How can trigonometric substitution simplify integration?

In summary: Yes, that's one possible identity you could use. :DIn summary, the conversation is about solving the integral $\int{x}^{2}\sqrt{1-{x}^{2}}dx$ using the substitution method. The initial attempt uses a trigonometric substitution, but the person gets lost and suggests trying a different substitution. The expert suggests using the substitution $x=\sin(\theta)$ and shows the necessary steps to solve the integral using trigonometric identities. Eventually, the expert guides the person to the final solution of $\frac{1}{8}\left[\arcsin\left({x}\right)-x\right]+C$ by using double-angle identities and the Pythagorean identity.
  • #1
karush
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$\int{x}^{2}\sqrt{1-{x}^{2}}dx$
$u=\sec\left({x}\right)\ du= \frac{\sin\left({x}\right)}{{\cos\left({x}\right)}^{2}}dx$

I pursued this but got lost, maybe I don't need a trig subst.
 
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  • #2
karush said:
$\int{x}^{2}\sqrt{1-{x}^{2}}dx$
$u=\sec\left({x}\right)\ du= \frac{\sin\left({x}\right)}{{\cos\left({x}\right)}^{2}}dx$

I pursued this but got lost, maybe I don't need a trig subst.
Try u = sin(theta) or x = cos(theta).

-Dan
 
  • #3
$x=\sin\left({\theta}\right)\ dx=\cos\left({\theta}\right)$

$\int\sin^2\left({\theta}\right)\cos\left({\theta}\right)d\theta$
 
  • #4
karush said:
$x=\sin\left({\theta}\right)\ dx=\cos\left({\theta}\right)$

$\int\sin^2\left({\theta}\right)\cos\left({\theta}\right)d\theta$
That's the one! Can you finish it from here?

-Dan
 
  • #5
$u=\sin\left({\theta}\right)
\ du=\cos\left({\theta}\right)\ d\theta$
$\int{u}^{2}\ du$

This isn't heading towards the TI answer
 
  • #6
If you let:

\(\displaystyle x=\sin(\theta)\implies dx=\cos(\theta)\,d\theta\)

Then your integral becomes:

\(\displaystyle I=\int \sin^2(\theta)\cos^2(\theta)\,d\theta\)

At this point, I would then rewrite the integral as:

\(\displaystyle I=\frac{1}{8}\int \sin^2(2\theta)\,d(2\theta)\)

Now, use a double-angle identity for cosine to proceed...:D
 
  • #7
Where does the 1/8 come from?
 
  • #8
karush said:
Where does the 1/8 come from?

It comes from:

i) \(\displaystyle \sin^2(2u)=4\sin^2(u)\cos^2(u)\)

ii) We want the differential to be \(\displaystyle d(2\theta)\)

Does that make sense?
 
  • #9
Yes but have never seen $dx$ look like $d(2\theta)$
 
  • #10
karush said:
Yes but have never seen $dx$ look like $d(2\theta)$

It allows you to avoid yet another substitution, where you could let:

\(\displaystyle u=2\theta\implies du=2d\theta=d(2\theta)\)

It simply means you would be integrating with respect to $2\theta$. :D
 
  • #11
Do you mean he identity of
$\sin^2\left({\theta}\right)=(1-\cos\left({2\theta}\right)) / 2$
I proceeded with this but the $\cos\left({2\theta}\right)$ got?
Sorry for delay on reply but it's the end of the quarter and I got overwhelmed
 
  • #12
Yes, that's the identity I meant, so now we have:

\(\displaystyle I=\frac{1}{32}\int 1-\cos(4\theta)\,d(4\theta)=\frac{1}{32}\left(4\theta-\sin(4\theta)\right)+C\)

Now, back-substitute for $\theta$, perhaps using some trig. identities first. :D
 
  • #13
$\theta$?
Not sure how that was given?
 
  • #14
karush said:
$\theta$?
Not sure how that was given?

Take the substitution you used and solve it for $\theta$. :D
 
  • #15
$x=\sin\left({\theta}\right)$
$\sin^{-1}\left({x}\right)=\theta$

This?
 
  • #16
karush said:
$x=\sin\left({\theta}\right)$
$\sin^{-1}\left({x}\right)=\theta$

This?

Yes, that'd be it! :D
 
  • #17
$ \frac{1}{8}\left[\arcsin\left({x}\right)-x\right]+C$

I hope..
 
  • #18
karush said:
$ \frac{1}{8}\left[\arcsin\left({x}\right)-x\right]+C$

I hope..

No, you are going to need to use some double-angle identities...and a Pythagorean identity because your anti-derivative has $4\theta$ as the trig. argument...:D
 
  • #19
$\sin\left({4\theta}\right)=4\sin\left({\theta}\right)\cos^3\left({\theta}\right)
-4\sin^3\left({\theta}\right)\cos\left({\theta}\right)$

Do I proceed with this? that's expanding this a lot.
 
  • #20
I would write:

\(\displaystyle \sin(4\theta)=2\sin(2\theta)\cos(2\theta)=4\sin(\theta)\cos(\theta)\left(1-2\sin^2(\theta)\right)\)

Now you just need to write $\cos(\theta)$ in terms of $\sin(\theta)$.
 
  • #21
MarkFL said:
I would write:

\(\displaystyle \sin(4\theta)=2\sin(2\theta)\cos(2\theta)=4\sin(\theta)\cos(\theta)\left(1-2\sin^2(\theta)\right)\)

Now you just need to write $\cos(\theta)$ in terms of $\sin(\theta)$.

this one? $\sin\left({\frac{\pi}{2}-\theta}\right)=\cos\left({\theta}\right)$
 

FAQ: How can trigonometric substitution simplify integration?

What is "Integral with substitution"?

"Integral with substitution" is a method used in calculus to evaluate integrals. It involves replacing the variable in an integral with a new variable, making the integral easier to solve.

When should I use the substitution method for integrals?

The substitution method is most useful when the integral involves a complicated expression or when the integrand (the function being integrated) is composed of multiple terms. It can also be used when the integral involves trigonometric functions.

How do I choose the substitution variable?

The substitution variable should be chosen by looking for a part of the integrand that can be replaced with a simpler expression. Common substitution variables include u, x, and t.

What are the steps to solve an integral with substitution?

The steps for solving an integral with substitution are:
1. Identify the part of the integrand to be substituted
2. Choose a substitution variable and rewrite the integral using the new variable
3. Find the derivative of the substitution variable
4. Substitute the new variable and its derivative into the integral
5. Solve the resulting integral
6. Substitute the original variable back into the final answer.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when using substitution for integrals?

One common mistake is forgetting to substitute the limits of integration when solving a definite integral. Another mistake is using the wrong substitution variable or not simplifying the integral after substitution. It is important to double check your work and make sure all substitutions have been correctly made before solving the integral.

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