Struggling with Integrating Sine and Cosine?

In summary, the conversation was about finding the integral of \cos^2(x)\sin^7(x)dx and discussing different methods to solve it. The participants mentioned using substitution, integration by parts, and converting \sin^6(x) to terms of \cos(x). They also talked about whether or not integration by parts is taught at the school level and concluded that it is a useful concept to learn.
  • #1
meee
87
0
I need to find [tex] \int \cos^2(x)\sin^7(x)dx[/tex]

I'm not sure what substitution to make
 
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  • #2
If you start by turning [tex] \cos^2 (x)[/tex] into [tex] 1 - \sin^2(x)[/tex], you get an integral that can be done by a reduction formula.
 
  • #3
Or you can do intergration by parts but the above way is prob quicker
 
  • #4
ok so now i got

[tex]\int (1-\sin^2(x))\sin^7(x)dx[/tex]

and then what?

[tex] \int \sin^7(x)-\sin^9(x) dx[/tex] ?? and now I am stuck :(

and then [tex] \int (1-\cos^2(x))^3\sin(x) - (1-\cos^2(x))^4\sin(x)) dx [/tex]

ahh
 
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  • #5
Try doing [tex] \int \sin^n(x)dx[/tex] by integration by parts, to get a formula in terms of an integral of sin to a lower power
 
  • #6
Office_Shredder said:
Try doing [tex] \int \sin^n(x)dx[/tex] by integration by parts, to get a formula in terms of an integral of sin to a lower power
sorry, I am not sure what integration by parts is? :frown:
 
  • #7
integration by parts:

[tex] \int udv = uv - \int vdu[/tex]

basically, if you have an integral that is the product of a function u, and the derivative of another function v, it equals u*v - the integral of v times the derivative of u. Here's an example:

[tex] \int x*e^xdx[/tex] Say u=x, and dv=exdx. Then v=ex, and du=dx. So:

[tex] \int x*e^xdx = x*e^x - \int e^xdx = x*e^x - e^x[/tex]
 
  • #8
Learning another method to integrate is good, but if meee is required to do this particular problem by just using sub. methods, then this is probably a way.

Rewrite the integral as...

[tex] \int{\cos^2{x}\sin^6{x}\sin{x}dx}[/tex]

Convert the [tex]\sin^6{x}[/tex] in terms of cos, and the do the substitution u = cos(x).
 
  • #9
ok thanks guys...

Office_Shredder thanks for that.. but i think integration by parts is beyond my current course.

neutrino, i tried what you said, but it looks kinda weird...

[tex] \int{\cos^2{x}\sin^6{x}\sin{x}dx}[/tex]

[tex]= \int{\cos^2{x}(1-\cos^2{x})^3\sin{x}dx}[/tex]

let u = [tex]\cos{x}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{du}{dx} = -\sin{x}[/tex]

[tex]= -\int{u^2(1-u^2)^3 du}[/tex]
[tex]= -\int{u^2(1-3u^2+3u^4-u^6) du}[/tex]
[tex]= -\int{u^2-3u^4+3u^6-u^8)du}[/tex]
[tex]= -(\frac{1}{3}u^3-\frac{3}{5}u^5+\frac{3}{7}u^7-\frac{1}{9}u^9)[/tex]and then sub u=cos(x) back in

is that right?
 
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  • #10
that is correct
 
  • #11
thanks :D cool
 
  • #12
Yes.

Btw, I don't think you'll have to wait till university to find more about integration by parts. You'll definitely meet it at the school level.
 
  • #13
oh reali?
ive finished my year 12 course (exams in 2 weeks), and haven't seen it in school or outside school lectures.

maybe it will be useful for me to learn it.
 
  • #14
meee said:
oh reali?
ive finished my year 12 course (exams in 2 weeks), and haven't seen it in school or outside school lectures.

Okay, shouldn't have generalised. I was under the assumption that every school, in every part of the world taught this. :rolleyes:

maybe it will be useful for me to learn it.
It most certainly will.
 
  • #15
ok, thanks

and lol I am in australia our schools are probly weird
 
  • #16
My school which is in Australia are doing it now. Its fairly easy to learn.
 

FAQ: Struggling with Integrating Sine and Cosine?

What is the purpose of integrating sine and cosine functions?

The purpose of integrating sine and cosine functions is to find the area under the curve of these periodic functions. This can be useful in many applications, such as calculating the displacement of a vibrating object or finding the total distance traveled by a rotating object.

How do you integrate sine and cosine functions?

The integration of sine and cosine functions follows the standard rules of integration, such as using the power rule, product rule, and chain rule. However, special trigonometric identities, such as the double angle formula, may also be used to simplify the integration process.

What is the difference between integrating sine and cosine functions?

The main difference between integrating sine and cosine functions is the resulting function after integration. Integrating a sine function will result in a negative cosine function, while integrating a cosine function will result in a positive sine function. This is due to the fact that the derivative of a sine function is a cosine function and vice versa.

Can you use substitution when integrating sine and cosine functions?

Yes, substitution can be used when integrating sine and cosine functions. This can be particularly helpful when dealing with complex or nested trigonometric functions. However, it is important to carefully choose the substitution variable and make the appropriate substitutions in order to solve the integral correctly.

Are there any applications of integrating sine and cosine functions?

Yes, there are many applications of integrating sine and cosine functions in various fields such as physics, engineering, and mathematics. Some common applications include calculating the amplitude and period of a wave, finding the work done by a variable force, and solving differential equations in mechanics and electromagnetics.

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