Trigonometric Applications - complex numbers

In summary, the conversation discusses using the reduction formula to solve the integral of cos^5x from 0 to π/2. The original attempt at solving it did not use the formula correctly and resulted in an incorrect answer. The correct approach involves using the formula and basic integration rules to obtain the correct answer of 1/5. The use of complex numbers is not necessary for this problem.
  • #1
shabi
5
0
any help with me understanding this problem would be very much appreciated.

Homework Statement



show,
[itex]^{π/2}_{0}[/itex][itex]\int[/itex] cos[itex]^{5}[/itex]xdx = 8/15
hence show
[itex]^{π/2}_{0}[/itex][itex]\int[/itex] sin[itex]^{5}[/itex]xdx = [itex]^{π/2}_{0}[/itex][itex]\int[/itex] cos[itex]^{5}[/itex]xdx

where,
cos[itex]^{5}[/itex]θ = [itex]\frac{cos5θ + 5cos3θ + 10cosθ}{16}[/itex]
sin[itex]^{5}[/itex]θ = [itex]\frac{sin5θ - 5sin3θ + 10sinθ}{16}[/itex]


Homework Equations



[itex]^{x}_{0}[/itex][itex]\int[/itex] cos(t)dt = [sin(t)][itex]^{x}_{0}[/itex]
= sin(x) - sin(0)
= sin(x)


The Attempt at a Solution



[itex]^{π/2}_{0}[/itex][itex]\int[/itex] cos[itex]^{5}[/itex]xdx = [itex]\frac{1}{16}[/itex] [itex]^{π/2}_{0}[/itex][itex]\int[/itex] (cos5θ + 5cos3θ + 10cosθ)dθ
= [itex]\frac{1}{16}[/itex] [sin5θ + 5sin3θ + 10sinθ][itex]^{π/2}_{0}[/itex]
= [itex]\frac{1}{16}[/itex] (1 + 5 + 10)


the answers say from the 2nd line of my attempt it should be...
= [itex]\frac{1}{16}[/itex] [[itex]\frac{sin5θ}{5}[/itex] + [itex]\frac{5sin3θ}{3}[/itex] + 10sinθ][itex]^{π/2}_{0}[/itex]
= [itex]\frac{1}{16}[/itex] ([itex]\frac{1}{5}[/itex] - [itex]\frac{5}{3}[/itex] + 10)

but i don't understand why the first term was divided by 5 and the second by 3,
or why the sign changed from plus to minus.
 
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  • #2
isnt that because you have cos(3 . theta) and so you have to divide by 1/3

try differentiating the 5sin(3 theta) with respect to theta 5 . cos(3 theta) . 3 and you see you get the 3 factor from 3 theta

from the chain rule.
 
  • #3
I don't think you have to concern yourself with complex numbers for this problem. Although the relation between trig functions and complex numbers is fun to study.

Also I would recommend just looking up the reduction formulas for integrating the trig functions to some power. It's much easier to just memorize these and then just use them to obtain the correct answer without thinking much at all.
 
  • #4
thanks for your help!

but i still don't get it.

can anyone explain step by step?
 
  • #5
for integral[0.pi/2] cos^5(x) dx
use the reduction formula you can't go wrong and will get the right answer
 
  • #6
thanks figured it out both ways.

i did it with the complex numbers as this is what we are focusing on at the moment.

i was just forgetting basic integration rules.

integral: cos.5x.dx

let,
u=5x
du=5.dx
dx=1/5.du

so,
integral: cos.5x.dx = integral: cos.u.1/5.du
=1/5.integral: cos.u.du
=1/5.sin.u + c
=1/5.sin.5x + c

integral (with limits 0, pi/2): cos.5x.dx = 1/5.sin.5.pi/2 - 1/5.sin.5.0
=1/5.1 - 1/5.0
=1/5

with,
integral (limits 0, pi/2): 5.cos.3x
= 5/3.sin.3(pi/2)
= -5/3
integral (limits 0, pi/2): 10.cos.x
= 10

also thanks for introducing me to the reduction formula.

managed to work it out with the same result.
 
Last edited:
  • #7
I'm not seeing how this has to do with complex numbers at all =(
 

FAQ: Trigonometric Applications - complex numbers

What are complex numbers and how are they used in trigonometry?

Complex numbers are numbers that consist of a real part and an imaginary part. They are written in the form a + bi, where a is the real part and bi is the imaginary part. In trigonometry, complex numbers are used to represent points in the complex plane and to solve equations involving trigonometric functions.

What is the relationship between complex numbers and triangles in trigonometry?

In trigonometry, complex numbers can be used to represent points on the unit circle, which can then be used to find the trigonometric ratios of angles in a triangle. This is because the unit circle is closely related to the trigonometric functions sine and cosine, which are used to find the side lengths and angles of a triangle.

How are complex numbers used to solve trigonometric equations?

Complex numbers are used to solve trigonometric equations by converting them into equations with complex numbers. This is done by using the properties of complex numbers and the relationships between complex numbers and trigonometric functions. The solutions to the complex equations can then be translated back into solutions for the original trigonometric equations.

Can complex numbers be used in real-world applications?

Yes, complex numbers can be used in real-world applications, especially in fields such as engineering, physics, and electronics. They are used to represent and analyze alternating current circuits, electromagnetic fields, and other physical phenomena that involve trigonometric functions.

How do complex numbers help in understanding and visualizing trigonometric concepts?

Complex numbers provide a geometric interpretation of trigonometric concepts, such as the unit circle and the relationships between angles and sides in a triangle. They also help in visualizing these concepts by representing them on the complex plane, which allows for a visual representation of the relationships between angles, sides, and complex numbers.

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