U Substitution: Solve \int sec^3(2x)tan(2x) - Casey

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral \(\int \sec^3(2x) \tan(2x) \, dx\), with participants exploring the use of u-substitution as a method for solving it. The subject area is calculus, specifically focusing on integration techniques involving trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts various substitutions, including \(u = \sec(2x)\) and \(u = \tan(2x)\), expressing uncertainty about their effectiveness. They also consider rewriting the integral in a different form. Other participants suggest that \(u = \sec(2x)\) might be a viable substitution and discuss the implications of their calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively re-evaluating their approaches and calculations. There is a recognition of potential errors in the setup and expressions used, with some participants providing corrections and clarifications. The discussion is ongoing, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the correct application of u-substitution and the formatting of LaTeX for mathematical expressions. Participants are also grappling with the accuracy of their integrals and substitutions.

Saladsamurai
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So I have another U substitution.

\int sec^3(2x)tan(2x) this one is a little tricky for me. I have tried letting u= sec2x and tanx and 2x.
2x definitley gets me nowhere. I may be mistaken on the others. I will recheck them.

I was also thinking of rewriting it as
\int sec^4(2x)sin(2x)

is the latter the better option?

Thanks,
Casey
 
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Unless I am mistaken, u = sec2x should work.
 
Oh...one second, let me re-work this.
 
mattmns said:
Unless I am mistaken, u = sec2x should work.
I must be missing something...

\int sec^32xtan2x If u=sec2x du=2sec2xtan2x dx
\rightarrow \int u^3 tan2x

wait...how about

\int sec2xtanx*u^2 dx
=\frac{1}{2}\int u^2du

Thanks...Btw, how do you make a new line with Latex? I though it was \\
 
Last edited:
your last 2 lines look funny to me, from what i have written down it should look like

\int\sec^{2}{2x}\sec{2x}\tan{2x}dx

subst. \sec{2x}tan{2x}dx with du

\frac{1}{2} \int u^{2}du

your final integral looked good but the one b4 doesn't click with me. i also thought \\ starts a new line, it works sometimes, and others it doesn't. the \ doesn't even work great for me either.
 
I edited to fix..I forgot the tan2x where sec2xtan2x=du/2
 

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