What is the Integral of a Trigonometric Expression with Positive Constants?

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    2015
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SUMMARY

The integral of the trigonometric expression $$\int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{\cos^3u\sin^7 u}{(p\cos^2u + q\sin^2u)^{6}}\, du$$, where $p$ and $q$ are positive constants, remains unsolved in this forum discussion. The problem is part of the Problem of the Week (POTW) series, aimed at engaging participants in advanced mathematical proofs. No solutions were provided by other members, highlighting the complexity of the integral and the need for deeper exploration of trigonometric integrals.

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  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically trigonometric integrals.
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  • Research techniques for solving trigonometric integrals, focusing on substitution methods.
  • Study the properties of definite integrals involving positive constants.
  • Explore advanced calculus topics, such as integration by parts and reduction formulas.
  • Review mathematical proof strategies to effectively present solutions.
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Mathematicians, calculus students, and educators interested in advanced integral calculus and trigonometric expressions will benefit from this discussion.

Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

-----
Find, with proof, the exact value of

$$\int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{\cos^3u\sin^7 u}{(p\cos^2u + q\sin^2u)^{6}}\, du$$

where $p$ and $q$ are positive constants.-----

Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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No one answered this week's problem. Here is my solution.
The integral evaluates to $\frac{1}{40p^2q^4}$. Let $I(p,q)$ denote the value of the integral. By a change of variable $x = \sin^2 u$,

$$I(p,q) = \frac{1}{2}\int_0^1 \frac{(1 - x)x^3}{[(q - p)x + p]^6}\, dx.$$

If $p = q$, then

$$I(p,q) = \frac{1}{2}\int_0^1 \frac{x^3 - x^4}{p^6}\, dx = \frac{1}{40p^6}.$$

If $p\neq q$, then

$$I(p,q) = \frac{1}{2(q-p)^6} \int_0^1 \frac{(1 - x)x^3}{(x + r)^6}\, dx$$

where $r = \frac{p}{q - p}$. Now let $y = \frac{(r+1)x}{x+r}$.Then

$$I(p,q) = \frac{1}{2(q-p)^6}\int_0^1 \left(\frac{1 - x}{x + r}\right)^2\left(\frac{x}{x + r}\right)^4 \frac{1}{x(1 - x)} dx = \frac{1}{2(q - p)^6}\int_0^1 \left(\frac{1-y}{r}\right)^2\left(\frac{y}{r+1}\right)^4\frac{(r + 1 - y)^2}{r(r+1)y(1-y)}\frac{r(r+1)}{(r + 1 - y)^2}\, dy$$
$$\qquad = \frac{1}{2(q-p)^6r^2(r + 1)^4}\int_0^1 (1 - y)y^3\, dy$$
$$\qquad = \frac{1}{40p^2q^4}.$$
 

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