What is the Missing Step in Integrating Cosine Functions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the integration of the function \(\int_{-l}^{l} \cos\left(\frac{k\pi x}{l}\right) \cos\left(\frac{k\pi x}{l}\right) dx\). The user initially applies the identity for cosine products but overlooks the contribution of the term \(\cos(u-v)\) in the integration process. The key takeaway is that the integration results in a non-zero value due to the presence of \(\cos(0) = 1\), which resolves the confusion regarding the final result being \(l\) instead of zero.

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  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically definite integrals
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities, particularly the product-to-sum identities
  • Knowledge of the properties of sine and cosine functions
  • Basic experience with mathematical notation and integration techniques
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  • Study the derivation and applications of product-to-sum identities in trigonometry
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Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus and trigonometry, as well as educators looking for clarification on integration techniques involving trigonometric functions.

koolrizi
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Hi everyone,
I know I am missing something simple from this integration.

integrate from l to -l

\intcos ((k*pi*x)/l) * cos ((k*pi*x)/l)dx

I use the identity cos u cos v = 1/2 [cos(u-v) + cos(u+v)]

which gives me the following to integrate from l to -l

1/2[cos (2k*pi*x)/l]dx

I bring 1/2 out of integration

so when i integrate [cos (2k*pi*x)/l]dx

i get [sin (2k*pi*x)/l] / [(2k*pi)/l]

now i move the numerator out so the outside becomes l/4*k*pi
and the inside is [sin 2*k*pi + sin 2*k*pi]

Now my problem is this sin 2 k pi is zero
hence if i multiply it by the outside it will become zero but the answer is l

I know I am missing a simple step but don't know where.

Thanks guys
 
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You are just overlooking the fact that cos(0)=1, not 0.
 
i am sorry i didnt get you there. I know cos 0 is 1 but I am using sin at the very end which is zero if sin 2*k*pi
 
Well what happened to the cos(u-v) term in your identity?
 
Oh! I didnt see that one. Silly Silly mistake. Thanks dhris
 

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