Integration by substitution help

In summary, integration by substitution is a technique used in calculus to evaluate integrals by replacing the variable of integration with a new variable. It is most commonly used when the integrand contains a function within a function or a product of functions. To perform integration by substitution, one must identify a function within the integrand, choose a new variable, differentiate it, substitute it into the integral, solve, and then substitute back in the original variable. However, this method is not suitable for all integrals and other techniques may be more effective. There is no specific order for choosing the new variable, but it should be chosen to simplify the integral.
  • #1
fstam2
10
0
I am going crazy on this problem:

[tex] \int sec(v+(\pi/2)) tan(v+\pi/2)) dv [/tex]

if I substitute u= [tex] tan(v+\pi/2)) dv [/tex], can I use the product rule to find du= [tex] sec(v+(\pi/2)) dv [/tex].

Thanks, Todd
 
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  • #2
Use [itex]\sin(x+\pi/2)=\cos(x)[/itex] and [itex]\cos(x+\pi/2)=-\sin(x)[/itex] to rewrite the integrand. Then subsitute [itex]u=\frac{1}{\sin(x)}[/itex].
 
  • #3
Else,use the definition and the substitution [tex] x+\frac{\pi}{2}=u [/tex]...It's really simple.

And another one:
[tex]d[\sec(x+\frac{\pi}{2})]=\sec(x+\frac{\pi}{2})\tan(x+\frac{\pi}{2})dx [/tex]

so the integration is immediate...

Daniel.
 

FAQ: Integration by substitution help

What is integration by substitution?

Integration by substitution is a technique used in calculus to evaluate integrals by replacing the variable of integration with a new variable, making the integral easier to solve. This technique is also known as u-substitution.

When should I use integration by substitution?

Integration by substitution is most commonly used when the integrand (the expression being integrated) contains a function within a function, such as sin(x^2) or e^x. It is also useful when the integrand contains a product of functions.

How do I perform integration by substitution?

To perform integration by substitution, follow these steps:

  1. Identify a function within the integrand that could be replaced with a new variable.
  2. Choose a new variable, usually denoted as u, to replace the identified function.
  3. Differentiate the new variable u with respect to x to find du/dx.
  4. Substitute u and du/dx into the integral, replacing the function and its derivative.
  5. Solve the integral with respect to the new variable u.
  6. Finally, substitute back in the original variable to get the final solution.

Can I use integration by substitution for all integrals?

No, integration by substitution is not suitable for all integrals. It is most effective when the integrand contains a function within a function or a product of functions. In some cases, other integration techniques such as integration by parts or trigonometric substitution may be more useful.

Is there a specific order for choosing the new variable in integration by substitution?

There is no specific order for choosing the new variable, but it is important to choose a variable that will make the integral simpler to solve. It may take some trial and error to find the best substitution for a particular integral.

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