Help with trigonometric integral

From there, use u=\tan^2 t to further simplify the expression and eventually reach a manageable antiderivative. In summary, solving this integral involves using the equations \cos^{2}x=\frac{1+\cos{2x}}{2} and u=\tan^2 t, and making a series of substitutions to reach a manageable antiderivative.
  • #1
miglo
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Homework Statement


[tex]\int_{\frac{5\pi}{6}}^{\pi}\frac{\cos^{4}x}{\sqrt{1-\sin{x}}}dx[/tex]

Homework Equations


[tex]\cos^{2}x=\frac{1+\cos{2x}}{2}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


i used the above equation, then expanded it all out and multiplied by the denominator and hoped i would then be able to do a simple substitution that would give me an antiderivative after integrating but that hasn't been working for me
any ideas?
 
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  • #2
miglo said:

Homework Statement


[tex]\int_{\frac{5\pi}{6}}^{\pi}\frac{\cos^{4}x}{\sqrt{1-\sin{x}}}dx[/tex]

Homework Equations


[tex]\cos^{2}x=\frac{1+\cos{2x}}{2}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


i used the above equation, then expanded it all out and multiplied by the denominator and hoped i would then be able to do a simple substitution that would give me an antiderivative after integrating but that hasn't been working for me
any ideas?
A relatively straightforward method involves a series of substitutions. I would start with [itex]u=1-\sin x[/itex]
 

FAQ: Help with trigonometric integral

What is a trigonometric integral?

A trigonometric integral is an integral that involves trigonometric functions, such as sine, cosine, and tangent. It is a type of indefinite integral that is used to find the antiderivative of a trigonometric function.

Why do we need to solve trigonometric integrals?

Trigonometric integrals are used to solve a wide range of problems in math and physics, such as finding the area under a curve, determining the position of an object in motion, and analyzing the behavior of waves. They are also important in engineering and other fields that involve calculations using trigonometric functions.

How do I solve a trigonometric integral?

To solve a trigonometric integral, you can use various techniques, such as substitution, integration by parts, and trigonometric identities. It is important to have a good understanding of the basic trigonometric functions and their properties in order to solve these types of integrals.

What are some common mistakes when solving trigonometric integrals?

Some common mistakes when solving trigonometric integrals include forgetting to apply trigonometric identities, making errors in algebraic manipulation, and not paying attention to the limits of integration. It is also important to be aware of any special cases, such as using the half-angle or double-angle formulas when necessary.

Are there any tips for solving trigonometric integrals more efficiently?

One tip for solving trigonometric integrals more efficiently is to practice and become familiar with the different techniques, so you can quickly identify which approach will be most effective for a given integral. It is also helpful to review and understand the basic trigonometric identities and their derivatives, as they can often simplify the integral. Additionally, using a graphing calculator or software can help visualize the problem and check your answer.

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