Finding the Antiderivative of sec^2(x) Using Trigonometric Substitution and Partial Fraction Decomposition for Calculus Problem

antiderivative of sec^2x

The antiderivative of the function f(x) = sec^2(x) can be found by using the reverse of the power rule for derivatives

The antiderivative of the function f(x) = sec^2(x) can be found by using the reverse of the power rule for derivatives. The reverse of the power rule states that if F'(x) = f(x), then the antiderivative F(x) of f(x) is given by:

F(x) = ∫f(x) dx

To find the antiderivative of sec^2(x), let’s rewrite it in terms of trigonometric identities. We know that sec^2(x) = 1/cos^2(x). Using the identity cos^2(x) = 1 – sin^2(x), we can rewrite sec^2(x) as:

sec^2(x) = 1/(1 – sin^2(x))

Now, we can perform a trigonometric substitution. Let’s substitute sin(x) with u, so du = cos(x) dx:

F(x) = ∫(1/(1 – sin^2(x))) dx
Let u = sin(x), then du = cos(x) dx

F(x) = ∫(1/(1 – u^2)) du

We can rewrite the integrand by using a partial fraction decomposition:

1/(1 – u^2) = A/(1 – u) + B/(1 + u)

To solve for A and B, we need to find a common denominator:

1/(1 – u^2) = (A(1 + u) + B(1 – u))/((1 – u)(1 + u))

1 = (A(1 + u) + B(1 – u))

We expand this equation and match the coefficients of the powers of u:

1 = (A + B) + (A – B)u

Comparing the coefficients, we find that A + B = 1 and A – B = 0. Solving these equations, we get A = B = 1/2.

Now, we can rewrite the integrand again:

1/(1 – u^2) = (1/2)(1/(1 – u) + 1/(1 + u))

Using this partial fraction decomposition, we can rewrite the antiderivative as:

F(x) = ∫[(1/2)(1/(1 – u) + 1/(1 + u))] du

F(x) = (1/2) ∫[(1/(1 – u) + 1/(1 + u))] du

To solve the integral, we can break it down into two separate integrals:

F(x) = (1/2) ∫[1/(1 – u)] du + (1/2) ∫[1/(1 + u)] du

We can solve these two separate integrals using the natural logarithm function:

F(x) = (1/2) ln|1 – u| + (1/2) ln|1 + u| + C

Next, we substitute u back in for sin(x):

F(x) = (1/2) ln|1 – sin(x)| + (1/2) ln|1 + sin(x)| + C

Therefore, the antiderivative of sec^2(x) is:

F(x) = (1/2) ln|1 – sin(x)| + (1/2) ln|1 + sin(x)| + C

where C is the constant of integration.

More Answers:

Understanding Logarithmic Differentiation: How to Find the Derivative of log_a(u)
Finding the Antiderivative of sin(x): Understanding the Process and its Infinite Solutions
Understanding the Antiderivative of cos(x): Application and Constant of Integration

Error 403 The request cannot be completed because you have exceeded your quota. : quotaExceeded

Share:

Recent Posts

Mathematics in Cancer Treatment

How Mathematics is Transforming Cancer Treatment Mathematics plays an increasingly vital role in the fight against cancer mesothelioma. From optimizing drug delivery systems to personalizing

Read More »