Integrating x^2sinx: Finding Limits and Solution

In summary, the conversation is about a person who is struggling with integrating a function involving trigonometric functions. They ask for help and receive a correct solution from another user. However, they realize that their initial answer was incorrect due to a mistake in using the correct units for the trig functions. After correcting their mistake, they find that their answer matches the one given in the book.
  • #1
Mo
81
0

Homework Statement


Find the integral of:


Homework Equations


x^2 . sinx dx (With upper and lower limits of pi and 0 respectively.)


The Attempt at a Solution



Integrating for the first time:
-x^2 . cos x + 2 [integral of] x . cosx dx

After integrating a part of my first integration:
-x^2 . cosx + 2xsinx + 2cosx

----------------------------

I used the method of integration by parts where u = x^2 and dv = sinx.

I don't really need the final answer, i just want to see where i am going wrong with the actual integration.

Anything with trig in it seems to completely throw me

Thanks.

----------------------------
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Mo said:

Homework Statement


Find the integral of:


Homework Equations


x^2 . sinx dx (With upper and lower limits of pi and 0 respectively.)


The Attempt at a Solution



Integrating for the first time:
-x^2 . cos x + 2 [integral of] x . cosx dx

After integrating a part of my first integration:
-x^2 . cosx + 2xsinx + 2cosx

----------------------------

I used the method of integration by parts where u = x^2 and dv = sinx.

I don't really need the final answer, i just want to see where i am going wrong with the actual integration.

Anything with trig in it seems to completely throw me

Thanks.

----------------------------

Mo, your solution (-x^2 . cosx + 2xsinx + 2cosx) is CORRECT :: approve

marlon
 
  • #3
Thanks for the help. The thing is, if i input the limits of pi and 0, i get a completely different answer to that in the book!

The book gives the answer as ((pi^2) - 4)

Either i am substituting the limits incorrectly (likely) or the book's answer is incorrect (unlikely..)

Am I right in saying that first we substitute pi for x, get an answer, then substitute 0 for x and again get an answer.

We then subtract the our the latter answer from the first.

ie:

(-pi^2 . cos(pi) + 2(pi)sin(pi) + 2cos(pi)) - (2cos(0))

which will give us the final answer.

Regards.

ps: thanks for spotting that, cristo
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Mo said:
ie:

(-pi^2 . cos(pi) + 2(pi)sin(pi) + 2cos(pi)) - (2cos(pi))

Probably a typo, but this should read

(-pi^2 . cos(pi) + 2(pi)sin(pi) + 2cos(pi)) - (2cos(0))
 
  • #5
Mo said:
(-pi^2 . cos(pi) + 2(pi)sin(pi) + 2cos(pi)) - (2cos(pi))

which will give us the final answer.

Regards.

again correct...It must be a typo

cos(pi) = -1
sin(pi) = 0

i get

(-pi^2* (-1) + 2(pi)* 0 + 2* (-1)) - (2)
marlon
 
Last edited:
  • #6
In that case the book was correct.

I was doing the substitutions using my calculator which was not in radians mode. :cry:

Thanks for your help though, much appreciated.
 

FAQ: Integrating x^2sinx: Finding Limits and Solution

What is the general process for finding the limit of a function?

The general process for finding the limit of a function involves plugging in the value the function is approaching into the equation and simplifying the expression. If the resulting value is undefined or approaches infinity, further steps may be required to find the limit.

How do you integrate x^2sinx?

To integrate x^2sinx, you can use the integration by parts method. This involves breaking down the function into two parts, one of which is u and the other is dv. You can then use the formula for integration by parts to solve the integral.

What is the purpose of finding the limit of a function?

The purpose of finding the limit of a function is to determine the behavior of the function as the input approaches a specific value. This can help in understanding the behavior of the function and making predictions about its values.

Can the limit of a function exist even if the function is not defined at that point?

Yes, the limit of a function can exist even if the function is not defined at that point. This is because the limit is not dependent on the actual value of the function at that point, but rather on the behavior of the function as the input approaches that point.

Are there any other methods for finding the limit of a function besides plugging in values and using L'Hopital's rule?

Yes, there are other methods for finding the limit of a function, such as the squeeze theorem, the intermediate value theorem, and the Cauchy's mean value theorem. These methods may be useful for finding limits in more complex or indeterminate cases.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
168
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
1K
Back
Top