Trig Integrals - How is what I am doing wrong?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral \(\int^{\pi/4}_{0} \tan(2x) \sec(4x) \, dx\), focusing on the use of trigonometric identities and substitution methods in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of trigonometric identities and substitution, with one participant expressing confidence in their approach while questioning discrepancies with online calculators. Another participant points out a potential error in the transformation of expressions during the substitution process.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes attempts to clarify the correctness of the original poster's method and results. Some participants affirm the validity of the approach, while others suggest there may be misunderstandings regarding the use of integral calculators.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of online integral calculators producing differing results, and participants are exploring the implications of these discrepancies on the original poster's confidence in their solution.

MathHawk
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I like to work these problems out and then check them with online integral calculators.

Homework Statement


\int^{\pi/4}_{0}tan2x * sec4x dx

Homework Equations


\frac{d}{dx}tanx = sec2x
sec2x = 1 + tan2x

The Attempt at a Solution



This seems so simple, using the identities and u substitution:

\int^{\pi/4}_{0}tan2x * sec4x dx
\int^{\pi/4}_{0}tan2x * sec2x * sec2x dx
\int^{\pi/4}_{0}tan2x * (tan2x + 1) * sec2x dx
\int^{\pi/4}_{0}(tan4x + tan2x) * sec2x dx

Now: u = tanx, du = sec2x dx. tan \pi/4 = 1, tan 0 = 0/

\int^{1}_{0}(u4 + u2) du

= [\frac{1}{5}u5 + \frac{1}{3}u3]^{1}_{0}

\frac{1}{5} + \frac{1}{3} - (0 + 0) = \frac{8}{15}Therefore:

\int^{\pi/4}_{0}tan2x * sec4x dx = \frac{8}{15}
Online indefinite integral calculators disagree with my indefinite integral, and the definite integral calculator I tried timed out. This looks flawless to me, but apparently I'm an idiot.

Thank you very much in advance for any help.
 
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MathHawk said:
I like to work these problems out and then check them with online integral calculators.

Homework Statement


\int^{\pi/4}_{0}tan2x * sec4x dx



Homework Equations


\frac{d}{dx}tanx = sec2x
sec2x = 1 + tan2x



The Attempt at a Solution



This seems so simple, using the identities and u substitution:

\int^{\pi/4}_{0}tan2x * sec4x dx
\int^{\pi/4}_{0}tan2x * sec2x * sec2x dx
\int^{\pi/4}_{0}tan2x * (tan2x + 1) * sec2x dx
The expression below does not follow from the one above.
MathHawk said:
\int^{\pi/4}_{0}tan4x * tan2x * sec2x dx

Now: u = tanx, du = sec2x dx. tan \pi/4 = 1, tan 0 = 0/

\int^{1}_{0}(u4 + u2) du

= [\frac{1}{5}u5 + \frac{1}{3}u3]^{1}_{0}

\frac{1}{5} + \frac{1}{3} - (0 + 0) = \frac{8}{15}


Therefore:

\int^{\pi/4}_{0}tan2x * sec4x dx = \frac{8}{15}



Online indefinite integral calculators disagree with my indefinite integral, and the definite integral calculator I tried timed out. This looks flawless to me, but apparently I'm an idiot.

Thank you very much in advance for any help.
 
You're right. However, I don't have that on paper (I have the + in place of the *). It's corrected on here when I use u substitution, and it doesn't affect my answer. Is there anything else, or did I just whoop a computer integral calculator (doubtful)?
 
You apparently don't know how to use a computer integral calculator because your answer (and procedure) is correct.
 

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