Use substitution to solve the definite integral

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of substitution to solve a definite integral involving the expression \(1 - x^2\) and its transformation into trigonometric terms. The subject area includes integral calculus and trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the substitution of \(x\) with trigonometric functions and discuss the implications of using identities for \(\cos^2 \theta\). There are attempts to clarify the correct application of these identities and the transformations involved in the integral.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing suggestions and corrections regarding the application of trigonometric identities. Some participants express confusion about the transformations, while others clarify the necessary steps and identities to use.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential typos in the original expressions, particularly concerning the transformation of \(dx\) and the powers of cosine. Participants are questioning the accuracy of the expressions used in the integral setup.

chwala
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Homework Statement
see attached
Relevant Equations
integration
1712912514580.png


I have ##1-x^2 = 1- \sin^2 θ = \cos^2 θ## and ## dx =cos θ dθ##

##\int_0^{0.5} (1-x^2)^{1.5} dx = \int_0^{\frac{π}{6}} [cos ^2θ]^\frac{3}{2} dθ = \int_0^{\frac{π}{6}} [cos ^4θ] dθ##

Suggestions on next step.
 
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Use <br /> \cos^2 \theta \equiv \tfrac12(1 + \cos 2\theta) twice.
 
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pasmith said:
Use <br /> \cos^2 \theta \equiv \tfrac12(1 + \cos 2\theta) twice.
that is ##\cos^4θ = \dfrac{1}{2}(1+\cos 4θ) ?##
 
chwala said:
that is ##\cos^4θ = \dfrac{1}{2}(1+\cos 4θ) ?##
No. Write it ##\cos^4\theta = (\cos^2\theta)^2##, apply the identity and expand the square.
 
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Orodruin said:
No. Write it ##\cos^4\theta = (\cos^2\theta)^2##, apply the identity and expand the square.
Thanks, i was confusing... the correct identity is

##\cos^{2} 2θ = \dfrac{1}{2}(1+\cos 4θ) ##

anyway i realized that I will still need it in doing my work ;

##\int_0^{\frac{π}{6}} [cos ^4θ] dθ= \int_0^{\frac{π}{6}} \left[\dfrac{1}{4} + \dfrac{\cos 2θ}{2} + \dfrac{\cos^{2} 2θ}{4}\right] dθ##

## \int_0^{\frac{π}{6}} \left[\dfrac{1}{4} + \dfrac{\cos 2θ}{2} + \dfrac{\cos^{2} 2θ}{4}\right] dθ= \int_0^{\frac{π}{6}} \left[\dfrac{1}{4} + \dfrac{\cos 2θ}{2} + \dfrac{1}{8} +\dfrac{\cos 4θ}{8}\right] dθ##

## =\left[\dfrac{3θ}{8}+ \dfrac{\sin 2θ}{4} + \dfrac{\sin 4θ}{32}\right]_0^{\frac{π}{6}}
##

This will lead me in the right direction. Cheers!
 
No one seems to have caught this:
chwala said:
##\int_0^{\frac{π}{6}} [cos ^2θ]^\frac{3}{2} dθ = \int_0^{\frac{π}{6}} [cos ^4θ] dθ##
Hold on there! ##(u^2)^{3/2} \ne u^4##!
 
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Mark44 said:
No one seems to have caught this:

Hold on there! ##(u^2)^{3/2} \ne u^4##!
Probably because it (the first expression) is a typo. It is missing the ##\cos\theta## from the ##dx##.
 
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Mark44 said:
No one seems to have caught this:

Hold on there! ##(u^2)^{3/2} \ne u^4##!
Substitution for ##dx## using change of variables... It should be fine.

Let me check that again.
 
Orodruin said:
Probably because it (the first expression) is a typo. It is missing the ##\cos\theta## from the ##dx##.
Correct. Cheers guys.
 
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chwala said:
Correct.
Did you doubt it? 😛
 
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