Trigonometric integration question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function ∫sec(x)tan²(x) and its transformation into a more manageable form. Participants are exploring methods for integrating trigonometric functions, particularly focusing on secant and tangent functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss rewriting tan²(x) as (sec²(x) - 1) and expanding the integral into sec³(x) - sec(x). There are questions about the appropriateness of using integration by parts for sec³(x) and considerations of reduction formulas for trigonometric integrals. Some participants suggest breaking down the integral further or using known formulas for secant cubed.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various approaches being considered. Some participants have provided insights into integration by parts and the evaluation of sec³(x) as a common integral. There is no explicit consensus, but multiple lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of integrating powers of trigonometric functions, with some expressing uncertainty about the best methods to apply. The original question involves specific transformations and the integration of secant and tangent functions, which may require additional context or assumptions not fully detailed in the posts.

stonecoldgen
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The question asks to find ∫secxtan2x

I rewrote tan2x as (sec2x-1). Then I expanded the equation having sec3x-secx and I know the integral of secx which is 0.5ln|tanx+secx|,

but my question is, is integrating sec3x by parts the correct path? or not?

Thanks
 
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\int secx{dx} = ln(tanx+secx)

And as for ∫sec3x dx; You can try parts, but you thought how you can break it?
OR you can look for some formula of finding integrals of powers of trigonometric functions (Reduction formulas)
 
sec(x)tan2(x)=sec3(x)sin2(x)=[sec3(x)sin(x)]sin(x), which you can integrate by parts.

ehild
 
The integral of secant cubed can be evaluated as follows (it is a common integral) with using integration by parts, applying u=\sec(x) and dv=\sec^2(x)dx:
\begin{align}<br /> \int \sec^3(x)dx=\sec(x)\tan(x)-\int \sec(x)\tan^2(x)dx \\<br /> = \sec(x)\tan(x)-\int \sec^3(x)dx + \int \sec(x)dx \\<br /> = \sec(x)\tan(x)-\int \sec^3(x)dx + \log(\sec(x)+\tan(x))<br /> \end{align}
Now solve that equation for the integral.
 

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