Question about trigonometric substitution

In summary, the conversation discusses using trig substitution to solve the integral $\int \frac{x^2}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx$. The first term is easily found as $\frac{sin^{-1}x}{2}$, but the second term requires using the double-angle identity for sine and a right triangle with sides x, 1, and $\sqrt{1-x^2}$. The final solution is $\frac{1}{2}\left(\sin^{-1}(x)-x\sqrt{1-x^2} \right)+C$.
  • #1
skate_nerd
176
0
Studying for finals here...So I have this specific problem to use trig substitution on.

$$\int \frac{x^2}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx$$

I begin by substituting

$$x={sin{\theta}}$$

I am fine with doing everything up to the point where I have an answer for the integral in terms of \(\theta\). This answer is

$$\frac{\theta}{2}-\frac{sin{2\theta}}{4}$$

I know the first term is just

$$\frac{sin^{-1}x}{2}$$

However the second term is always the part that throws me off. How do you find what to plug back in for \(\theta\) when the \(\theta\) is inside of a sine? Any help is appreciated!
 
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  • #2
For the second term, you would use:

$\displaystyle \theta=\sin^{-1}(x)$ to get:

$\displaystyle \frac{\sin(2\sin^{-1}(x))}{4}$

Now, using the double-angle identity for sine, we have:

$\displaystyle \frac{2\sin(\sin^{-1}(x))\cos(\sin^{-1}(x))}{4}=$

Draw a right triangle here where the side opposite the angle is x, and the hypotenuse is 1, then use the Pythagorean theorem to determine the adjacent side is $\displaystyle \sqrt{1-x^2}$ and then take the cosine of this angle. We now have:

$\displaystyle \frac{x\sqrt{1-x^2}}{2}$

and so we may conclude:

$\displaystyle \int\frac{x^2}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\,dx=\frac{1}{2}\left(\sin^{-1}(x)-x\sqrt{1-x^2} \right)+C$
 
  • #3
Ahh wow thank you! For some reason I think I felt like a substitution inside of the trig function wasn't allowed, but now I see and that makes perfect sense. Thanks again :D
 

FAQ: Question about trigonometric substitution

What is trigonometric substitution?

Trigonometric substitution is a technique used in integration to simplify integrals involving radical expressions or algebraic expressions that are not easily integrated by standard methods. It involves substituting a trigonometric function for a variable in the integral.

When should I use trigonometric substitution?

Trigonometric substitution is useful when you have an integral that contains a radical expression or an algebraic expression that cannot be easily integrated. This technique allows you to rewrite the integral in terms of trigonometric functions, making it easier to solve.

What are the common trigonometric substitutions?

The most commonly used trigonometric substitutions are:
1. For expressions involving sqrt(a^2-x^2), use x = a*sin(theta)
2. For expressions involving sqrt(a^2+x^2), use x = a*tan(theta)
3. For expressions involving sqrt(x^2-a^2), use x = a*sec(theta)

What are the steps for trigonometric substitution?

The steps for trigonometric substitution are as follows:
1. Identify the appropriate substitution based on the form of the integral
2. Rewrite the integral in terms of the substitution variable
3. Substitute the appropriate trigonometric function for the variable
4. Simplify the integral using trigonometric identities
5. Solve the integral and substitute back in the original variable if necessary

Are there any limitations to using trigonometric substitution?

Yes, trigonometric substitution can only be used for integrals that involve radical or algebraic expressions. It cannot be used for integrals involving transcendental functions such as logarithms or exponential functions. Also, trigonometric substitution may not always result in a simpler integral, so other techniques may need to be used in those cases.

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