What is the primitive of sinx/cos^2x?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the primitive (antiderivative) of the function \(\frac{\sin x}{\cos^2 x}\), with connections to an integral involving \(e^{-x}\) and trigonometric functions. The subject area includes calculus and trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the derivative of \(-\sec x\) and the given function, questioning how the presence of \(e^{-x}\) affects the integration process. There is also a discussion about potential simplifications and the identification of functions involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into the relationship between the functions and derivatives, while others express uncertainty about how to connect the elements of the problem. There is an acknowledgment of a potential simplification that could clarify the approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge posed by the presence of \(e^{-x}\) in the integral, which differs from the expected form involving \(e^{x}\). There is also a sense of frustration regarding the understanding of the problem setup.

Krushnaraj Pandya
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Homework Statement


∫e^(-x)(1-tanx)secx dx
2. Attempt at a solution
I know ∫e^x(f(x)+f'(x))=e^x f(x)
and I intuitively know f(x) could be secx here and therefore f'(x) will be secxtanx but I can't figure out how to reach that
 
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So you want a primitive of ##\displaystyle { \sin x\over \cos^2 x}## .

It is almost handed over on a silver platter: if ##\ \ -\displaystyle {\sin x\over \cos^2 x}\ ## is ##f'(x)##, what do you have left over for ##f(x)## ?
 
BvU said:
So you want a primitive of ##\displaystyle { \sin x\over \cos^2 x}## .

It is almost handed over on a silver platter: if ##\ \ -\displaystyle {\sin x\over \cos^2 x}\ ## is ##f'(x)##, what do you have left over for ##f(x)## ?
I know the derivative of -secx is -sinx/cos^2 x. the first trouble is that the problem has e^(-x) instead of e^(x). the second is that -sin/cos^2 is the derivative of -secx, not secx. I'm sure these two things tie together somehow through a basic simplification but I can't figure this basic simplification out
 
BvU said:
So you want a primitive of ##\displaystyle { \sin x\over \cos^2 x}## .

It is almost handed over on a silver platter: if ##\ \ -\displaystyle {\sin x\over \cos^2 x}\ ## is ##f'(x)##, what do you have left over for ##f(x)## ?
AHHH! how INCREDIBLY stupid of me. I just had to put -x=t (sorry you had to read this question). I'm never going to be a scientist this way...
 

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