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Ch. 8 - Techniques of Integration
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 8, Problem 8.3.34

Evaluate the integrals in Exercises 33–52.
∫ sec(x) tan²(x) dx

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1
Recall the trigonometric identity: \(\tan^2(x) = \sec^2(x) - 1\). This allows us to rewrite the integral in terms of secant functions.
Rewrite the integral as \(\int \sec(x) \tan^2(x) \, dx = \int \sec(x) (\sec^2(x) - 1) \, dx\).
Distribute \(\sec(x)\) inside the integral to get \(\int (\sec^3(x) - \sec(x)) \, dx\).
Split the integral into two separate integrals: \(\int \sec^3(x) \, dx - \int \sec(x) \, dx\).
Use known integration techniques: recall that \(\int \sec(x) \, dx\) is a standard integral, and for \(\int \sec^3(x) \, dx\), use integration by parts or a reduction formula to express it in terms of \(\int \sec(x) \, dx\).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Trigonometric Identities

Trigonometric identities like tan²(x) = sec²(x) - 1 help simplify integrals involving trigonometric functions. Recognizing and applying these identities can transform complex expressions into more manageable forms for integration.
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Integration Techniques for Trigonometric Functions

Integrating functions involving sec(x) and tan(x) often requires substitution or rewriting the integrand using identities. Familiarity with standard integrals such as ∫ sec(x) dx and ∫ sec(x) tan(x) dx is essential for solving these problems efficiently.
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Substitution Method

The substitution method involves choosing a part of the integrand as a new variable to simplify the integral. For example, setting u = sec(x) or u = tan(x) can reduce the integral to a basic form, making it easier to evaluate.
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