Integrate x^5secxdx to Solving the Tricky Integration Problem

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In summary, the conversation discusses an integral that is not expressible in terms of elementary functions and the process of determining if a function is even, odd, or neither. The solution for the integral is 0, as determined by the properties of even and odd functions. The conversation also mentions the properties of integrals for even and odd functions.
  • #1
islubio
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Hi I m kinda stuck at this question.

integral of x^5secxdx. I tried IBP n i couldn't carry on.
 
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  • #2
Unfortunately, this integral is not expressible in terms of elementary functions.
 
  • #3
Ok my frene gave me the wrong info. int that interms of -1 to 1.
I know the answer is 0 but why?
 
  • #4
Is the function [itex]f(x) = x^5 \sec{x}[/itex] even, odd or neither? When you have decided that, it should become clear as to why

[itex]\int^{1}_{-1}{x^5 \sec{x}} dx = 0[/itex]
 
  • #5
I feel lost lol. How do i tell if it's even odd or neither?
 
  • #6
A function [itex]f[/itex] is even if [itex]f(x) = f(-x) \forall x \in domain[/itex]

A function [itex]f[/itex] is odd if [itex]-f(x) = f(-x) \forall x \in domain[/itex]

For your function, check [itex]f(x)[/itex] vs. [itex]f(-x)[/itex] vs. [itex]-f(x)[/itex].
 
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  • #7
f(-x) = -x^5sec-x

-f(x) = -(x^5secx)

Is this the way?
 
  • #8
Sorry, I initially missed a negative sign in my last post.

Yes, that's a way to check. And you know that sec(x) = 1/cos(x) and that cos(-x) = cos(x). Therefore, sec(-x) = sec(x). That implies that sec is an even function. However, (-x)^5 = -(x^5) implies that x^5 is an odd function. An even function times an odd function is itself an odd function.

One property of an odd function, g(x), is that

[itex]\int^{a}_{-a} g(x)dx = 0[/itex]
 
  • #9
On a related note, for an even function h(x),

[itex]\int^{a}_{-a} h(x)dx = 2\int^{a}_{0} h(x)dx[/itex]

If you graph some simple even and odd functions, you will see why this is the case.
 

FAQ: Integrate x^5secxdx to Solving the Tricky Integration Problem

What is the definition of an integral?

An integral is a mathematical concept that represents the area under a curve in a graph. It is used to calculate the total amount of a quantity or the accumulation of a rate of change over a given interval.

How do you solve for the integral of x^5secxdx?

To solve for the integral of x^5secxdx, we can use the integration by parts method. This involves breaking the integral into two parts and using a formula to simplify the resulting integral. In this case, we can let u = x^5 and dv = secxdx, and then use the formula ∫u dv = uv - ∫v du to solve for the integral.

3. What is the process for evaluating an integral?

The process for evaluating an integral involves first understanding the function or curve that the integral represents. Then, we use different integration techniques such as substitution, integration by parts, or trigonometric identities to simplify the integral. Finally, we use the fundamental theorem of calculus to evaluate the integral and find the answer.

4. Are there any special cases or rules for solving integrals?

Yes, there are some special cases and rules for solving integrals. For example, we can use the power rule to solve for the integral of xn, where n is any real number. We can also use trigonometric identities to simplify integrals involving trigonometric functions. Additionally, there are some common integration formulas that can be used for specific types of integrals.

5. How can integrals be applied in real-life situations?

Integrals have many applications in real-life situations. They can be used to calculate the area under a curve in physics, such as finding the work done by a variable force. In economics, integrals can be used to calculate total revenue or profit. They are also used in engineering to calculate the volume of irregular shapes or to find the center of mass of an object. In general, integrals are used in any situation where we need to calculate the total accumulation of a quantity or rate of change.

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