Understanding Integrals: Techniques and Solutions in Trig Identities

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In summary, the conversation discusses a specific integral involving trigonometric functions and the use of sum and difference identities to simplify the expression. The process of splitting the interval and using the sum and difference formulae leads to the solution provided in the manual.
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shelovesmath
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I'm doing a chapter on general techniques of integration, and I have a complete solutions manual (this is number 37 in stewards early transcendentals 6e chapter 7 review) but I'm not following the method from one step to the next.

Integral: (1+ sin2x) cos2x dx becomes integral:cos2x + 1/2 integral: sin4x

I can see they obviously distributed and then split one interval into two.

I know it's trig identity stuff, but I'm totally lost on this one. Any help is much appreciated!
 
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  • #2
You might recall a set identities called the sum and difference formulae that tell you the sine or cosine of the sum or difference of two angles. As it happens, for sine:

[tex] \sin(\theta \pm \phi) = \sin\theta\cos\phi \pm \cos\theta\sin\phi [/tex]​

Now, what happens if θ = φ, and if we're adding the two angles together? Then:

[tex] \sin(\theta + \theta) = \sin(2\theta) = \sin\theta\cos\theta + \cos\theta\sin\theta [/tex]

[tex] = 2\sin\theta\cos\theta [/tex]

This leads to the result that

[tex] \sin\theta\cos\theta = \frac{1}{2}\sin(2\theta) [/tex]​

Now, we can apply this result to your integral, with θ = 2x:
[tex] \int [1+ \sin(2x)]\cos(2x)\,dx = \int [\cos(2x) + \sin(2x)\cos(2x)]\,dx [/tex]​

Using the identity we derived above on the second term in the integrand, we obtain:

[tex] = \int \cos(2x)\,dx + \frac{1}{2}\int \sin(4x)\,dx [/tex]​

From here, I think you can solve it to get the solution in the manual.
 
  • #3
Thanks!
 

FAQ: Understanding Integrals: Techniques and Solutions in Trig Identities

What is an integral?

An integral is a mathematical concept used to find the area under a curve in a graph. It is also used to calculate the volume of an object with a curved surface.

Why is it important to understand integrals?

Integrals are used in many areas of science, such as physics, engineering, and economics, to model and solve real-world problems. They are also essential in higher level mathematics courses and are the foundation for more advanced concepts.

How do you solve an integral?

To solve an integral, you must first identify the function and the limits of integration. Then, you can use various integration techniques, such as substitution, integration by parts, or partial fractions, to find the antiderivative of the function. Finally, you can evaluate the integral by plugging in the limits of integration into the antiderivative.

What is the difference between a definite and indefinite integral?

A definite integral has specific limits of integration, and its value represents the area under a curve. An indefinite integral does not have limits of integration and is represented by an antiderivative, which is a function that, when differentiated, gives the original function.

How can I improve my understanding of integrals?

Practicing solving integrals and understanding the concepts behind them is the best way to improve your understanding. You can also seek out additional resources, such as textbooks, online tutorials, or working with a tutor, to help clarify any confusion or difficulties you may have.

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