Rozhan F.

asked • 10/08/24

Integration with partial fractions

Use the substitution t = tan (x/2) to transform the integrand into a rational function of t and then evaluate the integral.



∫ (from 0 to pi/2) (8sin(2x))/(2+cos(x)) dx



1 Expert Answer

By:

Doug C.

I got something different, but am not sure of my work. And I have no idea if there is a way to find an antiderivative for the integrand shown here--since the denominator does not factor by partial fractions not an option? desmos.com/calculator/uzz2mu4qqm
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10/10/24

Paul M.

tutor
Doug: I am with you down to the line where you have the binomial cubed in the denominator above the line and 2+fraction below the line...then I lose you. I get u(1-u^2)/[(3+u^2)(1+u^2)^2]. If that is correct, there is a partial fraction decomposition, but it is certainly ugly & I don't want to attempt it. Please comment.
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10/11/24

Doug C.

Ahh, I multiplied numerator and denominator of the "big" fraction by (1 + t^2)^3 turning a complex fraction to a simple (not so simple:)) fraction. I added a row to the graph to confirm that your solution gives the same result--it does! desmos.com/calculator/lenoqcbogv So whatever strategy you used to get to your denominator was a better strategy than mine.
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10/11/24

Doug C.

And I see how you did that, getting a common denominator for the two terms in the denominator, then multiplying numerator of big fraction by reciprocal of the new denominator. Yes, that partial fraction decomp is going to be really ugly.
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10/11/24

Doug C.

And here is the solution with an exact value. desmos.com/calculator/ivil8669h0
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10/11/24

Paul M.

tutor
Thanks, Doug. I was also able to get the solution in closed form after a real nuisance partial fraction decomposition (6 unknowns!!) and integration...and it matched your solution numerically. As I said in my initial answer the closed form is too "ugly" to post here.
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10/12/24

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