What is the correct integration of arcsin(x) using integration by parts?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the arcsine function, specifically the expression for the integral of arcsin(x) using integration by parts. Participants are examining the presence of a plus or minus sign in the resulting expression and the implications of different conventions regarding the arcsine function.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Charismaztex, presents their solution for the integral of arcsin(x) and notes a discrepancy with their textbook, which includes a minus sign instead of a plus sign.
  • Another participant asserts that the correct integration result includes the plus sign, referencing previous posts for support.
  • Some participants discuss the role of the interval over which arcsine maps, suggesting that this affects the sign in the derivative and consequently the integral.
  • There is mention of the derivative of arcsin(x) being defined with a positive sign under certain conditions, which influences the integration process.
  • Charismaztex expresses confusion regarding the integration process and the requirement for a definite integral to yield a specific result, which is supported by their calculator and textbook.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the integral of arcsin(x) should include a plus or minus sign. Multiple competing views remain regarding the correct expression and the influence of the arcsine function's range on the integration result.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of defining the interval for arcsine and the implications this has on the signs in derivatives and integrals. There are unresolved aspects regarding the integration steps and the dependence on conventions used in different resources.

Charismaztex
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Hello all,

I've solved this equation to get:

[tex] \int \arcsin{(x)}dx = \sqrt{1-x^2}+ x\arcsin{(x}) + C[/tex]

using integration by parts. I have found, however, that my textbook has
the part

[tex]-\sqrt{1-x^2}[/tex]

instead of a +, leaving the answer

[tex] \int \arcsin{(x)}dx = -\sqrt{1-x^2}+ x\arcsin{(x}) + C[/tex]

This minus sign has been confirmed by a website I came across
Code:
[PLAIN]http://math2.org/math/integrals/tableof.htm
[/PLAIN]
Elsewhere on this forum I've seen the answer with the plus sign:
Code:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=89216
giving rise to this
inconsistency.

Any help is appreciated and thanks in advance,
Charismaztex
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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It's with the plus sign. (EDIT: See the 2 posts below from <arildno> and me).
 
Last edited:
Yeah, that's what I calculated but my calculator and textbook says otherwise...
 
It depends on which interval arcsine maps [-1,1] onto.

Conventionally, arcsine maps this interval onto [itex]-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}[/itex].

In this case, we have [tex]\frac{d}{dx}arcsine(x)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^{2}}}[/tex], and it follows that the anti-derivative will use the +sign
 
You may wonder where the range of "arcsin" comes into play. Remember that

[tex]\frac{d \mbox{arcsin} x}{dx} = \pm \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}[/tex], because

in the computation of this derivative you meet a point where

[tex]\sin x = p \Rightarrow \cos x = \pm \sqrt{1-p^2}[/tex].

To remove the sign ambiguity, you have to choose an appropriate interval either for the domain or for the range of the functions involved.
 
Thanks for the replies arildno and bigubau.

@Bigubau, so do you mean this step when differentiating arcsin(x):

let [tex]y= arcsin(x) , sin(y)=x[/tex] and

differentiating [tex]sin(y)= x[/tex],

[tex]cos(y) \frac{dy}{dx} =1[/tex]

=> [tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{1}{cos(y)}=*\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-sin^2(y)}}=*\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}[/tex]

* where it should be [tex]cos(y)= \pm\sqrt{1-sin^2(y)}=\pm\sqrt{1-x^2}[/tex]

When I integrate arcsin(x) using integration by parts, I get

[tex]xarcsin(x) - \int \frac{x}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} dx[/tex]

so it comes out with the positive [tex]+\sqrt{1-x^2}[/tex]

Is there another method to integrate the last part? Apparently, when I calculate a definite integral, it's got to be either plus or minus and my calculator and textbook demands the minus. For example they both give

[tex]\int_{0}^{1} arcsin(x) = \frac{\pi}{2}-1[/tex]



Thanks for the support,
Charismaztex
 

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