Section 6.3 Trigonometric Integrals
Functions involving trigonometric functions are useful as they are good at describing periodic behavior. This section describes several techniques for finding antiderivatives of certain combinations of trigonometric functions.
Subsection 6.3.1 Integrals of the form \(\int \sin^m(x) \cos^n(x) \, dx\)
In learning the technique of Substitution, we saw the integral \(\int \sin(x) \cos(x) \, dx\) in Example 6.1.8. The integration was not difficult, and one could easily evaluate the indefinite integral by letting \(u=\sin(x)\) or by letting \(u = \cos(x)\text{.}\) This integral is easy since the power of both sine and cosine is 1.
We generalize this integral and consider integrals of the form \(\int \sin^m(x) \cos^n(x) \, dx\text{,}\) where \(m,n\) are nonnegative integers. Our strategy for evaluating these integrals is to use the identity \(\cos^2(x) +\sin^2(x) =1\) to convert high powers of one trigonometric function into the other, leaving a single sine or cosine term in the integrand. Let's see an example of how this technique works.
Example 6.3.1. Integrating powers of sine and cosine.
Evaluate \(\ds\int\sin^3(x) \cos(x) \, dx\text{.}\)
We have used substitution on problems similar to this problem in Section 6.1 . If we let \(u=\cos(x)\text{,}\) then \(du=-\sin(x)\,dx\text{.}\) Unfortunately, we have \(\sin^3(x)\) as part of our integrand, not just \(\sin(x)\text{.}\) The solution to this problem is to replace some of our powers of sine (two of them to be exact) with expressions that involve cosine. We will use the Pythagorean Identity \(\sin^2(x)=1-\cos^2(x)\text{.}\)
Now we let \(u=\cos(x)\) so that \(-du=\sin(x)\,dx\text{.}\)
We summarize the general technique in the following Key Idea.
Key Idea 6.3.2. Integrals Involving Powers of Sine and Cosine.
Consider \(\ds \int \sin^m(x) \cos^n(x) \, dx\text{,}\) where \(m,n\) are nonnegative integers.
-
If \(m\) is odd, then \(m=2k+1\) for some integer \(k\text{.}\) Rewrite
\begin{align*} \sin^m(x) \amp = \sin^{2k+1}(x)\\ \amp = \sin^{2k}(x) \sin(x)\\ \amp = (\sin^2(x) )^k\sin(x)\\ \amp = (1-\cos^2(x) )^k\sin(x)\text{.} \end{align*}Then
\begin{align*} \int \sin^m(x) \cos^n(x) \, dx \amp = \int (1-\cos^2(x) )^k\sin(x) \cos^n(x) \, dx\\ \amp = -\int (1-u^2)^ku^n\,du\text{,} \end{align*}where \(u = \cos(x)\) and \(du = -\sin(x) \, dx\text{.}\)
-
If \(n\) is odd, then using substitutions similar to that outlined above (replacing all of the even powers of \(cosine\) using a Pythagorean identity) we have:
\begin{equation*} \int \sin^m(x) \cos^n(x) \, dx = \int u^m(1-u^2)^k\,du\text{,} \end{equation*}where \(u = \sin(x)\) and \(du = \cos(x) \, dx\text{.}\)
-
If both \(m\) and \(n\) are even, use the power-reducing identities:
\begin{equation*} \cos^2(x) = \frac{1+\cos(2x)}{2} \text{ and } \sin^2(x) = \frac{1-\cos(2x)}2 \end{equation*}to reduce the degree of the integrand. Expand the result and apply the principles of this Key Idea again.
We practice applying Key Idea 6.3.2 in the next examples.
Example 6.3.3. Integrating powers of sine and cosine.
Evaluate \(\ds\int\sin^5(x) \cos^8(x) \, dx\text{.}\)
The power of the sine term is odd, so we rewrite \(\sin^5(x)\) as
Our integral is now \(\ds \int (1-\cos^2(x) )^2\cos^8(x) \sin(x) \, dx\text{.}\) Let \(u = \cos(x)\text{,}\) hence \(du = -\sin(x) \, dx\text{.}\) Making the substitution and expanding the integrand gives
This final integral is not difficult to evaluate, giving
Example 6.3.4. Integrating powers of sine and cosine.
Evaluate \(\ds \int\sin^5(x) \cos^9(x) \, dx\text{.}\)
The powers of both the sine and cosine terms are odd, therefore we can apply the techniques of Key Idea 6.3.2 to either power. We choose to work with the power of the cosine term since the previous example used the sine term's power.
We rewrite \(\cos^9(x)\) as
We rewrite the integral as
Now substitute and integrate, using \(u = \sin(x)\) and \(du = \cos(x) \, dx\text{.}\) Expand the binomial using algebra.
Technology Note: The work we are doing here can be a bit tedious, but the skills developed (problem solving, algebraic manipulation, etc.) are important. Nowadays problems of this sort are often solved using a computer algebra system. The powerful program Mathematica™ integrates \(\int \sin^5(x) \cos^9(x) \, dx\) as
which clearly has a different form than our answer in Example 6.3.4, which is
Figure 6.3.5 shows a graph of \(f\) and \(g\text{;}\) they are clearly not equal, but they differ only by a constant. That is \(g(x) = f(x) + C\) for some constant \(C\text{.}\) So we have two different antiderivatives of the same function, meaning both answers are correct.
Example 6.3.6. Integrating powers of sine and cosine.
Evaluate \(\ds\int\cos^4(x) \sin^2(x) \, dx\text{.}\)
The powers of sine and cosine are both even, so we employ the power-reducing formulas and algebra as follows.
The first integral labeled \(a\) is easy to integrate. The \(\cos(2x)\) term is also easy to integrate, especially with Key Idea 6.1.5. The \(\cos^2(2x)\) term is another trigonometric integral with an even power, requiring the power-reducing formula again. The \(\cos^3(2x)\) term is a cosine function with an odd power, requiring a substitution as done before. We integrate each in turn below.
Finally, we rewrite \(\cos^3(2x)\) as
Letting \(u=\sin(2x)\text{,}\) we have \(du = 2\cos(2x)\, dx\text{,}\) hence
Putting all the pieces together, we have
The process above was a bit long and tedious, but being able to work a problem such as this from start to finish is important.
Subsection 6.3.2 Integrals of the form \(\int\sin(mx)\sin(nx)\, dx\text{,}\) \(\int \cos(mx)\cos(nx)\, dx\text{,}\) and \(\int \sin(mx)\cos(nx)\, dx\)
Functions that contain products of sines and cosines of differing periods are important in many applications including the analysis of sound waves. Integrals of the form
are best approached by first applying the Product to Sum Formulas found in the back cover of this text, namely
Example 6.3.7. Integrating products of \(\sin(mx)\) and \(\cos(nx)\).
Evaluate \(\ds\int\sin(5x)\cos(2x)\, dx\text{.}\)
The application of the formula and subsequent integration are straightforward:
Subsection 6.3.3 Integrals of the form \(\int\tan^m(x) \sec^n(x) \, dx\)
When evaluating integrals of the form \(\int \sin^m(x) \cos^n(x) \, dx\text{,}\) the Pythagorean Theorem allowed us to convert even powers of sine into even powers of cosine, and vise-versa. If, for instance, the power of sine was odd, we pulled out one \(\sin(x)\) and converted the remaining even power of \(\sin(x)\) into a function using powers of \(\cos(x)\text{,}\) leading to an easy substitution.
The same basic strategy applies to integrals of the form \(\int \tan^m(x) \sec^n(x) \, dx\text{,}\) albeit a bit more nuanced. The following three facts will prove useful:
- \(\frac{d}{dx}(\tan(x) ) = \sec^2(x)\text{,}\)
- \(\frac{d}{dx}(\sec(x) ) = \sec(x) \tan(x)\text{,}\)
\(1+\tan^2(x) = \sec^2(x)\) (the Pythagorean Theorem).
