How to Evaluate Trig Integrals and Simplify with Trig Identities?

In summary, someone can help me evaluate this integral by providing a substitution, and explaining what it does.
  • #1
dx/dy=?
49
0
Can someone please help me in evaluating the following integral?

Im really bad with trig functions, and have been trying to work this out for ages.

[tex]\int \frac{sin x}{cos^2 x} dx[/tex]

Is there a way I can evaluate for [tex]\cos^2 x[/tex] ?
Or is there something I am missing altogether?



Also,

Can someone please tell me how:
[tex]\int \frac{sec\theta}{cos\theta} dx =\ tan\theta + C[/tex]
??
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
dx/dy=? said:
[tex]\int \frac{sin x}{cos^2 x} dx[/tex]
Substitution: [itex]y = \cos x \Leftrightarrow dy = - \sin xdx[/itex] gives:

[tex]\int {\frac{{\sin x}}
{{\cos ^2 x}}dx} = \int {\frac{{ - 1}}
{{y^2 }}dy = } \frac{1}
{y} + C = \frac{1}
{{\cos x}} + C[/tex]

dx/dy=? said:
Can someone please tell me how:
[tex]\int \frac{sec\theta}{cos\theta} dx =\ tan\theta = C[/tex]
If you know that :
[tex]\sec \theta = \frac{1}{{\cos \theta }}[/tex]

and

[tex]\frac{{d\left( {\tan \theta } \right)}}
{{d\theta }} = \frac{1}
{{\cos ^2 \theta }}[/tex]

then... :smile:
 
  • #3
Thanks,

For the first integral [tex]\int \frac{sin x}{cos^2 x} dx[/tex] was thinking more along the lines of multiplying out before evaluatng, to try to obtain a more simple integral to evaluate,
but your way is obviously better.

Is there a way this can be evaluated without substitution?
Or is there no function which has [tex]\cos^2 x[/tex] as its derivative?

Thanks again for the help.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
why would you want cos^2@ as a derivative?
 
  • #5
dx/dy=? said:
Is there a way this can be evaluated without substitution?
Or is there no function which has [tex]\cos^2 x[/tex] as its derivative?

Thanks again for the help.
The easiest way is certainly using that substitution.

I don't really see why you'd want to know an anti-derivative for [tex]\cos^2 x[/tex], if you do: just compute it, use:
[tex]\cos \left( {2x} \right) = 2\cos ^2 x - 1 \Leftrightarrow \cos ^2 x = \frac{{1 + \cos \left( {2x} \right)}}
{2}[/tex]

I don't see how that would help though, you don't have [tex]\cos^2 x[/tex] in the integral but [tex]\frac{1}
{{\cos ^2 x}}[/tex], whose anti-derivative is of course [tex]\tan x[/tex]
 
  • #6
[tex]\int \frac{sin x}{cos^2 x} dx = \int \sec x \tan x dx = \sec x + C [/tex]
 
  • #7
Thanks very much for all your help everyone.

Im slowly getting the hang of Calculus, but I am not at all good with derivatives of trig functions.
Ill get there eventually.
 

FAQ: How to Evaluate Trig Integrals and Simplify with Trig Identities?

What is the purpose of evaluating trigonometric integrals?

The purpose of evaluating trigonometric integrals is to find the exact value of a trigonometric function within a given interval. This can be useful in solving real-world problems in fields such as physics, engineering, and mathematics.

What is the process for evaluating trigonometric integrals?

The process for evaluating trigonometric integrals involves using various trigonometric identities, substitution, and integration techniques. It is important to have a good understanding of these concepts in order to successfully evaluate trigonometric integrals.

What are some common trigonometric identities used in evaluating trigonometric integrals?

Some common trigonometric identities used in evaluating trigonometric integrals include the Pythagorean identities, double angle identities, and half angle identities. These identities can be useful in simplifying trigonometric functions and making them easier to integrate.

How do I know when to use substitution or integration techniques when evaluating trigonometric integrals?

Knowing when to use substitution or integration techniques when evaluating trigonometric integrals requires practice and familiarity with these methods. Generally, substitution is used when the integrand contains a single trigonometric function or a product of trigonometric functions. Integration techniques, such as integration by parts or partial fractions, are used when the integrand contains more complex trigonometric expressions.

Are there any tips for simplifying the process of evaluating trigonometric integrals?

One tip for simplifying the process of evaluating trigonometric integrals is to draw a triangle and label its sides with the given trigonometric functions. This can help identify which trigonometric identities to use and make the integration process easier. It is also helpful to practice and familiarize yourself with common trigonometric identities and integration techniques.

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