Trig Integral sin^2 x + cos^2 x = 1

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral of sin^5(x) cos(x) dx, with participants referencing the trigonometric identity sin^2(x) + cos^2(x) = 1. The original poster seeks clarification on their integration process and how to arrive at the expected result.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using u-substitution and the application of trigonometric identities to simplify the integral. There are questions about the correctness of the integration steps and the potential for sign errors in the results.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using u-substitution and have acknowledged the possibility of using the trigonometric identity in the solution process. There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches, with some participants questioning the implications of their calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about specific instructions from their textbook regarding the integration process and the use of identities. There is mention of a potential sign error in the original poster's result, which has prompted further discussion.

Youngster
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Homework Statement



\intsin^{5}x cos x dx

Homework Equations



sin^{2}x + cos^{2} x = 1

The Attempt at a Solution



I've at least written down that sin^{5}x = (sin^{2}x)^{2} sin x. Then I set sin^{2}x equal to 1 - cos^{2}x.

I then did a u-substitution, setting u equal to cos x to remove the sin x, and preceeded to integrate with respect to u. I ended up with \frac{1}{6}cos^{6}x + \frac{1}{2}cos^{4}x - \frac{1}{2}cos^{2}x + C

The answer I received was \frac{1}{6}sin^{6}x + C

Can I get some insight on how to obtain that?

My textbook does give a procedure for this specific case (where one of the powers is odd), but I don't get the following instructions: "Then we combine the single sin x with dx in the integral and set sinxdx equal to -d(cosx)" which is stated after using the identity to replace the (sin^{2}x)
 
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Youngster said:

Homework Statement



\intsin^{5}x cos x dx

Homework Equations



sin^{2}x + cos^{2} x = 1

The Attempt at a Solution



I've at least written down that sin^{5}x = (sin^{2}x)^{2} sin x. Then I set sin^{2}x equal to 1 - cos^{2}x.

I then did a u-substitution, setting u equal to cos x to remove the sin x, and preceeded to integrate with respect to u. I ended up with \frac{1}{6}cos^{6}x + \frac{1}{2}cos^{4}x - \frac{1}{2}cos^{2}x + C

The answer I received was \frac{1}{6}sin^{6}x + C

Can I get some insight on how to obtain that?

My textbook does give a procedure for this specific case (where one of the powers is odd), but I don't get the following instructions: "Then we combine the single sin x with dx in the integral and set sinxdx equal to -d(cosx)" which is stated after using the identity to replace the (sin^{2}x)
Do a u substitution directly on the problem as it was initially given to you.

What is the derivative of sin(x) ?
 
...

Right, I feel kinda "slow" now.

Any way to use the trig identity to solve this though?
 
... Make the substitution u = sinx and find du just like sammy said. The rest will follow.
 
Zondrina said:
... Make the substitution u = sinx and find du just like sammy said. The rest will follow.

Yeah, I did that. Just curious if I can still use the identity to solve this though. Otherwise, I suppose that's it
 
Youngster said:
Yeah, I did that. Just curious if I can still use the identity to solve this though. Otherwise, I suppose that's it

Yes, you can do it that way as well. Though I think there's a sign error in the answer you gave.
 
-\frac{1}{6}cos^{6}x + \frac{1}{2}cos^{4}x - \frac{1}{2}cos^{2}x + C

I think I was missing that negative. Is this correct?
 
Youngster said:
-\frac{1}{6}cos^{6}x + \frac{1}{2}cos^{4}x - \frac{1}{2}cos^{2}x + C

I think I was missing that negative. Is this correct?

Yep.
 

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