this stuff tomarrow night
 
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\int\sec^{4}x\tan^{5}xdx

\int\sec^{3}x\tan^{4}x(\sec x\tan x)dx

\int\sec^{3}x(\sec^{2}x-1)^2(\sec x\tan x)dx
 
yes that is how the book does it but why is the way that I did it wrong I don't get it?
 
Your way ...

\int\sec^{4}x\tan^{5}xdx

\int(\tan^{2}x+1)\tan^{5}x\sec^{2}xdx

I guess just have confidence in yourself. You did it all the steps correctly, but through a different route.
 
Last edited:
ok thanks a lot; and wow that's a good way to proove it I didn't think of that
 
physstudent1 said:
ok thanks a lot; and wow that's a good way to proove it I didn't think of that
I take that back. I tried it and it didn't work, lol. But your solution is still right, but the limits of Integration is a different story.
 
ah yea that does make sense that you would need different limits
 

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