Integral of (cos x)^2 - Solution 1/2x + 1/4 sin2x

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The integral of (cos x)^2 can be solved using power-reduction formulas, specifically that cos^2 x equals (1 + cos(2x))/2. This leads to the integral being expressed as (1/2)∫1 dx + (1/2)∫cos(2x) dx. The final result of the integration is 1/2x + 1/4 sin(2x) + C. Trigonometric identities are essential for simplifying the integration process. Understanding these identities is crucial for solving similar integrals effectively.
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integral (cos x)^2??
the answer is 1/2x + 1/4 sin2x
pls help...thanx...
 
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teng125 said:
integral (cos x)^2??
the answer is 1/2x + 1/4 sin2x
pls help...thanx...
To integrate something like sin2x dx, cos2x dx, we use Power-reduction formulas, ie:
\cos ^ 2 x = \frac{1 + \cos(2x)}{2} \quad \mbox{and} \quad \sin ^ 2 x = \frac{1 - \cos(2x)}{2}
Can you go from here?
 
You can do this using trig identities:
\cos{2\theta}=\cos^2{\theta}-\sin^2{\theta} = 2\cos^2{\theta}-1
Now solve for \cos^2{\theta}:
\cos^2{\theta}=\frac{1+\cos{2\theta}}{2}
So
\int\cos^2{x}dx=\frac{1}{2}\int 1+\cos{2x}dx
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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