Integrating a Product of Trig Functions

In summary, the given integral evaluates to the product of the sine of half the angle and the cosine of a third of the angle, evaluated at the upper and lower limits of integration. The result given by the TI calculator is $\frac{\sqrt{6}}{4}$. The derivative of the given function can be found using the product rule. The fundamental theorem of calculus states that differentiating and then integrating a function will result in the original function.
  • #1
karush
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$$\int_{0}^{\pi/2}\d{}{x} \left(\sin\left({\frac{x}{2}}\right)\cos\left({\frac{x}{3}}\right)\right)\,dx$$

the ans the TI gave me was $\frac{\sqrt{6}}{4}$

the derivative can by found by the product rule. but really expands the problem
so not sure how the $\frac{d}{dx}$ played in this.
 
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  • #2
karush said:
$$\int_{0}^{\pi/2}\d{}{x} \left(\sin\left({\frac{x}{2}}\right)\cos\left({\frac{x}{3}}\right)\right)\,dx$$

the ans the TI gave me was $\frac{\sqrt{6}}{4}$

the derivative can by found by the product rule. but really expands the problem
so not sure how the $\frac{d}{dx}$ played in this.
Fundamental theorem of calculus: if you differentiate and then integrate, you get back to where you started from! $$\int_{0}^{\pi/2}\d{}{x} \left(\sin\left({\frac{x}{2}}\right)\cos\left({\frac{x}{3}}\right)\right)\,dx = \left[\left(\sin\left({\frac{x}{2}}\right)\cos\left({\frac{x}{3}}\right)\right)\right]_0^{\pi/2}$$
 

FAQ: Integrating a Product of Trig Functions

What is the formula for integrating a product of trigonometric functions?

The formula for integrating a product of trigonometric functions is ∫ f(x)g(x) dx = ∫ f(x) dx * ∫ g(x) dx. This means that you can integrate each trigonometric function separately and then multiply the results together.

What are the common trigonometric identities used when integrating a product of trigonometric functions?

The common trigonometric identities used when integrating a product of trigonometric functions include the double angle formulas, the power-reducing formulas, and the sum and difference formulas. These identities help simplify the integrand and make it easier to integrate.

What is the process for solving an integral involving a product of trigonometric functions?

The process for solving an integral involving a product of trigonometric functions is to first identify the appropriate trigonometric identities to simplify the integrand. Then use integration techniques such as substitution or integration by parts to evaluate the integral. Finally, multiply the individual integrals together to get the final result.

Can you provide an example of integrating a product of trigonometric functions?

Sure, let's say we want to integrate ∫ sin(x)cos(x) dx. We can use the double angle formula for sine (sin(2x) = 2sin(x)cos(x)) to rewrite the integrand as ∫ 1/2 * sin(2x) dx. Then using the substitution u = 2x, du = 2dx, we get 1/2 ∫ sin(u) du = -1/2 * cos(u) + C = -1/2 * cos(2x) + C.

Are there any special cases to keep in mind when integrating a product of trigonometric functions?

Yes, there are a few special cases to keep in mind when integrating a product of trigonometric functions. These include the product of sine and cosine with the same argument (e.g. sin²(x), cos²(x)), the product of secant and tangent (e.g. sec(x)tan(x)), and the product of cosecant and cotangent (e.g. csc(x)cot(x)). In these cases, you may need to use trigonometric identities or make a u-substitution to simplify the integrand.

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