Integration using Trig. Substitution

In summary, the conversation discusses solving the integral \int\sqrt{X^2+1}dX using the substitution X=tan \theta and converting secants into cosines. The conversation also suggests using partial fractions or the integral of secant cubed to solve the problem.
  • #1
3.141592654
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Homework Statement



[tex]\int\sqrt{X^2+1}dX[/tex]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I used the substitution X=tan [tex]\theta[/tex]

So, [tex]dX=(sec^2 \theta[/tex]) d[tex]\theta[/tex]

Substituting in for X, I get:

[tex]\int\sqrt{(tan^2 \theta)+1}(sec^2 \theta) d\theta[/tex]

= [tex]\int\sqrt{(sec^2 \theta)}(sec^2 \theta) d\theta[/tex]

= [tex]\int(sec \theta)(sec^2 \theta) d\theta[/tex]

I then converted secants into cosines:

= [tex]\int\frac{1}{(cos \theta)(cos^2 \theta)} d\theta[/tex]

= [tex]\int\frac{1}{(cos \theta)(1-sin^2 \theta)} d\theta[/tex]

I then used U-sub:

[tex]u=sin \theta[/tex]

[tex]du=cos \theta[/tex]

[tex]\frac{du}{cos \theta}=d\theta[/tex]

= [tex]\int\frac{du}{(cos^2 \theta)(1-u^2)}[/tex]

= [tex]\int\frac{du}{(1-u^2)(1-u^2)}[/tex]

= [tex]\int\frac{du}{(1-2u^2+u^4)}[/tex]

= [tex]\int\frac{du}{(u^4-2u^2+1)}[/tex]

= [tex]\int\frac{du}{u^2(u^2-2)+1}[/tex]

I see this:

= [tex]\int\frac{du}{[u\sqrt{u^2-2}]^2+1}[/tex]

I was hoping I could then use substitution and have the integral of [tex]arctan[/tex], but it looks much more complicated than I thought. Am I anywhere near the right track?
 
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  • #2
3.141592654 said:
[tex]
\int\frac{du}{(1-u^2)(1-u^2)}
[/tex]

At that point, you could attempt partial fractions. However, an easier way is here:

[tex]
\int(sec \theta)(sec^2 \theta) d\theta = \int sec^3 \theta d\theta
[/tex]

This is a famous (sorta, anyways) integral. Use parts twice.

Alternatively, since this integral is so famous, it even has its own wikipedia page.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integral_of_secant_cubed

I'd suggest you trying the derivation yourself before looking at the "answer" but it's there if you need it.
 

FAQ: Integration using Trig. Substitution

What is trigonometric substitution in integration?

Trigonometric substitution is a method used for solving integrals involving expressions with radicals or quadratic terms. It involves substituting a trigonometric function for a variable in the integral to simplify the expression and make it easier to integrate.

When should trigonometric substitution be used in integration?

Trigonometric substitution should be used when the integral contains expressions with radicals or quadratic terms that cannot be easily simplified using other integration techniques, such as u-substitution or integration by parts.

How do you perform a trigonometric substitution in integration?

To perform a trigonometric substitution, you first need to identify the appropriate trigonometric function to substitute for the variable in the integral. This is done by looking for patterns in the expression, such as the presence of a^2 - x^2 or a^2 + x^2. Once the substitution is made, you can use trigonometric identities to simplify the integral and solve for the original variable.

What are the common trigonometric substitutions used in integration?

The most commonly used trigonometric substitutions in integration are:

  • sin^2(x) = 1 - cos^2(x)
  • tan^2(x) = sec^2(x) - 1
  • sec^2(x) = tan^2(x) + 1

These substitutions are useful for integrating expressions with a^2 - x^2, a^2 + x^2, and a^2 - x^2 in the denominator, respectively.

Are there any special cases when using trigonometric substitution in integration?

Yes, there are two special cases when using trigonometric substitution:

  • When the integral contains an odd root, such as √(a^2 - x^2), the substitution x = a sinθ can be used.
  • When the integral contains an even root, such as √(a^2 + x^2), the substitution x = a tanθ can be used.

In both cases, you may need to use trigonometric identities to simplify the integral further.

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