with Trig Substitution Integration

In summary: Theta d\ThetaIn summary, the conversation revolved around simplifying trig integrals, specifically \int\tan(x)\sec^3(x)dx and \int\frac{1}{x^2&\sqrt{16-x^2}}dx. The conversation included discussions of using u-substitutions and the derivatives of secant and cosine to simplify the integrals. In the end, it was determined that the first integral could be simplified to \int u^2du and the second integral to \frac{1}{3cos^3(x)}.
  • #1
silverdiesel
65
0
I am not too good with trig identities. I can't seem to figure out how to simplify these trig intergrals. I know I can use a triangle to turn the second problem into a trig integral, but once I have the trig integral, I am lost. Any help would be greatly appriciated.:redface:

[tex]\int\tan(x)\sec^3(x)dx[/tex]
[tex]\int\frac{1}{x^2&\sqrt{16-x^2}}dx[/tex]
 
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  • #2
Have you tried a u-substitution on the first one yet? Here is a hint what is the derivative of sec?
 
  • #3
see, that's what I thought, but there seems to be an extra secant in there. The derivative of sec is sectan. So, u=sec(x), du=sec(x)tan(x)dx. That gives tan(x)sec^2(x)... right?
 
  • #4
HINT: Let

[tex]u = \cos x[/tex]

It will save you a lot of work.
 
  • #5
[tex] u=sec(x) [/tex] [tex]du=sec(x) tan(x)dx [/tex]

[tex] \int u^2du [/tex]
 
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  • #6
brilliant! Thanks Tide. I should have seen that.
[tex]\int\frac{sin(x)}{cos^4(x)}dx = \frac{1}{3cos^3(x)}[/tex]
 
  • #7
right, yes I can see that too Valhalla. Thanks so much. Looks like that one was much easier than I made it.
 
  • #8
Any ideas on the second problem? Using a triangle, I have changed it to:

[tex]\int\frac{1}{(4sin\Theta)^2(4cos\Theta)}d\Theta[/tex]
 
  • #9
wait, I think got it, [tex]u=sin\Theta[/tex]
 

FAQ: with Trig Substitution Integration

What is trig substitution integration?

Trig substitution integration is a method used to solve integrals involving expressions with trigonometric functions. It involves substituting the variable in the integral with a trigonometric function, which then allows for the integral to be solved using known trigonometric identities.

When should I use trig substitution integration?

Trig substitution integration should be used when the integral involves an expression with trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, tangent, or secant. It is also useful when the expression contains a radical that can be simplified using trigonometric identities.

What are the common trig substitution identities used in integration?

The most commonly used trig substitution identities in integration are:
1) sin²x + cos²x = 1
2) 1 + tan²x = sec²x
3) 1 + cot²x = csc²x
4) sin²x = 1 - cos²x
5) cos²x = 1 - sin²x
6) tan²x = sec²x - 1
7) cot²x = csc²x - 1

How do I determine which trig substitution to use?

The trig substitution to use can be determined by looking at the expression in the integral:
1) If the expression contains √(a²-x²), use x = a sinθ
2) If the expression contains √(a²+x²), use x = a tanθ
3) If the expression contains √(x²-a²), use x = a secθ
4) If the expression contains √(x²+a²), use x = a cotθ
5) If the expression contains √(a²-x²) and a² is negative, use x = a sinθ
6) If the expression contains √(x²+a²) and a² is negative, use x = a cotθ

What are some tips for solving integrals using trig substitution?

Some tips for solving integrals using trig substitution are:
1) Always check the limits of integration and adjust them accordingly after substituting.
2) Be familiar with the common trig substitution identities.
3) Simplify the expression using trigonometric identities before integrating.
4) Remember to convert the final answer back to the original variable.
5) Practice, practice, practice!

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