If the integrand can be manipulated to separate a \(\sec^2(x)\) term with the remaining secant power even, or if a \(\sec(x) \tan(x)\) term can be separated with the remaining \(\tan(x)\) power even, the Pythagorean Theorem can be employed, leading to a simple substitution. This strategy is outlined in the following Key Idea.
Key Idea 6.3.8. Integrals Involving Powers of Tangent and Secant.
Consider \(\ds\int\tan^m(x) \sec^n(x) \, dx\text{,}\) where \(m,n\) are nonnegative integers.
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If \(n\) is even, then \(n=2k\) for some integer \(k\text{.}\) Rewrite \(\sec^n(x)\) as
\begin{align*} \sec^n(x) \amp = \sec^{2k}(x)\\ \amp = \sec^{2k-2}(x) \sec^2(x)\\ \amp = (1+\tan^2(x) )^{k-1}\sec^2(x)\text{.} \end{align*}Then
\begin{align*} \int\tan^m(x) \sec^n(x) \, dx \amp =\int\tan^m(x) (1+\tan^2(x) )^{k-1}\sec^2(x) \, dx\\ \amp =\int u^m(1+u^2)^{k-1}\,du\text{,} \end{align*}where \(u = \tan(x)\) and \(du = \sec^2(x) \, dx\text{.}\)
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If \(m\) is odd, then \(m=2k+1\) for some integer \(k\text{.}\) Rewrite \(\tan^m(x) \sec^n(x)\) as
\begin{align*} \tan^m(x) \sec^n(x) \amp = \tan^{2k+1}(x) \sec^n(x)\\ \amp = \tan^{2k}(x) \sec^{n-1}(x) \sec(x) \tan(x)\\ \amp = (\sec^2(x) -1)^k\sec^{n-1}(x) \sec(x) \tan(x)\text{.} \end{align*}Then
\begin{align*} \int\tan^m(x) \sec^n(x) \, dx \amp =\int(\sec^2(x) -1)^k\sec^{n-1}(x) \sec(x) \tan(x) \, dx\\ \amp = \int(u^2-1)^ku^{n-1}\,du\text{,} \end{align*}where \(u = \sec(x)\) and \(du = \sec(x) \tan(x) \, dx\text{.}\)
If \(n\) is odd and \(m\) is even, then \(m=2k\) for some integer \(k\text{.}\) Convert \(\tan^m(x)\) to \((\sec^2(x) -1)^k\text{.}\) Expand the new integrand and use Integration By Parts, with \(dv = \sec^2(x) \, dx\text{.}\)
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If \(m\) is even and \(n=0\text{,}\) rewrite \(\tan^m(x)\) as
\begin{align*} \tan^m(x) \amp = \tan^{m-2}(x) \tan^2(x)\\ \amp = \tan^{m-2}(x) (\sec^2(x) -1)\\ \amp = \tan^{m-2}\sec^2(x) -\tan^{m-2}(x)\text{.} \end{align*}So
\begin{equation*} \int\tan^m(x) \, dx = \underbrace{\int\tan^{m-2}\sec^2(x) \, dx}_{\text{ apply rule 1 } } - \underbrace{\int\tan^{m-2}(x) \, dx}_{\text{ apply rule 4 again } }\text{.} \end{equation*}
The techniques described in Item 1 and Item 2 of Key Idea 6.3.8 are relatively straightforward, but the techniques in Item 3 and Item 4 can be rather tedious. A few examples will help with these methods.
Example 6.3.9. Integrating powers of tangent and secant.
Evaluate \(\ds\int \tan^2(x) \sec^6(x) \, dx\text{.}\)
Since the power of secant is even, we use Rule 1from Key Idea 6.3.8 and pull out a \(\sec^2(x)\) in the integrand. We convert the remaining powers of secant into powers of tangent.
