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

30965 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Compute the integral of f(x)=x^3/x^4+1


Find the equation of the line tangential to the function f(x) = x^2+ 1/ (x+3) + 1/(x^4) at x =2


If I throw a ball, of mass 2kg, straight up in the air, with velocity 10ms-1, how long until it lands? Assume gravity = 10ms-2


What is a moment and how do I calculate it?


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