Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the integral of sin(x) * sec^3(x) dx.

Solution

The integral provided is:

sin(x)sec3(x)dx\int \sin(x) \sec^3(x) \, dx

Solution:

To solve this, we use trigonometric identities and substitution. The steps are:

  1. Rewriting secant using its identity: Recall that sec(x)=1cos(x)\sec(x) = \frac{1}{\cos(x)}. Thus: sec3(x)=1cos3(x).\sec^3(x) = \frac{1}{\cos^3(x)}. Substituting this, the integral becomes: sin(x)1cos3(x)dx=sin(x)cos3(x)dx.\int \sin(x) \cdot \frac{1}{\cos^3(x)} \, dx = \int \frac{\sin(x)}{\cos^3(x)} \, dx.

  2. Substitution: Let u=cos(x)u = \cos(x). Then du=sin(x)dxdu = -\sin(x) \, dx, or du=sin(x)dx-du = \sin(x) \, dx. Substitute into the integral: sin(x)cos3(x)dx=1u3du.\int \frac{\sin(x)}{\cos^3(x)} \, dx = \int \frac{-1}{u^3} \, du.

  3. Simplify and integrate: The integral 1u3du\int \frac{-1}{u^3} \, du can be rewritten as: u3du.-\int u^{-3} \, du. The formula for integrating unu^n is: undu=un+1n+1,for n1.\int u^n \, du = \frac{u^{n+1}}{n+1}, \quad \text{for } n \neq -1. Applying this: u3du=u3+13+1=u22=u22.-\int u^{-3} \, du = -\frac{u^{-3+1}}{-3+1} = -\frac{u^{-2}}{-2} = \frac{u^{-2}}{2}.

  4. Back-substitute u=cos(x)u = \cos(x): Recall that u=cos(x)u = \cos(x). Thus: u22=12u2=12cos2(x)=sec2(x)2.\frac{u^{-2}}{2} = \frac{1}{2u^2} = \frac{1}{2\cos^2(x)} = \frac{\sec^2(x)}{2}.

  5. Add the constant of integration: The final answer is: sin(x)sec3(x)dx=sec2(x)2+C,\int \sin(x) \sec^3(x) \, dx = \frac{\sec^2(x)}{2} + C, where CC is the constant of integration.


Do you have questions or need further clarification?

Here are five related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How do we derive the formula for integrating powers of uu?
  2. Why is substitution useful for trigonometric integrals?
  3. Can you integrate cos(x)sec3(x)dx\int \cos(x) \sec^3(x) \, dx for comparison?
  4. How does this integral change if a different substitution is used?
  5. What are some other trigonometric integral techniques?

Tip: Always check if a substitution simplifies the integral before using more advanced methods!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Integration
Substitution Method

Formulas

sec(x) = 1/cos(x)
Integral of u^n = u^(n+1)/(n+1) for n ≠ -1
Substitution: u = f(x), du = f'(x) dx

Theorems

Trigonometric identities
Power rule for integration

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Calculus or Advanced High School Calculus