Integration of Trigonometric Functions

Introduction

14.6

Integrals involving trigonometric functions are commonplace in engineering mathematics. This is especially true when modelling waves, and alternating current circuits. When the root-meansquare (rms) value of a waveform, or signal is to be calculated, you will often nd this results in an integral of the form sin2 t dt In this Block you will learn how such integrals can be evaluated.

x be able to nd a number of simple denite and indenite integrals

Prerequisites
Before starting this Block you should . . .

y be able to use a table of integrals z be familiar with standard trigonometric identities

Learning Outcomes
 use trigonometric identities to write integrands in alternative forms to enable them to be integrated

Learning Style

After completing this Block you should be able To achieve what is expected of you . . . to . . .  allocate sucient study time  briey revise the prerequisite material  attempt every guided exercise and most of the other exercises

1. Integration of Trigonometric Functions

Simple integrals involving trigonometric functions have already been dealt with in Block 14.1. See what you can remember: Now do this exercise Write down the following integrals: a) sin x dx, b) cos x dx, c) sin 2x dx, d) cos 2x dx Answer The basic rules from which these results can be derived are summarised here: Key Point sin kx dx = cos kx +c k cos kx dx = sin kx +c k

2. More Complicated Trigonometric Functions

In engineering applications it is often necessary to integrate functions involving powers of the trigonometric functions such as sin2 x dx or cos2 t dt

Note that these integrals cannot be obtained directly from the formulas in the Key Point above. However by making use of trigonometric identities the integrands can be re-written in an alternative form. It is often not clear which identities are useful and each case needs to be considered individually. Experience and practice are essential. Work through the following Guided Exercise. Now do this exercise Use the trigonometric identity sin2 = 1 (1 cos 2) 2 to express the integral sin2 xdx in an alternative form.

Answer Note from the last exercise that the trigonometric identity was used to convert a power of sin x into a function involving cos 2x which can be integrated directly using the Key Point above. Now do this exercise Find the indenite integral sin2 x dx. Answer Now do this exercise Use the trigonometric identity sin 2x = 2 sin x cos x to nd sin x cos x dx Answer
Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1 14.6: Integration

More exercises for you to try You will need to refer to a Table of Trigonometric Identities to answer these questions. /2 1. Find a) cos2 xdx b) 0 cos2 tdt c) (cos2 + sin2 )d 2. Use the identity sin(A + B ) + sin(A B ) = 2 sin A cos B to nd sin 3x cos 2xdx 3. Find (1 + tan2 x)dx. 4. The mean square value of a function f (t) over the interval t = a to t = b is dened to be b 1 (f (t))2 dt ba a Find the mean square value of f (t) = sin t over the interval t = 0 to t = 2 . 5. Find sin mt sin ntdt where m and n are constants and m = n. Answer

Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1 14.6: Integration

End of Block 14.6

Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1 14.6: Integration

a) cos x + c, b) sin x + c, c) 1 cos 2x + c, 2 Back to the theory

d)

1 2

sin 2x + c.

Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1 14.6: Integration

The integral can be written Back to the theory

1 (1 2

cos 2x)dx.

Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1 14.6: Integration

1 2

sin 2x + c = 1 x 1 sin 2x + K where K = c/2. x 1 2 2 4

Back to the theory

Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1 14.6: Integration

The integrand can be written as Back to the theory

1 2

sin 2x and the nal answer is 1 cos 2x + c 4

Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1 14.6: Integration

1. a) 1 x+ 1 sin 2x + c. b). /4. c). + c. 2 4

1 cos 5x 1 cos x + c. 2. 10 2

3. tan x + c. . 5. 4. 1 2 1 2 sin(m n)t sin(m + n)t mn m+n +c

Back to the theory

Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1 14.6: Integration