U-substitution integration help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function cos(1/2)x, specifically using u-substitution. Participants are examining the indefinite integral and the application of integration techniques learned in their coursework.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of u-substitution, with some attempting to clarify the correct substitution and integration process. There are questions regarding the interpretation of the integral and confusion about the results obtained.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing guidance on the correct substitution method, while others express confusion about the results and the steps taken. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the integral, and some clarification has been offered, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of misunderstandings regarding the substitution process and the resulting expressions, with participants questioning the validity of each other's approaches. The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with integration techniques.

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Homework Statement



[tex]\int cos(1/2)x = 2sin(x/2) + c[/tex] ==> Correct Answer

This is an answer to one of my homework problems, but I don't understand why the indefinite integtral of cos(1/2)x is that. I've learned u-substitution and the power rule, but using those methods, I got: 2. The attempt at a solution[tex]u = .5x, du = .5dx \int cos(u)du = sin(u)+c = sin(.5x)+c[/tex] (wrong answer?)
 
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You made a mistake while substituting. [tex]du = \frac{1}{2}dx[/tex] implies [tex]dx = 2 du[/tex].
 
[tex]\int cos(1/2)x = 2sin(x/2) + c[/tex]

Yeah I'm confused. The integrand is equal to

2/sqrt(2)*x so the integral is equal to (1/sqrt(2))x^2 + C
 
Last edited:
Let [tex]u = \frac{1}{2}x[/tex]. Then [tex]du = \frac{1}{2} dx[/tex].So you have: [tex]2 \int \cos u \; du[/tex]
 
Last edited:
nealh149 said:
[tex]\int cos(1/2)x = 2sin(x/2) + c[/tex]

Yeah I'm confused. The integrand is equal to

2/sqrt(2)*x so the (1/sqrt(2))x^2 + C

What is there to be confused about? And where did you get these 'sqrt-s' from? As said before, you only have to substitute dx = 2 du and u = 1/2 x into the original integral, in order to obtain [tex]\int 2 \cos u du[/tex], which I assume you'll know how to handle.
 
I think I got the right answer:

[tex]\int cos(1/2)x dx = 2 \int cos(.5x)(.5) + c = 2sin(.5x) + c[/tex]

nealh149 said:
[tex]\int cos(1/2)x = 2sin(x/2) + c[/tex]

Yeah I'm confused. The integrand is equal to

2/sqrt(2)*x so the integral is equal to (1/sqrt(2))x^2 + C

But I don't understand how you got that.
 
OK, again: [tex]\int \cos(\frac{1}{2}x)[/tex] = after substituting = [tex]\int 2 \cos u du = 2 \sin u + C = 2 \sin (\frac{1}{2}x) + C[/tex] .
 
Thank you , radou. I understand it now.

Nevermind what I said in post #6; I just realize that nealh149 was talking about another problem.
 

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