Help with trigonometric substitutions

In summary, the student attempted to solve a trigonometric equation in which x=-5 sin theta. The problem became complicated when sin^2 suddenly appeared in the numerator and the student was unable to find an antiderivative for csc^2 \theta.
  • #1
afcwestwarrior
457
0

Homework Statement


∫1/x^2*√25-x^2




Homework Equations


√a^2-x^2 , x=a sin (theta) , -pi/2 less than or equal theta less than or equal pi/2 Identity 1-sin^2 theta= cos^2 theta

table of trigonometric substitutions


The Attempt at a Solution


x=5 sin theta
dx= 5 cos theta dtheta
theta=arcsin (x/5)
√25-x^2=5 cos theta
∫5 cos theta / 25 sin^2 theta * (5cos theta)=1/25 ∫sin^2 theta d theta

=1/25 - cos^2 theta+c
= -1/25 cos^2 (arcsin(x/5) +c

but the answer in the back of the book is -√25-(x^2)/(25x) +c

what did i do wrong
 
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  • #2
anyone know what i did wrong
 
  • #3
Is the integral

[tex]\int \frac{dx}{x^2 \cdot \surd(25-x^2)} [/tex]?

afcwestwarrior said:

The Attempt at a Solution


x=5 sin theta
dx= 5 cos theta dtheta
theta=arcsin (x/5)
?25-x^2=5 cos theta
?5 cos theta / 25 sin^2 theta * (5cos theta)=1/25 ?sin^2 theta d theta

How did sin^2 suddenly get into the numerator? I believe the trig-substituted integral at this point will be

[tex]\frac{1}{25} \int \frac{d\theta}{sin^2 \theta}[/tex]

Do we have an antiderivative handy for [tex]csc^2 \theta[/tex]?

BTW, please don't "bump" your own threads: it makes the reply count go up, so it looks like someone has started helping you when they actually haven't yet. Please be patient and someone will get to you. It's going to be slow right now because most universities are still on "interim" until at least next week (and many don't start up again until well into September)...
 
Last edited:
  • #4
afcwestwarrior said:

Homework Statement


∫1/x^2*√25-x^2
First question: is this
[tex]\int \frac{dx}{x^2\sqrt{25- x^2}}[/tex]
or
[tex]\int \frac{1}{x^2} \sqrt{25- x^2}dx[/tex]?




Homework Equations


√a^2-x^2 , x=a sin (theta) , -pi/2 less than or equal theta less than or equal pi/2 Identity 1-sin^2 theta= cos^2 theta

table of trigonometric substitutions


The Attempt at a Solution


x=5 sin theta
dx= 5 cos theta dtheta
theta=arcsin (x/5)
√25-x^2=5 cos theta
∫5 cos theta / 25 sin^2 theta * (5cos theta)=1/25 ∫sin^2 theta d theta

=1/25 - cos^2 theta+c
= -1/25 cos^2 (arcsin(x/5) +c

but the answer in the back of the book is -√25-(x^2)/(25x) +c

what did i do wrong
If the problem is
[tex]\int \frac{dx}{x^2\sqrt{25- x^2}}[/tex]
then the substitution x= 5 sin(t) gives dx= 5 cos(t)dt, [itex]\sqrt{25- x^2}= 5cos(t)[/itex] and x2= 25 sin2(t) so the integral becomes
[tex]\int \frac{5 cos(t)dt}{(25 sin^2(t))(5cos(t))}= \frac{1}{25}\int \frac{dt}{sin^2(t)}= \frac{1}{25}\int csc^2(t) dt[/tex]

If the problem is
[tex]int \frac{1}{x^2}\sqrt{25- x^2}dx[/tex]
then the substitution x= 5 sin(t) gives
[tex]\int \frac{25 cos^2(t) dt}{25 sin^2(t)}= \int cot^2(t) dt[/itex]
 
  • #5
It's the first one
 
  • #6
Then the replies in post #3 and the first integration in post #4 are appropriate. Find the general antiderivative of [tex]
csc^2 \theta
[/tex], then back-substitute to get the expression in terms of x.
 
  • #7
thanks
 

FAQ: Help with trigonometric substitutions

How do I know when to use trigonometric substitutions?

Trigonometric substitutions are used when you have an integral that contains a square root of a quadratic expression, and the quadratic expression cannot be factored. In this case, you can use a trigonometric substitution to simplify the integral and make it easier to solve.

What are the most common trigonometric substitutions?

The most commonly used trigonometric substitutions are:
- For integrals containing √(a²-x²), use x = a sinθ
- For integrals containing √(a²+x²), use x = a tanθ
- For integrals containing √(x²-a²), use x = a secθ
- For integrals containing √(x²+a²), use x = a cotθ
Note that the specific substitution used may depend on the form of the integral and what trigonometric identities can be applied.

How do I integrate after making a trigonometric substitution?

After making a trigonometric substitution and simplifying the integral, you will end up with an integral in terms of θ. You can then use trigonometric identities to simplify the integral further into a form that is easier to integrate. Once you have the integral in terms of θ, you can integrate it as you would any other single-variable integral.

Can I use trigonometric substitutions for any type of integral?

No, trigonometric substitutions are only useful for certain types of integrals, specifically those that involve square roots of quadratic expressions. If the integral does not have this form, then a trigonometric substitution may not be helpful.

Are there any other methods I can use instead of trigonometric substitutions?

Yes, there are other methods that can be used to solve integrals, such as integration by parts, partial fractions, and u-substitution. It is important to choose the most appropriate method for each integral, as different methods may be more efficient or effective for different types of integrals.

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