Can substitution and factoring help simplify this integral?

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The discussion revolves around simplifying the integral ∫(1/((sin(x)+2/cos(x))^2)) dx using substitutions and factoring techniques. Participants suggest using the substitution tan(x/2) = t, which leads to a more complex integral involving trigonometric identities. Despite attempts to factor the resulting polynomial in the denominator, users express frustration as it remains unfactorable, even with computational tools like Mathematica. The conversation also touches on the challenges of integrating polynomials with complex solutions and the importance of being prepared for intricate algebra in integral calculus. Ultimately, the thread highlights the complexity of the problem and the collaborative effort to find a solution.
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\int\frac{1}{(\sin(x)+\frac{2}{\cos(x)})^2} dx
I know that tan(x)=t works, but there are some problems with factorizing denominator and even after factorizing that integral isn't very simple. Does anyone see here any simplier substitution? thank you
 
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Its tan(\frac{x}{2}) = t. Try it. What are the problems?
 
Don't be afraid of this simple algebra.When doing integrals,you ought to be prepared for worst.

BTW,LaTex acknowledges the function "tangent",as long as you write it " \tan ".

Daniel.
 
In this case denominator is t^4-t^3+2t^2+t+1. This i can't factorize also. Even Mathematica doesn't help.
 
Hm. Yes, I'm probably just too lazy today to work on algebra. But i have one more question about such problems. If i have polynomials with complex solutions what is the algorithm for factorizing them?
As examples:1) t^4-t^3+2t^2+t+1
2) 4t^4+4t^3+9t^2+4t+4
 
It can't be.

I= \int \frac{dx}{\left(\sin x+\frac{2}{\cos x}\right)^{2}} (1)

Make the sub

\tan\frac{x}{2}=t (2)

An you'll get the integral

I=2\int \frac{\cos ^2\left( 2\arctan t\right) }{\left[ \sin \left( 2\arctan t\right) \cos \left( 2\arctan t\right) +2\right] ^2\left( 1+t^2\right) }\,dt (3)

Then

\left\{\begin{array}{c} \cos \left( \arctan t\right) =\frac{1}{\sqrt{\left( 1+t^2\right) }}\\ \sin \left( \arctan t\right) =\frac {t}{\sqrt{\left( 1+t^2\right) }} \end{array} \right (4)

Can you take it from here...?

Daniel.
 
Last edited:
dextercioby said:
Don't be afraid of this simple algebra.When doing integrals,you ought to be prepared for worst.

BTW,LaTex acknowledges the function "tangent",as long as you write it " \tan ".

Daniel.

Yeah I forgot. Thanks anyway.
 
\left{\begin{array}{c} \cos \left( 2\arctan t\right) =\frac{1-t^2}{{\left( 1+t^2\right) }}\\ \sin \left( 2\arctan t\right) =\frac {2t}{{\left( 1+t^2\right) }} \end{array} \right
 
Yes, i did it dextercioby. This i have from it:
\int\frac{(1+t^2)(1-t^2)^2}{t^4-t^3+2t^2+t+1}
OK. i can divide this fraction, but i can do nothing with denominator
 
  • #10
Here's what i'd do.I denote your integral by "I".

I=:\int\frac{\cos^{2}x}{\left(\frac{1}{2}\sin 2x +2\right)^{2}} \ dx (1)

I define its sister integral

J=:\int\frac{\sin^{2}x}{\left(\frac{1}{2}\sin 2x +2\right)^{2}} \ dx (2)

The difference

I-J=\int \frac{\cos 2x}{\left(\frac{1}{2}\sin 2x +2\right)^{2}} \ dx =\int \frac{d\left(\frac{1}{2}\sin 2x +2\right)}{\left(\frac{1}{2}\sin 2x +2\right)^{2}} =-\frac{1}{\frac{1}{2}\sin 2x +2} (3)

I'll concentrate on the sum.

To be continued.

Daniel.
 
  • #11
Here's the sum

I+J=\int \frac{dx}{\left(\frac{1}{2}\sin 2t +2\right)^2} (4)

I make the sub

2x=t (5)

I+J=\frac{1}{2}\int \frac{dt}{\left(\frac{1}{2}\sin t +2\right)^{2}} (6)

I make the sub

\tan\frac{t}{2}=u (7)

I+J=\int \frac{1+u^{2}}{(2u^{2}+u+2)^{2}} \ du=\frac{1}{4}\int \frac{1+u^{2}}{\left[\left(u+\frac{1}{4}-\frac{i\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)\left(u+\frac{1}{4}+\frac{i\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)\right]^{2}} \ du (8)

Therefore

I+J=\int \frac{1+u^{2}}{\left[u^{2}+u\left(\frac{1}{2}-i\sqrt{3}\right)-\frac{11}{16}-\frac{i\sqrt{3}}{4}\right]\left[u^{2}+u\left(\frac{1}{2}+i\sqrt{3}\right)-\frac{11}{16}+\frac{i\sqrt{3}}{4}\right]} \ du (9)

and now apply simple fractions.

Daniel.
 
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