Struggling with an Integral? Here's How to Solve It!

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In summary, the conversation discusses how to solve the problem of sin(arctan(x)) and explores two different methods - using trigonometric identities or using substitution. The first method involves drawing a right triangle and using the Pythagorean theorem to find the hypotenuse, while the second method involves making substitutions and integrating. The conversation concludes with the understanding that the triangle method can be used for other variations of this type of problem, such as sin(arcctg(x)).
  • #1
transgalactic
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i am stuck on the last part of it?

i added a file the question and the way i tried to solve it
 

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  • #2
Your problem, then, is sin(arctan(x))? One way to do that is to use trig identities to write sine as a function of tangent. I think it is much easier to go back to their initial definitions. Draw a right triangle having angle [itex]\theta[/itex], "opposite side
" of length x, and "near side" of length 1 so that [itex]tan(\theta)= x/1= x[/itex] and, of course, [itex]\theta = arctan(x)[/itex]. Now use the Pythagorean theorm to find the length of the hypotenuse. What is [itex]sin(x)= "opposite side/hypotenuse"[/itex]
 
  • #3
i tried to solved it by the triangle method.

can you please show this triangle
i tried to emagine this.


you said one side is 1 the other is x
so the hypotenuse is (1+x^2) ^0.5

its not halping me in finding

sin(arctan(x))

?
 
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  • #4
Yes, if one side is 1, the other x, the the hypotenuse is [itex]\sqrt{1+ x^2}[/itex].
My point was that since you have set it up so that [itex]tan(\theta)= x[/itex], then [itex]\theta= arctan(x)[/itex]. That means [itex]sin(arctan(x))= sin(\theta)[/itex]. Now, what is [itex]sin(\theta)[/itex] in that triangle?
 
  • #5
i got that
sin(teta)=x/(1+x^2)^0.5


is it correct??


how i solve it in the other method?
 
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  • #6
The other way is ugly. Let x= tan u. Then dx = sec^2 u du. The integral then becomes
[tex]\int \frac{\sin u}{\cos^2 u} du[/tex] where you then let y= cos u.
 
  • #7
The other way is longer and, if I was marking it and I saw this solution next to the one Halls pointed you to, I would say this solution is more of a mechanical labor task rather than mathematical insight when compared to the other one. But it's always good to know how to do it in more ways than one, so here it is:

First let u= tan x. Then in the resulting integral, let y= cos u. (or if you want to think of it this way, one big substitution of y= cos (tan x) )
 
  • #8
can i solve all the variation of this type of question
like
sin(arcctg(x))
in the triangle method??
 
  • #9
Yes! Its wonderful! In that case, the triangle method gives [itex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+x^2}}[/itex].
 
  • #10
cool thank you very much
 

FAQ: Struggling with an Integral? Here's How to Solve It!

What is an integral?

An integral is a mathematical concept that represents the area under a curve on a graph. It is used to calculate the total value of a function over a given interval.

How do I solve an integral?

To solve an integral, you must use a specific set of rules and techniques, such as integration by substitution or integration by parts. You also need to have a good understanding of basic calculus concepts, such as derivatives and antiderivatives.

Can I use a calculator to solve an integral?

Yes, there are many calculators and computer programs available that can solve integrals. However, it is important to understand the steps and methods used to solve the integral in order to verify the accuracy of the calculator's result.

What is the difference between a definite and indefinite integral?

A definite integral has specific limits of integration and represents the exact value of the integral over a given interval. An indefinite integral does not have limits of integration and represents a general antiderivative of a function.

How do I know if I have solved an integral correctly?

You can check your answer by taking the derivative of the antiderivative you have found. If the derivative matches the original function, then you have solved the integral correctly.

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