Trigonmetric Integration Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a trigonometric integration problem involving the integral of -1/cos²(x). The original poster, Nick, is exploring the integration of tan²(x) as part of his learning in Calculus II.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Nick attempts to break down the integral using trigonometric identities and expresses uncertainty about integrating tan²(x). Other participants confirm the integration result and discuss the relationship between the derivatives of tan(x) and sec²(x).

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the integration process and confirming the relationship between the functions involved. There is a shared exploration of the underlying concepts without a definitive conclusion reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Nick is new to the forum and is learning calculus independently, which may influence his approach and understanding of the material. There is also mention of confusion regarding the forum's formatting for mathematical expressions.

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Hi, I'm new to this forum. I figure it would be appropriate to briefly introduce myself before asking my question.

My name is Nick. I've graduated high school and I am presently taking the year off before attending university next fall. Having a lot of free time has allowed me to begin learning Calculus II topics that I'll inevitably encounter in the future.

Anyways, on to my question(s):

[tex]\int {{-1}\over{cos^2(x)}} dx[/tex]
[tex]= -\int {{sin^2(x) + cos^2(x)}\over{cos^2(x)}} dx[/tex]
[tex]= -\int {{sin^2(x)}\over{cos^2(x)}} dx -\int {{cos^2(x)}\over{cos^2(x)}}dx[/tex]
[tex]= -\int tan^2(x) dx - \int dx[/tex]
[tex]= ?[/tex]

Alas, I do not know how to properly integrate [tex]tan^2(x)[/tex]

I am relatively confident, however, that my above reasoning is corect. This is because the answer to the following integral is supposed to be:

[tex]\int tan^2(x)dx = tan(x) - x + C[/tex] Meaning:

[tex]\int {{-1}\over{cos^2(x)}} dx[/tex]
[tex]= -\int tan^2(x) dx - \int dx[/tex]
[tex]= -tan(x) + x - C - x + D[/tex]
[tex]= -tan(x) + K[/tex]


Which should be the correct answer. Thus, my problem is in integrating the tangent x squared function.Thank-you in advance,

Nick

Edit: It appears this forum uses a different tex protocol than what I am used to on another forum I frequent. I'm attempting to figure this out, but I do appologize for the confusing mess above.

Edit 2: I believe I found the culprit. The textit code does not apply on this forum. :)
 
Last edited:
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[tex]\int \tan^{2}x dx= \int \sec^{2}x-1\ dx = \tan x - x + C[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Ugh... now don't I feel rather stupid.

Trigonmetric identities will be the death of me.
 
courtrigrad said:
[tex]\int \tan^{2}x dx= \int \sec^{2}x-1\ dx = \tan x - x + C[/tex]

Yeah but [tex]\int \sec^2x dx[/tex] is precisely what he's trying to integrate. The question is, how can it be seen that tanx is a primitive of sec²x?
 
I guess you're just assumed to have differentiated tanx before and you remembered that is gave sec²x.
 
Yep,

I knew [tex]{d\over{dx}} tanx = sec^2x[/tex]. :)
 

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