What is the integral of ln(secx + tanx)?

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SUMMARY

The integral of ln(sec(x) + tan(x)) does not have a closed form solution in terms of elementary functions. The discussion highlights the use of integration by parts, specifically setting u = ln(sec(x) + tan(x)) and dv = dx, which ultimately leads to a trivial result. The solution involves advanced functions such as PolyLog and can be found using tools like Wolfram Alpha. The integral's complexity stems from its reliance on non-elementary functions, confirming that traditional methods may not yield a straightforward answer.

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I was taking the integral of the secant function. Twice...
The first one is simple, but what is the integral of
ln(secx + tanx)dx?

I've tried a few things, the first being integration by parts with u = ln(secx + tanx+) and dv = dx
This just cancels in the end to 0 = 0
I also rewrote it as int[ln(1+sinx) - ln(cosx)]dx but that doesn't seem to be any easier.

Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.
 
Last edited:
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It doesn't have a closed form answer in terms of elementary functions.
 
sure it does, unless you consider the polylog erudite:

<br /> \frac{1}{2} \left(\pi \left(i x+\text{Log}\left[-\text{Sin}\left[\frac{1}{4} (\pi -2 x)\right]\right]-\text{Log}[1+i \text{Cos}[x]-\text{Sin}[x]]-\text{Log}[1-i<br /> \text{Cos}[x]+\text{Sin}[x]]+\text{Log}\left[\text{Sin}\left[\frac{1}{4} (\pi +2 x)\right]\right]\right)+2 x \left(2 i \text{ArcTan}\left[e^{i x}\right]+\text{Log}[\text{Sec}[x]+\text{Tan}[x]]\right)+2<br /> i \text{PolyLog}\left[2,i e^{i x}\right]-2 i \text{PolyLog}[2,-i \text{Cos}[x]+\text{Sin}[x]]\right)

lol off screen. whatever it's in the body of the post, just click quote or something
 
Last edited:
Elementary functions are finite combinations and compositions of algebraic, logarithmic, and exponential functions. Polylog obviously doesn't fit that description.
 
yea you're right
 
@ice109: How do you get that formula? (The one that involves PolyLog)
 
Thank you!
 

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