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Integrating using trigonometric identities

Integrating using trigonometric identities

Integrating using trigonometric identities involves applying known identities to simplify trigonometric integrals, making them easier to evaluate. Here are key concepts related to this approach:

  1. Basic Trigonometric Identities: Familiarity with identities such as Pythagorean identities, angle sum/difference identities, double-angle identities, and half-angle identities is essential.

  2. Simplification: Often, integrals can be simplified by substituting identities to convert products or sums of trigonometric functions into a more manageable form. For example, using sin2(x)=1cos2(x)\sin^2(x) = 1 - \cos^2(x) can simplify an integral.

  3. Conversion: Changing functions can sometimes make integration straightforward. For example, converting to sec(x)\sec(x) and tan(x)\tan(x) can be useful for integrals involving cos(x)\cos(x) and sin(x)\sin(x).

  4. Substitution: Trigonometric integrals may benefit from substitution methods. For example, substituting u=sin(x)u = \sin(x) or u=tan(x)u = \tan(x) can reduce complexity.

  5. Specific Techniques: Techniques like integration by parts, particularly with products of trigonometric functions, may also be enhanced through the use of identities.

Utilizing these concepts helps in systematically solving integrals that involve trigonometric functions efficiently.

Part 1: Integral of cos^3(x)

A specialized form of u-substitution involves taking advantage of trigonometric identities.

When studying the integral of cos3(x)\cos^3(x), focus on the following key points:

  1. Trigonometric Identity: Use the identity cos2(x)=1sin2(x)\cos^2(x) = 1 - \sin^2(x) to rewrite cos3(x)\cos^3(x).

  2. Expression Rewriting: Rewrite cos3(x)\cos^3(x) as cos(x)(1sin2(x))\cos(x) \cdot (1 - \sin^2(x)).

  3. Substitution: Apply the substitution u=sin(x)u = \sin(x), which implies du=cos(x)dxdu = \cos(x) \, dx.

  4. New Integral Form: The integral transforms into a polynomial form in terms of uu:

    cos3(x)dx=(1u2)du.\int \cos^3(x) \, dx = \int (1 - u^2) \, du.
  5. Integration: Compute the integral:

    (1u2)du=uu33+C.\int (1 - u^2) \, du = u - \frac{u^3}{3} + C.
  6. Back-substitution: Replace uu with sin(x)\sin(x):

    cos3(x)dx=sin(x)sin3(x)3+C.\int \cos^3(x) \, dx = \sin(x) - \frac{\sin^3(x)}{3} + C.
  7. Result: The final result is:

    cos3(x)dx=3sin(x)sin3(x)3+C.\int \cos^3(x) \, dx = \frac{3 \sin(x) - \sin^3(x)}{3} + C.

These steps provide a structured approach to solving the integral of cos3(x)\cos^3(x).

Part 2: Integral of sin^2(x) cos^3(x)

Another example where u substitution combined with certain trigonometric identities can be used.

To study the integral of sin2(x)cos3(x)\sin^2(x) \cos^3(x), focus on the following key points:

  1. Trigonometric Identity: Use the identity sin2(x)=1cos2(x)\sin^2(x) = 1 - \cos^2(x) or similar identities to express the integrand in a more manageable form.

  2. Substitution Method: Consider using substitution, such as letting u=cos(x)u = \cos(x) or u=sin(x)u = \sin(x), to simplify the integral.

  3. Differential: Remember to compute the differential dudu correctly based on the substitution chosen.

  4. Power Reduction: If necessary, use power-reducing formulas to simplify sin2(x)\sin^2(x) or cos3(x)\cos^3(x).

  5. Integration Techniques: Be familiar with different integration techniques like integration by parts if it becomes applicable.

  6. Final Simplification: Don’t forget to convert back to the original variable (if a substitution was applied) and simplify the result.

  7. Constants and Limits: If calculating a definite integral, ensure proper evaluation at the limits after integration.

Following these points will help in effectively solving the integral sin2(x)cos3(x)dx\int \sin^2(x) \cos^3(x) \, dx.

Part 3: Integral of sin^4(x)

It is a bit involved, but we can use u-substitution to find the integral of sin^4(x)

When studying the integral of sin4(x)\sin^4(x), there are several key points to focus on:

  1. Reduction Formula: Use reduction formulas to express higher powers of sine in terms of simpler integrals.

  2. Power-Reduction Formulas: Apply the power-reduction identity:

    sin2(x)=1cos(2x)2\sin^2(x) = \frac{1 - \cos(2x)}{2}

    to rewrite sin4(x)\sin^4(x) as:

    sin4(x)=(sin2(x))2=(1cos(2x)2)2\sin^4(x) = \left(\sin^2(x)\right)^2 = \left(\frac{1 - \cos(2x)}{2}\right)^2
  3. Expand and Simplify: After substituting, expand the expression:

    sin4(x)=12cos(2x)+cos2(2x)4\sin^4(x) = \frac{1 - 2\cos(2x) + \cos^2(2x)}{4}
  4. Further Power Reduction: Apply the power-reduction formula again on cos2(2x)\cos^2(2x):

    cos2(2x)=1+cos(4x)2\cos^2(2x) = \frac{1 + \cos(4x)}{2}

    Substitute this back to simplify the integral further.

  5. Integrate Each Term: The final expression will contain simpler integrals involving constant terms and cosines, allowing for straightforward integration.

  6. Final Result: Combine and simplify your results to find the final integral of sin4(x)\sin^4(x).

  7. Consider the Constant of Integration: Remember to include the constant of integration at the end.

By mastering these steps, you can effectively handle the integral of sin4(x)\sin^4(x).