Now substitute, with \(u=\tan(x)\text{,}\) with \(du = \sec^2(x) \, dx\text{.}\)
\begin{align*} \amp =\int u^2\big(1+u^2\big)^2\,du\\ \end{align*}We leave the integration and subsequent substitution to the reader. The final answer is
\begin{align*} \amp =\frac13\tan^3(x) +\frac25\tan^5(x) +\frac17\tan^7(x) +C\text{.} \end{align*}When we have an odd power of \(\tan(x)\) (and \(\sec(x)\) to any power of at least one), we can split off a factor of \(\tan(x)\sec(x)\) and use the substitution \(u=\sec(x)\text{,}\) as the following video illustrates.
Example 6.3.11. Integrating powers of tangent and secant.
Evaluate \(\ds\int \sec^3(x) \, dx\text{.}\)
We apply Rule 3 from Key Idea 6.3.8 as the power of secant is odd and the power of tangent is even (\(0\) is an even number). We use Integration by Parts; the rule suggests letting \(dv = \sec^2(x) \, dx\text{,}\) meaning that \(u = \sec(x)\text{.}\)
\(\implies\)
Employing Integration by Parts, we have
This new integral also requires applying Rule 3 of Key Idea 6.3.8:
\begin{align*} \int \sec^3(x)\, dx\amp = \sec(x) \tan(x) - \int \sec(x) \big(\sec^2(x) -1\big)\, dx\\ \amp = \sec(x) \tan(x) - \int \sec^3(x) \, dx + \int \sec(x) \, dx\\ \amp = \sec(x) \tan(x) -\int \sec^3(x) \, dx + \ln\abs{\sec(x) +\tan(x) }\\ \end{align*}In previous applications of Integration by Parts, we have seen where the original integral has reappeared in our work. We resolve this by adding \(\int \sec^3(x) \, dx\) to both sides, giving:
\begin{align*} 2\int \sec^3(x) \, dx \amp = \sec(x) \tan(x) + \ln\abs{\sec(x) +\tan(x) }\\ \int \sec^3(x) \, dx \amp = \frac12\Big(\sec(x) \tan(x) + \ln\abs{\sec(x) +\tan(x) }\Big)+C \end{align*}Integrals involving odd powers of \(\sec(x)\) (and nothing else) are often among the more intimidating tasks for beginning calculus students. However, larger odd powers are best handled not by doing the integral directly, but by employing a reduction forumula. The video below shows how to obtain a reduction formula for the integral of \(\sec^{2k+1}(x)\text{;}\) this formula allows us to express the integral in terms of an integral where the power of \(\sec(x)\) is reduced by two.
We give one more example.
Example 6.3.14. Integrating powers of tangent and secant.
Evaluate \(\ds\int\tan^6(x) \, dx\text{.}\)
We employ Rule 3 of Key Idea 6.3.8.
Integrate the first integral with substitution, \(u=\tan(x)\text{;}\) integrate the second by employing rule Rule 4 again.
\begin{align*} \amp = \frac15\tan^5(x) -\int\tan^2(x) \tan^2(x) \, dx\\ \amp = \frac15\tan^5(x) -\int\tan^2(x) \big(\sec^2(x) -1\big)\, dx\\ \amp = \frac15\tan^5(x) -\underbrace{\int\tan^2(x) \sec^2(x) \, dx}_{a} + \underbrace{\int\tan^2(x) \, dx}_b\\ \end{align*}Again, use substitution (\(u=\tan(x)\)) for the first integral (a) and Rule 4 for the second (b).
\begin{align*} \amp = \frac15\tan^5(x) -\frac13\tan^3(x) +\int\big(\sec^2(x) -1\big)\, dx\\ \int \tan^6(x)\, dx\amp = \frac15\tan^5(x) -\frac13\tan^3(x) +\tan(x) - x+C\text{.} \end{align*}These latter examples were admittedly long, with repeated applications of the same rule. Try to not be overwhelmed by the length of the problem, but rather admire how robust this solution method is. A trigonometric function of a high power can be systematically reduced to trigonometric functions of lower powers until all antiderivatives can be computed.
