5. Integration: Other Trigonometric Forms

by M. Bourne

We can use the trigonometric identities that we learned earlier to simplify the integration process.

The main identities are shown here for reference:

math expression

The process that we use involves using the trigonometric ratios to simplify the expression, or to get the expression into a form that can be integrated.

To integrate a product of powers of sine and cosine, we use

math expression

if at least one of the powers is odd.

Example 1:

Integrate: math expression.

We use

math expression

or

math expression

if the power of sin x or cos x is even.

Example 2:

Integrate: math expression.

Example 3:

Integrate: math expression.

Application - Root Mean Square Value

The root mean square value of the function y with respect to x is given by:

math expression

where T is the period of y.

(See Period of Sine and Cosine if you are not sure about this.)


A common use of this concept is effective current. This is the value of the direct current that would produce the same quantity of heat energy in the same time as a certain alternating current. It is used in the design of heaters.


RMS Example 1: Find the root mean square (rms) value of i = 3 + 2 cos t.

RMS Example 2: For a current i given by i = i0 sin ωt, show that the root-mean-square of the current for one period is math expression.

Exercises

Integrate each of the given functions:

1. math expression

2. math expression

3. math expression

4. math expression

5. math expression

Application - Length of a Curve

The length s of the arc of a curve y = f(x) from x = a to x = b is given by:

math expression

Find the length of the curve y = ln (cos x) from x = 0 to math expression.

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