What is the indefinite integral of cosecant function?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around finding the indefinite integral of the cosecant function, specifically cosec(θ). Participants explore various methods and approaches to solve this integral, including substitutions and alternative representations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for the indefinite integral of cosec(θ).
  • Another participant provides a link to an online integral calculator as a resource.
  • A participant expresses that cosec(x) can be rewritten as 1/sin(x) and begins a derivation involving substitution with u = cos(x).
  • Another participant suggests using a trick similar to that for integrating sec(x) with co-functions.
  • A different approach is presented, involving a substitution u = cosec(x) - cot(x), leading to a logarithmic result.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple methods for integrating the cosecant function, indicating a lack of consensus on a single approach. Various techniques are discussed without agreement on which is superior or definitive.

Contextual Notes

Some methods rely on specific substitutions that may not be universally applicable, and the discussion does not resolve which method is the most effective or straightforward.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and practitioners interested in integral calculus, particularly those looking for different techniques to integrate trigonometric functions.

JamesGoh
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What is the indefinite integral of cosec(\theta)?
 
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cosc(x)= \frac{1}{sin(x)}.

\int cosec(x)dx= \int \frac{1}{sin(x)}dx= \int\frac{sin(x)}{sin^2(x)}dx= \int\frac{sin(x)}{1- cos^2(x)}dx.

Now let u= cos(x) so that du= -sin(x)dx.
 
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If you know the trick to integrate ##sec(x)##, try it with the co-functions instead.
 
Here's an alternative solution: $$\eqalign{
\int\csc x\,\mathrm dx &= \int\left(\csc x\dfrac{\csc x-\cot x}{\csc x-\cot x}\right)\mathrm dx \\
&=\int\left(\dfrac{\csc^2 x-\cot x\csc x}{\csc x-\cot x}\right)\mathrm dx.
}$$
Now use the u-substitution u=\csc x-\cot x and you'll get: $$\int\dfrac{1}{u}\mathrm du=\ln|u|+{\cal C}=\ln|\csc x-\cot x|+{\cal C}.$$
 

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