Integrate by Parts: Solving Difficult Integrand

In summary: It's not pretty, but it can be done. The second of Sudharaka's readings is an entirely different animal.
  • #1
cbarker1
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I am trying to integrate a difficult integrand.
\[1/2*\int \sin(\sqrt(3)/2x)*\sec(\sqrt(3)x)\, dx\]
I know that it requires to use integrate by parts.
Which function do I use to for the differential and integrable?
 
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  • #2
Well, I don't think this is solvable .
 
  • #3
Cbarker1 said:
I am trying to integrate a difficult integrand.
\[1/2*\int \sin(\sqrt(3)/2x)*\sec(\sqrt(3)x)\, dx\]
I know that it requires to use integrate by parts.
Which function do I use to for the differential and integrable?

Hi Cbarker1, :)

I think there is a little ambiguity in your integral due to the lack of parenthesis. Did you meant this,

\[\frac{1}{2}\int\sin\left(\frac{\sqrt{3}x}{2}\right)\sec(\sqrt{3}x)\,dx\]

or this,

\[\frac{1}{2}\int\sin\left(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2x}\right)\sec(\sqrt{3}x)\,dx\]

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.
 
  • #4
Cbarker1 said:
I am trying to integrate a difficult integrand.
\[1/2*\int \sin(\sqrt(3)/2x)*\sec(\sqrt(3)x)\, dx\]
I know that it requires to use integrate by parts.
Which function do I use to for the differential and integrable?
I am assuming that the first of Sudharaka's readings is the one that is intended: $\frac12{\displaystyle\int} \sin\bigl(\frac{\sqrt3}2x\bigr)\sec(\sqrt3x)\,dx$. If you write $$\sec(\sqrt3x) = \frac1{\cos(\sqrt3x)} = \frac1{2\cos^2 \bigl(\frac{\sqrt3}2x\bigr) -1}$$ and then make the substitution $u = \cos\bigl(\frac{\sqrt3}2x\bigr)$, the integral becomes $\displaystyle-\frac{\sqrt3}4 \int\frac{du}{2u^2-1}$, which you can integrate using partial fractions.
 

FAQ: Integrate by Parts: Solving Difficult Integrand

What is the purpose of using integration by parts?

The purpose of using integration by parts is to simplify the integration of a product of two functions that cannot be easily integrated using other methods. It allows us to break down a complex integral into simpler integrals that can then be solved using basic integration rules.

How do you choose which function to differentiate and which function to integrate when using integration by parts?

When using integration by parts, the choice of which function to differentiate and which function to integrate is based on a specific formula: ∫uv' dx = uv - ∫u'v dx. The first function, u, should be chosen based on its ease of integration in the second integral, while the second function, v', should be chosen based on its ease of differentiation.

Can integration by parts be used to solve all integrals?

No, integration by parts can only be used for certain types of integrals where the integrand is a product of two functions. It is not applicable to integrals involving trigonometric functions, logarithmic functions, or other special functions.

How do you know when to stop using integration by parts?

If the integral becomes more complicated after one iteration of integration by parts, it is recommended to stop and try a different method. Generally, integration by parts should be used when the integral becomes simpler or when the new integral can be solved using basic integration rules.

Are there any tips for making integration by parts easier?

One tip for making integration by parts easier is to choose the first function, u, as a function that becomes simpler after each iteration of integration by parts. Another tip is to choose v' such that its integral can be easily evaluated. It is also helpful to practice and become familiar with applying the integration by parts formula.

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