Integrating $\sin^4 x$ to get $\cos^2 2x$

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In summary, the given integral can be simplified to $\frac{1}{4}\int (1-\cos(2x))^2 dx$, which can be further simplified by using the double angle formula and the chain rule.
  • #1
karush
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$$\int \sin^4\left({x}\right) dx
\implies\int \left(\sin^2 \left({x}\right)\right)^2 dx$$

$$\implies \frac{1}{4}\int\left(1-\cos\left({2x}\right)\right)^2 dx

\implies \frac{1}{4}\int\left(1-2\cos\left({2x}\right)+\cos^2 \left({2x}\right)\right)dx $$

Got this far...hope ok
 
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  • #2
You've got too many $\dfrac14$'s in the first integral on the second line; everything else looks ok. Alternatively, you could rewrite the integrand as $\sin^2x(1-\cos^2x)$, which gives

$$\int\sin^2(x)\,dx-\dfrac14\int\sin^2(2x)\,dx$$

Then use the half-angle identities to simplify. That may be a little easier.By the way, why did you title this thread "abs limit"?
 
  • #3
karush said:
$$\int \sin^4\left({x}\right) dx
\implies\int \left(\sin^2 \left({x}\right)\right)^2 dx$$

$$\implies \frac{1}{4}\int\left(1-\cos\left({2x}\right)\right)^2 dx

\implies \frac{1}{4}\int\left(1-2\cos\left({2x}\right)+\cos^2 \left({2x}\right)\right)dx $$

Got this far...hope ok

This is fine, now you are going to need to use a double angle formula again on the final term...
 
  • #4
Can this be done with the chain rule and not expansion
 
  • #5
karush said:
Can this be done with the chain rule and not expansion

No, if you were going to use the chain rule you need a multiple of the derivative of cos(2x)...
 

FAQ: Integrating $\sin^4 x$ to get $\cos^2 2x$

What does it mean to integrate $\sin^4 x$?

Integrating $\sin^4 x$ means finding the function that, when differentiated, gives $\sin^4 x$ as its result. This is known as the anti-derivative or the integral of $\sin^4 x$.

Why is it important to integrate $\sin^4 x$?

Integrating $\sin^4 x$ is important in many areas of mathematics and science, including physics, engineering, and statistics. It allows us to solve problems involving motion, area, and probability, among others.

How do you integrate $\sin^4 x$?

Integrating $\sin^4 x$ involves using techniques of integration, such as substitution, integration by parts, or trigonometric identities. The specific method used will depend on the complexity of the problem and the desired result.

What is the result of integrating $\sin^4 x$?

The result of integrating $\sin^4 x$ is a function that involves $\sin^4 x$ and possibly other terms. It is important to note that there is no single correct answer, as different methods of integration can lead to different but equivalent results.

How do you use the integral of $\sin^4 x$ to get $\cos^2 2x$?

To use the integral of $\sin^4 x$ to get $\cos^2 2x$, we can use the trigonometric identity $\sin^2 x = \frac{1-\cos 2x}{2}$, which can be derived from the double angle formula for cosine. Substituting this into the integral of $\sin^4 x$ and simplifying will lead to the desired result of $\cos^2 2x$.

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