Trig Substitution: Solving for the Missing Identity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of trigonometric functions, specifically focusing on the use of trigonometric identities and substitution methods in the context of integrating \(\tan^4 x\) and related expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the integration of \(\tan^4 x\) and discuss the identity \(\sec^2 x - 1 = \tan^2 x\) as a substitution. Questions arise regarding the clarity of integrating \(\sec^4 x\) and the steps involved in the integration process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing various approaches to the integration problem. Some suggest using integration by parts or substitution, while others express confusion about specific steps. There is no explicit consensus on the best method, but multiple lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the complexities of trigonometric identities and integration techniques, with some indicating a lack of clarity on certain integration steps. The original poster seeks help with identifying the substitution used in a specific part of the problem.

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[SOLVED] More trig substitution help...

I've looked at this problem about 3 times and still can't figure it out...where identity did they use to substitute out the part in the red box? Thanks for the help

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What's the step you don't understand?
\int \tan^{4}x \mathrm{d}x = \int \tan^{2}x \left(\sec^{2}x - 1\right) \mathrm{d}x
or
\int \tan^{2}x \left(\sec^{2}x - 1\right) \mathrm{d}x = \int \tan^{2}x \sec^{2}x \mathrm{d}x - \int \tan^{2}x\mathrm{d}x.
 
\sec^2 x - 1 = \tan^2 x and \tan^2 x \cdot \tan^2 x = \tan^4 x.
 
for me it's unclear how to integrate
\int\tan^2 x\sec^2 x dx=\int (\sec^2 x-1)\sec^2 x dx=\int \frac{1}{\cos^4}dx-\tan x
So how to integrate
\int \sec^4 dx
?
 
Integration by parts a few times does it, or write

\int \sec^2 x (\tan^2 x + 1) dx and let u= tan x.

But rather than integrate sec^4, keep the original integral,
\int \tan^2 x \sec^2 x dx = \int u^2 du when u= tan x.
 
I see
\int\tan^2 x\sec^2 x dx=\int \tan^2 x d(\tan x)=\frac{1}{3}\tan^3 x+C
 
Last edited:
You forgot the x on the end of the tan, but other than that, its correct.
 

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