Two different answers for the same integral?

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SUMMARY

The integral of ∫(sinx)/(sin²x + 4cos²x) can be approached using two different methods, leading to two distinct forms of the anti-derivative. The first method results in I_m = - (1/√3)tan⁻¹(√3cosx) + C, while the textbook solution provides I_t = (1/√3)tan⁻¹(secx/√3) + C. The discrepancy arises from the substitution methods used, specifically letting t = cosx versus t = secx. Understanding the relationship between these two forms is crucial for resolving the differences in the results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus and anti-derivatives
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities and substitutions
  • Knowledge of the arctangent function and its properties
  • Experience with integration techniques, including substitution and partial fractions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the arctangent function, particularly the identity $$\tan^{-1}\left( \frac{1}{x} \right)$$
  • Practice integration techniques involving trigonometric substitutions, specifically secant and cosine
  • Explore the relationship between different forms of anti-derivatives in integral calculus
  • Review examples of integrals that yield multiple valid forms and how to reconcile them
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on integral calculus, as well as educators seeking to clarify common misconceptions in anti-derivative calculations.

Hijaz Aslam
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Homework Statement


The anti-derivative of ∫##\frac{sinx}{sin^2x+4cos^2x}## is ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}tan^{-1}((\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}})g(x))+C## then ##g(x)## is equal to :

a. ##secx##
b. ##tanx##
c. ##sinx##
d. ##cosx##

Homework Equations


##d(cosx)=-sinx dx##

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried the problem the following way:

\int \frac{sinx}{sin^2x+4cos^2x}\, dx=\int \frac{sinx}{1+3cos^2x}\, dx
Let ##t=cosx##. Therefore##-dt=sinx dx##
Therefore I=\int \frac{-dt}{1+3t^2}=-\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}tan^{-1}(\sqrt{3}cosx)

But my text gives the solution the following way:

\int \frac{sinx}{sin^2x+4cos^2x}\, dx=\int \frac{tanxsecx}{tan^2x+4}\, dx=\int \frac{tanxsecx}{sec^2x+3}\, dx. Let ##t=secx##, therefore:

I=\int \frac{dt}{t^2+3}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}tan^{-1}(\frac{secx}{\sqrt{3}})

So
My answer is : I_m=-\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}tan^{-1}(\sqrt{3}cosx)+C
Answer in my textbook is: I_t=\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}tan^{-1}(\frac{secx}{\sqrt{3}})+C

And, I can't find any way to convert ##I_m## to ##I_t##.

Am I wrong somewhere?
 
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$$\tan^{-1}\left( \frac{1}{x} \right) = \left\{
\begin{array}{lr}
\frac{\pi}{2} - \tan^{-1}(x) : x>0\\
-\frac{\pi}{2} - \tan^{-1}(x) : x<0
\end{array}
\right.
$$
 
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Likes   Reactions: Hijaz Aslam
Oh yes! That cleared it out. Thanks blue_leaf77.
 

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