Trigonometric Applications - complex numbers

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating definite integrals of trigonometric functions, specifically focusing on the integrals of cos5x and sin5x. The original poster seeks clarification on the steps involved in the integration process and the application of reduction formulas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the integration of cos5x and the subsequent steps involving the reduction formula. Some participants question the application of the chain rule in the context of differentiation related to the integral.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided various insights, including references to reduction formulas and differentiation techniques. The original poster expresses confusion about specific steps, indicating an ongoing exploration of the topic. Some participants suggest that the problem may not directly relate to complex numbers, while others have successfully navigated the problem using different methods.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of focusing on complex numbers in the context of the homework, which may influence the approach to the problem. Additionally, the original poster notes a lack of understanding regarding certain steps in the integration process, highlighting potential gaps in foundational knowledge.

shabi
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any help with me understanding this problem would be very much appreciated.

Homework Statement



show,
[itex]^{π/2}_{0}[/itex][itex]\int[/itex] cos[itex]^{5}[/itex]xdx = 8/15
hence show
[itex]^{π/2}_{0}[/itex][itex]\int[/itex] sin[itex]^{5}[/itex]xdx = [itex]^{π/2}_{0}[/itex][itex]\int[/itex] cos[itex]^{5}[/itex]xdx

where,
cos[itex]^{5}[/itex]θ = [itex]\frac{cos5θ + 5cos3θ + 10cosθ}{16}[/itex]
sin[itex]^{5}[/itex]θ = [itex]\frac{sin5θ - 5sin3θ + 10sinθ}{16}[/itex]


Homework Equations



[itex]^{x}_{0}[/itex][itex]\int[/itex] cos(t)dt = [sin(t)][itex]^{x}_{0}[/itex]
= sin(x) - sin(0)
= sin(x)


The Attempt at a Solution



[itex]^{π/2}_{0}[/itex][itex]\int[/itex] cos[itex]^{5}[/itex]xdx = [itex]\frac{1}{16}[/itex] [itex]^{π/2}_{0}[/itex][itex]\int[/itex] (cos5θ + 5cos3θ + 10cosθ)dθ
= [itex]\frac{1}{16}[/itex] [sin5θ + 5sin3θ + 10sinθ][itex]^{π/2}_{0}[/itex]
= [itex]\frac{1}{16}[/itex] (1 + 5 + 10)


the answers say from the 2nd line of my attempt it should be...
= [itex]\frac{1}{16}[/itex] [[itex]\frac{sin5θ}{5}[/itex] + [itex]\frac{5sin3θ}{3}[/itex] + 10sinθ][itex]^{π/2}_{0}[/itex]
= [itex]\frac{1}{16}[/itex] ([itex]\frac{1}{5}[/itex] - [itex]\frac{5}{3}[/itex] + 10)

but i don't understand why the first term was divided by 5 and the second by 3,
or why the sign changed from plus to minus.
 
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isnt that because you have cos(3 . theta) and so you have to divide by 1/3

try differentiating the 5sin(3 theta) with respect to theta 5 . cos(3 theta) . 3 and you see you get the 3 factor from 3 theta

from the chain rule.
 
I don't think you have to concern yourself with complex numbers for this problem. Although the relation between trig functions and complex numbers is fun to study.

Also I would recommend just looking up the reduction formulas for integrating the trig functions to some power. It's much easier to just memorize these and then just use them to obtain the correct answer without thinking much at all.
 
thanks for your help!

but i still don't get it.

can anyone explain step by step?
 
for integral[0.pi/2] cos^5(x) dx
use the reduction formula you can't go wrong and will get the right answer
 
thanks figured it out both ways.

i did it with the complex numbers as this is what we are focusing on at the moment.

i was just forgetting basic integration rules.

integral: cos.5x.dx

let,
u=5x
du=5.dx
dx=1/5.du

so,
integral: cos.5x.dx = integral: cos.u.1/5.du
=1/5.integral: cos.u.du
=1/5.sin.u + c
=1/5.sin.5x + c

integral (with limits 0, pi/2): cos.5x.dx = 1/5.sin.5.pi/2 - 1/5.sin.5.0
=1/5.1 - 1/5.0
=1/5

with,
integral (limits 0, pi/2): 5.cos.3x
= 5/3.sin.3(pi/2)
= -5/3
integral (limits 0, pi/2): 10.cos.x
= 10

also thanks for introducing me to the reduction formula.

managed to work it out with the same result.
 
Last edited:
I'm not seeing how this has to do with complex numbers at all =(
 

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