Section 6.4 introduces an integration technique known as Trigonometric Substitution, a clever combination of Substitution and the Pythagorean Theorem.
Exercises 6.3.4 Exercises
Terms and Concepts
1.
\(\ds \int \sin^2(x) \cos^2(x) \, dx\) cannot be evaluated using the techniques described in this section since both powers of \(\sin(x)\) and \(\cos(x)\) are even.
True
False
2.
\(\ds \int \sin^3(x) \cos^3(x) \, dx\) cannot be evaluated using the techniques described in this section since both powers of \(\sin(x)\) and \(\cos(x)\) are odd.
True
False
3.
This section addresses how to evaluate indefinite integrals such as \(\ds \int \sin^5(x) \tan^3(x) \, dx\text{.}\)
True
False
4.
Sometimes computer programs evaluate integrals involving trigonometric functions differently than one would using the techniques of this section. When this is the case, the techniques of this section have failed and one should only trust the answer given by the computer.
True
False
In the following exercises, evaluate the indefinite integral.
5.
\(\ds \int \sin(x) \cos^4(x) \, dx\)
6.
\(\ds \int \sin^3(x) \cos(x) \, dx\)
7.
\(\ds \int \sin^3(x) \cos^2(x) \, dx\)
8.
\(\ds \int \sin^3(x) \cos^3(x) \, dx\)
9.
\(\ds \int \sin^6(x) \cos^5(x) \, dx\)
10.
\(\ds \int \sin^2(x) \cos^7(x) \, dx\)
11.
\(\ds \int \sin^2(x) \cos^2(x) \, dx\)
12.
\(\ds \int \sin(5x)\cos(3x)\, dx\)
13.
\(\ds \int \sin(x)\cos(2x)\, dx\)
14.
\(\ds \int \sin(3x)\sin(7x)\, dx\)
15.
\(\ds \int \sin(\pi x)\sin(2\pi x)\, dx\)
16.
\(\ds \int \cos(x)\cos(2x)\, dx\)
17.
\(\ds \int \cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2} x\right)\cos(\pi x)\, dx\)
18.
\(\ds \int \tan^4(x) \sec^2(x) \, dx\)
19.
\(\ds \int \tan^2(x) \sec^4(x) \, dx\)
20.
\(\ds \int \tan^3(x) \sec^4(x) \, dx\)
21.
\(\ds \int \tan^3(x) \sec^2(x) \, dx\)
22.
\(\ds \int \tan^3(x) \sec^3(x) \, dx\)
23.
\(\ds \int \tan^5(x) \sec^5(x) \, dx\)
24.
\(\ds \int \tan^4(x) \, dx\)
25.
\(\ds \int \sec^5(x) \, dx\)
26.
\(\ds \int \tan^2(x) \sec(x) \, dx\)
27.
\(\ds \int \tan^2(x) \sec^3(x) \, dx\)
In the following exercises, evaluate the definite integral. Note: the corresponding indefinite integrals appear in the previous set.
28.
\(\ds \int_0^{\pi} \sin(x) \cos^4(x) \, dx\)
29.
\(\ds \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \sin^3(x) \cos(x) \, dx\)
30.
\(\ds \int_{-\pi/2}^{\pi/2} \sin^2(x) \cos^7(x) \, dx\)
31.
\(\ds \int_{0}^{\pi/2} \sin(5 x)\cos(3x)\, dx\)
32.
\(\ds \int_{-\pi/2}^{\pi/2} \cos(x)\cos(2x)\, dx\)
33.
\(\ds \int_{0}^{\pi/4} \tan^4(x) \sec^2(x) \, dx\)
34.
\(\ds \int_{-\pi/4}^{\pi/4} \tan^2(x) \sec^4(x) \, dx\)