What is the Integral of a Trigonometric Function with an Indefinite Integral?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the indefinite integral of a trigonometric function, specifically involving the integral of cos(x) divided by a quadratic expression in sin(x).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore factoring the denominator and consider substitution methods, particularly using u = sin(x). There are discussions on the application of partial fractions and the implications of the results obtained.

Discussion Status

Several participants have shared their approaches, including substitution and partial fractions. While some express confidence in their results, there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the final expressions, and reminders about including the constant of integration are noted.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the need to be cautious about details that could affect grading, such as the inclusion of the constant of integration.

planauts
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Homework Statement



\int \frac{cos x}{sin^2(x) - sin(x)-6}2. The attempt at a solution
I first tried factoring the denominator.
\int \frac{cos x}{(sin(x) -3)(sin(x)+2)}

The first thing that came to my mind was Partial Factoring but I don't think it would work in this case.Thanks in advance!
 
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I would start by substituting u=sin(x) and then worry about the partial fractions in the variable u.
 
Last edited:
Let:
u = sin(x)
du = cos(x) dx

\int \frac{du}{(u-3)(u+2)}

After doing Partial Fractions, I ended up with:
\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx-3)-\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx+2)

Thanks for your help. I think that is the correct answer.
 
planauts said:
Let:
u = sin(x)
du = cos(x) dx

\int \frac{du}{(u-3)(u+2)}

After doing Partial Fractions, I ended up with:
\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx-3)-\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx+2)

Thanks for your help. I think that is the correct answer.

Also note you can factor out a 1/5 and you get:

\frac{1}{5} ln(\frac{sinx-3}{sinx+2})
 
planauts said:
Let:
u = sin(x)
du = cos(x) dx

\int \frac{du}{(u-3)(u+2)}

After doing Partial Fractions, I ended up with:
\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx-3)-\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx+2)

Thanks for your help. I think that is the correct answer.

I'm really sure it's right.
 
Don't forget the +C!
 
Char. Limit said:
Don't forget the +C!

Yes you are right, I would have lost 1/2 a mark on a test.

\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx-3)-\frac{1}{5} ln(sinx+2) + C

OR as gb7nash pointed out
<br /> \frac{1}{5} ln(\frac{sinx-3}{sinx+2} + C)<br />

Thanks everyone!
 

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