Bob's question at Yahoo Answers regarding an indefinite integral

In summary, we are asked to integrate the function tan^3(1/z)/z^2. We use the substitution u=1/z and the Pythagorean identity to simplify the integral and eventually arrive at the answer ln|sec(1/z)|-1/2*tan^2(1/z)+C.
  • #1
MarkFL
Gold Member
MHB
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Here is the question:

I need help integrating a Calculus 2 problem?

How do I integrate tan^3(1/z)/z^2 dz
Please show all work and thanks for the help

I have posted a link there to this topic so the OP can see my work.
 
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  • #2
Hello Bob,

We are given to integrate:

\(\displaystyle \int\frac{\tan^3\left(\frac{1}{z} \right)}{z^2}\,dz\)

Let's use the substitution:

\(\displaystyle u=\frac{1}{z}\,\therefore\,du=-\frac{1}{z^2}\,dz\)

and the integral becomes:

\(\displaystyle -\int\tan^3(u)\,du\)

Next, let's employ the Pythagorean identity \(\displaystyle \tan^2(x)+1=\sec^2(x)\), and rewrite the integral as:

\(\displaystyle -\int\tan(u)\cdot\tan^2(u)\,du=-\int\tan(u)\left(\sec^2(u)-1 \right)\,du=-\int\tan(u)\sec^2(u)-\tan(u)\,du=\)

\(\displaystyle \int\frac{\sin(u)}{\cos(u)}\,du-\int\tan(u)\sec^2(u)\,du\)

On the first integral, use the substitution:

\(\displaystyle v=\cos(u)\,\therefore\,dv=-\sin(u)\,du\)

On the second integral, use the substitution:

\(\displaystyle w=\tan(u)\,\therefore\,dw=\sec^2(u)\,du\)

And now we have:

\(\displaystyle -\int\frac{1}{v}\,dv-\int w\,dw=-\ln|v|-\frac{w^2}{2}+C\)

Back-substituting for $v$ and $w$, we have:

\(\displaystyle \ln|\sec(u)|-\frac{1}{2}\tan^2(u)+C\)

Back-substituting for $u$, we have:

\(\displaystyle \ln\left|\sec\left(\frac{1}{z} \right) \right|-\frac{1}{2}\tan^2\left(\frac{1}{z} \right)+C\)

Hence, we may state:

\(\displaystyle \int\frac{\tan^3\left(\frac{1}{z} \right)}{z^2}\,dz=\ln\left|\sec\left(\frac{1}{z} \right) \right|-\frac{1}{2}\tan^2\left(\frac{1}{z} \right)+C\)
 

FAQ: Bob's question at Yahoo Answers regarding an indefinite integral

What is an indefinite integral?

An indefinite integral is the inverse operation of differentiation. It is a mathematical concept used to find the original function when given its derivative. It is represented by the symbol ∫, and does not have upper or lower limits.

How do you solve an indefinite integral?

To solve an indefinite integral, you need to use integration techniques such as substitution, integration by parts, or partial fractions. You also need to have a good understanding of basic rules of integration, such as the power rule and the constant multiple rule.

What is the difference between definite and indefinite integrals?

The main difference between definite and indefinite integrals is that definite integrals have upper and lower limits, while indefinite integrals do not. This means that definite integrals give a specific numerical value, while indefinite integrals give a general expression.

What is the purpose of indefinite integrals?

The purpose of indefinite integrals is to find the original function when given its derivative. This is useful in many areas of mathematics, such as in finding the position of an object given its velocity, or in finding the volume of an irregular shape.

Can indefinite integrals be solved using a calculator?

Yes, indefinite integrals can be solved using a calculator, but only if the function and its derivative are known. Most scientific calculators have an "integral" function that can be used to solve indefinite integrals. However, for more complex integrals, it is best to use integration techniques and formulas manually.

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