Skip to main content
Ch. 8 - Integration Techniques
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 8, Problem 8.3.11

9–61. Trigonometric integrals Evaluate the following integrals.
11. ∫ sin²(3x) dx

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Recognize that the integral involves a squared trigonometric function, sin²(3x). To simplify, use the trigonometric identity: sin²(u) = (1 - cos(2u)) / 2. Substitute u = 3x into the identity.
Step 2: Rewrite the integral using the identity: ∫ sin²(3x) dx = ∫ (1 - cos(6x)) / 2 dx. This simplifies the integral into two separate terms.
Step 3: Split the integral into two parts: ∫ sin²(3x) dx = (1/2) ∫ 1 dx - (1/2) ∫ cos(6x) dx. Now, handle each term individually.
Step 4: Evaluate the first term, (1/2) ∫ 1 dx, which is straightforward and results in (1/2)x. For the second term, (1/2) ∫ cos(6x) dx, use the substitution method. Let u = 6x, then du = 6 dx, and rewrite the integral accordingly.
Step 5: After substitution, integrate cos(u) to get sin(u). Substitute back u = 6x into the result. Combine the results from both terms to express the final solution, adding the constant of integration C.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
3m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Trigonometric Identities

Trigonometric identities are equations involving trigonometric functions that are true for all values of the variables. A key identity for integrating sine squared functions is the Pythagorean identity, which states that sin²(x) = (1 - cos(2x))/2. This identity simplifies the integration process by transforming the sine function into a form that is easier to integrate.
Recommended video:
7:17
Verifying Trig Equations as Identities

Integration Techniques

Integration techniques are methods used to find the integral of a function. For the integral of sin²(3x), one common technique is substitution, where we can let u = 3x, making du = 3dx. This allows us to rewrite the integral in terms of u, simplifying the integration process and making it more manageable.
Recommended video:
06:18
Integration by Parts for Definite Integrals

Definite vs. Indefinite Integrals

Definite and indefinite integrals are two types of integrals in calculus. An indefinite integral, like ∫ sin²(3x) dx, represents a family of functions and includes a constant of integration (C). In contrast, a definite integral calculates the area under the curve between two specific limits. Understanding the difference is crucial for correctly interpreting the results of integration.
Recommended video:
05:43
Definition of the Definite Integral