Trigonometric Integrals Technique

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integrating functions of the form \(\int (sinx)^{a} * (cosx)^{b}\), focusing on the simplification rules for different cases of odd and even exponents of sine and cosine functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various rules for simplifying integrals based on the parity of the exponents of sine and cosine. There are attempts to clarify whether the choice of sine or cosine affects the integration process when both have odd exponents. Some participants explore the implications of different approaches to the same integral.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, questioning the validity of the proposed rules and discussing the equivalence of different integration results. There is a recognition that the choice of function to manipulate may not impact the outcome, although this is still under consideration.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the omission of "dx" in the integrals, which is highlighted as an important detail in the integration process. The discussion also touches on the relationship between the results of different integration approaches, particularly regarding constants of integration.

whatlifeforme
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Homework Statement


When integrating a function of the form:

[itex]\displaystyle\int_c^d { (sinx)^{a} * (cosx)^{b}}[/itex]

Is this a correct simplification of the rules to evaluate:
1. if exponent on sin or cos is odd, and the other is even, separate out one of the odd's and use
an identity on the even part of what is left of the what was odd function.

2. if exponent on sin and cos are both odd, pick one, pull out one of the sines,
or cosines, and use identity on even part left from original odd function.

3. if exponent on sin and cos are both even , use double angle identity, and
foil.


Homework Equations


[itex]\displaystyle\int_c^d { (sinx)^{a} * (cosx)^{b}}[/itex]



The Attempt at a Solution


for instance, from rule #2 above.

[itex]\displaystyle\int_1^2 { (sinx)^{3} * (cosx)^{3}}[/itex]

Pick either sinx or cosx to manipulate. in this case i choose sinx.

[itex]\displaystyle\int_1^2 { (sinx)^{2} * (sinx) * (cosx)^{3}}[/itex]

[itex]\displaystyle\int_1^2 { (1-(cosx)^{2})^{2} * (sinx) * (cosx)^{3}}[/itex]
 
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Personally, I would not think of (1) and (2) as separate "rules": If either of a or b is odd you can take out one of that function.

It is, however, important to keep the "dx" with the integral and you have left that out:
[tex]\int_1^2 sin^3(x)cos^3(x)dx= \int_1^2 sin^2(x) cos^3(x) (sin(x)dx)[/tex]
[tex]= \int_1^2 (1- cos^2(x))cos^3(x)(sin(x)dx= \int_1^2 (cos^3(x)- cos^5(x))(sin(x)dx)[/tex]
And now the substitution u= cos(x), so that du= -sin(x)dx, gives
[tex]-\int_{cos(1)}^{cos(2)} (u^3- u^5)du[/tex]
 
so it does not matter which i choose, sine or cosine, if they both have odd exponents?
 
Eventually, you won't have to memorize which rule to use and whatever, it'll just come naturally. So yes it doesn't matter if you pick sine or cosine for u.
 
[itex]\displaystyle\int (sinx)^3 * (cosx)^3[/itex]

1. using (cosx)^3[itex]\displaystyle\int (sinx)^3 * (1-(sinx)^2) * cosx[/itex]
[itex]\displaystyle\int (sinx)^3 * cosx - \int (sinx)^5 * cosx[/itex]

u=sinx; du=cosx dx

[itex]\int u^3 du - \int u^5 du[/itex]

answer 1: [itex]\frac{(sinx)^4}{4} - \frac{(sinx)^6}{6} + c[/itex]2. using (sinx)^3

[itex]\displaystyle\int (sinx)^3 * (cosx)^3 dx[/itex]

[itex]\displaystyle\int (sinx)^2 * sinx * (cosx)^3 dx[/itex]

[itex]\displaystyle\int (1-(cosx)^2) * sinx * (cosx)^3 dx[/itex]

[itex]\displaystyle\int sinx * (cosx)^3 - \int sinx * (cosx)^5 dx[/itex]

u=cosx; du=-sinx dx

[itex]-\displaystyle\int u^3 du + \int u^5 du[/itex]

answer 2: [itex]\frac{-(cosx)^4}{4} + \frac{(cosx)^6}{6} + c[/itex]

i suppose answer 1 and answer 2 are equivalent even though they look different?
 
I think they end up being the same since [itex]sin^{2}x+cos^{2}x=1[/itex].
 
whatlifeforme said:
[itex]\displaystyle\int (sinx)^3 * (cosx)^3[/itex]

...

answer 1: [itex]\displaystyle \ \frac{(sinx)^4}{4} - \frac{(sinx)^6}{6} + C_1[/itex]
...

answer 2: [itex]\displaystyle \ \frac{-(cosx)^4}{4} + \frac{(cosx)^6}{6} + C_2[/itex]

i suppose answer 1 and answer 2 are equivalent even though they look different?
(You continue to drop the dx from your integrals even after HallsofIvy has pointed out that error to you.)


( I altered the names of the constants of integration in the above quoted text.)

Answer 1 is equivalent to answer 2 as anti-derivatives of [itex]\displaystyle \ \sin^3(x) \cos^3(x)\ .\[/itex]

However, to make the two expressions equal, C1 and C2 must be different. This is because,

[itex]\displaystyle \frac{(sinx)^4}{4} - \frac{(sinx)^6}{6}=\frac{-(cosx)^4}{4} + \frac{(cosx)^6}{6}+\frac{1}{12}[/itex]
 

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