Rewriting in Terms of Secant Only

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 126 views

Introduction

In calculus, the process of rewriting an integral in a more manageable form is a crucial step in solving complex problems. One such technique is to factor out a common term from the integrand, which can simplify the integration process. In this article, we will explore how to rewrite the integrand with a factor of $$\sec x \tan x$$ and then rewrite it in terms of secant only.

Rewriting the Integrand

The given integral is $$\int \sec^6 x \tan^5 x , dx$$. To rewrite the integrand with a factor of $$\sec x \tan x$$, we can use the following approach:

\int \sec^6 x \tan^5 x \, dx = \int \sec x \tan x \left( \sec^5 x \tan^4 x \right)

This is because $$\sec^6 x \tan^5 x$$ can be factored as $$\sec x \tan x \cdot \sec^5 x \tan^4 x$$.

Rewriting in Terms of Secant Only

Now, let's focus on rewriting $$\sec^5 x \tan^4 x$$ in terms of secant only. To do this, we can use the trigonometric identity:

\tan^2 x = \sec^2 x - 1

We can rewrite $$\tan^4 x$$ as:

\tan^4 x = (\tan^2 x)^2 = (\sec^2 x - 1)^2

Expanding the square, we get:

\tan^4 x = \sec^4 x - 2\sec^2 x + 1

Now, we can substitute this expression into $$\sec^5 x \tan^4 x$$:

\sec^5 x \tan^4 x = \sec^5 x (\sec^4 x - 2\sec^2 x + 1)

Expanding the product, we get:

\sec^5 x \tan^4 x = \sec^9 x - 2\sec^7 x + \sec^5 x

Simplifying the Expression

We can simplify the expression further by combining like terms:

\sec^5 x \tan^4 x = \sec^9 x - 2\sec^7 x + \sec^5 x

This is the final expression in terms of secant only.

Conclusion

In this article, we have shown how to rewrite the integrand with a factor of $$\sec x \tan x$$ and then rewrite it in terms of secant only. The process involves factoring out a common term from the integrand and using trigonometric identities to simplify the expression. By following these steps, we can simplify complex integrals and make them more manageable.

Discussion

The process of rewriting an integral in a more manageable form is a crucial step in solving complex problems. In this article, we have shown how to rewrite the integrand with a factor of $$\sec x \tan x$$ and then rewrite it in terms of secant only. This technique can be applied to a wide range of integrals, and it is an essential tool for any calculus student.

Applications

The technique of rewriting an integral in a more manageable form has many applications in calculus. For example, it can be used to solve complex integrals that involve trigonometric functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions. It can also be used to simplify integrals that involve multiple variables.

Future Work

In future work, we can explore other techniques for rewriting integrals in a more manageable form. For example, we can use the method of substitution to rewrite an integral in terms of a new variable. We can also use the method of integration by parts to rewrite an integral in terms of a new function.

References

[1] "Calculus" by Michael Spivak
[2] "Calculus: Early Transcendentals" by James Stewart
[3] "Trigonometry" by I.M. Gelfand and M.L. Gelfand

Glossary

Integrand: The function that is being integrated.
Secant: The reciprocal of the cosine function.
Tangent: The ratio of the sine function to the cosine function.
Trigonometric identity: A mathematical statement that relates two or more trigonometric functions.

Appendix

A. Proof of the Trigonometric Identity

The trigonometric identity $$\tan^2 x = \sec^2 x - 1$$ can be proved using the following steps:

Start with the definition of the tangent function: $$\tan x = \frac{\sin x}{\cos x}$$
Square both sides of the equation: $$\tan^2 x = \frac{\sin^2 x}{\cos^2 x}$$
Use the Pythagorean identity $$\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1$$ to rewrite the numerator: $$\tan^2 x = \frac{1 - \cos^2 x}{\cos^2 x}$$
Simplify the expression: $$\tan^2 x = \frac{1}{\cos^2 x} - 1$$
Use the definition of the secant function: $$\sec x = \frac{1}{\cos x}$$
Rewrite the expression in terms of the secant function: $$\tan^2 x = \sec^2 x - 1$$

$This completes the proof of the trigonometric identity.<br/> **Q&A: Rewriting the Integrand with a Factor of $$\sec x \tan x$$**$

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored how to rewrite the integrand with a factor of $$\sec x \tan x$$ and then rewrite it in terms of secant only. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about this technique.

Q: What is the purpose of rewriting the integrand with a factor of $$\sec x \tan x$$?

A: The purpose of rewriting the integrand with a factor of $$\sec x \tan x$$ is to simplify the integration process. By factoring out a common term, we can make the integral more manageable and easier to solve.

Q: How do I know when to use this technique?

A: You can use this technique when you have an integral that involves trigonometric functions, such as secant and tangent. If you can factor out a common term, such as $$\sec x \tan x$$, then this technique may be useful.

Q: Can I use this technique with other types of integrals?

A: Yes, you can use this technique with other types of integrals, such as integrals that involve exponential functions, logarithmic functions, and multiple variables. However, the technique may need to be modified or combined with other techniques to be effective.

Q: How do I rewrite the integrand in terms of secant only?

A: To rewrite the integrand in terms of secant only, you can use the trigonometric identity $$\tan^2 x = \sec^2 x - 1$$. This identity allows you to express the tangent function in terms of the secant function.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using this technique?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using this technique include:

Not factoring out the common term correctly
Not using the correct trigonometric identity
Not simplifying the expression correctly
Not checking the solution for errors

Q: Can I use this technique with integrals that involve complex functions?

A: Yes, you can use this technique with integrals that involve complex functions. However, the technique may need to be modified or combined with other techniques to be effective.

Q: How do I know if the technique is working?

A: You can check if the technique is working by:

Simplifying the expression and checking if it is correct
Using the technique to solve a similar integral
Checking the solution for errors

Q: Can I use this technique with integrals that involve multiple variables?

A: Yes, you can use this technique with integrals that involve multiple variables. However, the technique may need to be modified or combined with other techniques to be effective.

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered some frequently asked questions about rewriting the integrand with a factor of $$\sec x \tan x$$ and then rewriting it in terms of secant only. This technique is a powerful tool for simplifying integrals and making them more manageable. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can master this technique and use it to solve a wide range of integrals.

Discussion

The technique of rewriting the integrand with a factor of $$\sec x \tan x$$ and then rewriting it in terms of secant only is a powerful tool for simplifying integrals. By mastering this technique, you can solve a wide range of integrals and make them more manageable. This technique is particularly useful when working with trigonometric functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions.

Applications

The technique of rewriting the integrand with a factor of $$\sec x \tan x$$ and then rewriting it in terms of secant only has many applications in calculus. For example, it can be used to solve complex integrals that involve trigonometric functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions. It can also be used to simplify integrals that involve multiple variables.