How do I integrate cos^2(x)?

The key to solving any integral of this form is to use the cosine rule:

cos(2x) = cos2(x) - sin2(x) = 2cos2(x) - 1 = 1 - 2sin2(x)

All of these forms are really helpful when solving problems such as this, and it's great if you can remmeber them, though if you get stuck in an exam, they can all be derived from the addition formulae that are probably on your fomula sheet!

So, using the above idenities, we know that:

2cos2(x) - 1 = cos(2x)

2cos2(x) = cos(2x) + 1

cos2(x) = (cos(2x) + 1)/2

So instead, we perform the integral of (cos(2x) + 1)/2, which we already know how to do.

=> (sin(2x))/4 + x/2

Answered by Daniel F. Maths tutor

30993 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

I don't understand how to visualise differentiation, please could you show my an example to allow me to understand what it actually is better?


Edexcel C3 June 2015 Q1: tan(x)=p, where p is a constant. Using standard trigonometric identities, find the following in terms of p. a) tan(2x). b) cos(x). c) cot(x-45).


FP2 (old specification) - How do you find the derivative of arsinhx?


There are two lines in the x-y plane. The points A(-2,5) and B(3,2) lie on line one (L1), C(-1,-2) and D(4,1) lie on line two (L2). Find whether the two lines intersect and the coordinates of the intersection if they do.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy