Trigonometric Integrals Problem 1 (Calculus 2)

Trigonometric integrals can be confusing but many of them only need a basic substitution. Powers of sines and cosines are the simplest type, which is why we're starting with this one. As long as there's an odd power of sine or cosine then it's straightforward: split off one factor from the odd power and then use a Pythagorean identity to convert the remaining terms.

I don't like to teach my students to memorize what to do for each type of trigonometric integral. Instead I emphasize substitution: split off factors for du, choose a u-substitution based off of this, and then convert remaining terms by using Pythagorean identities. This allows students to understand how everything fits together.

Looking for a specific problem or topic? Try checking my website:

► Artist Attribution
Music By: "After The Fall"
Track Name: "Pieces"
Music Published by: Chill Out Records LLC
License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY - 4.0)