Integration of

Trigonometric 

Functions 14.6

Introduction
Integrals involving trigonometric functions are commonplace in engineering mathematics. This
is especially true when modelling waves, and alternating current circuits. When the root-mean-
square (rms) value of a waveform, or signal is to be calculated, you will often nd this results
in an integral of the form 
sin2 t dt

In this Block you will learn how such integrals can be evaluated.

Prerequisites
Before starting this Block you should . . .
be able to nd a number of simple denite
and indenite integrals
be able to use a table of integrals
be familiar with standard trigonometric
identities

Learning Outcomes Learning Style

After completing this Block you should be able To achieve what is expected of you . . .
to . . .
use trigonometric identities to write in-
tegrands in alternative forms to enable allocate sucient study time
them to be integrated
briey revise the prerequisite material

attempt every guided exercise and most

of the other exercises
1. Integration of Trigonometric Functions
Simple integrals involving trigonometric functions have already been dealt with in Block 14.1.
See what you can remember:

Now do this exercise

Write
 down the following
 integrals:  
a) sin x dx, b) cos x dx, c) sin 2x dx, d) cos 2x dx

Answer
The basic rules from which these results can be derived are summarised here:

Key Point
 
cos kx sin kx
sin kx dx = +c cos kx dx = +c
k k

2. More Complicated Trigonometric Functions

In engineering applications it is often necessary to integrate functions involving powers of the
trigonometric functions such as
 
2
sin x dx or cos2 t dt

Note that these integrals cannot be obtained directly from the formulas in the Key Point above.
However by making use of trigonometric identities the integrands can be re-written in an alter-
native form. It is often not clear which identities are useful and each case needs to be considered
individually. Experience and practice are essential. Work through the following Guided Exercise.

Now do this exercise

Use the trigonometric identity

sin2 = 12 (1 cos 2)

to express the integral sin2 xdx in an alternative form.
Answer
Note from the last exercise that the trigonometric identity was used to convert a power of sin x
into a function involving cos 2x which can be integrated directly using the Key Point above.

Now do this exercise


Find the indenite integral sin2 x dx.
Answer

Now do this exercise


Use the trigonometric identity sin 2x = 2 sin x cos x to nd sin x cos x dx
Answer

Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1 2

14.6: Integration
More exercises for you to try
You will need to refer to a Table of Trigonometric Identities to answer these questions.
  /2 
1. Find a) cos2 xdx b) 0 cos2 tdt c) (cos2 + sin2 )d 
2. Use the
 identity sin(A + B) + sin(A B) = 2 sin A cos B to nd sin 3x cos 2xdx
3. Find (1 + tan2 x)dx.
4. The mean square value of a function f (t) over the interval t = a to t = b is dened to
be  b
1
(f (t))2 dt
ba a
Find themean square value of f (t) = sin t over the interval t = 0 to t = 2.
5. Find sin mt sin ntdt where m and n are constants and m = n.
Answer

3 Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1

14.6: Integration
 End of Block 14.6

Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1 4

14.6: Integration
a) cos x + c, b) sin x + c, c) 12 cos 2x + c, d) 1
2
sin 2x + c.

Back to the theory

5 Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1

14.6: Integration
 
The integral can be written 1
2
(1 cos 2x)dx.

Back to the theory

Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1 6

14.6: Integration
  
1
2
x 12 sin 2x + c = 12 x 14 sin 2x + K where K = c/2.

Back to the theory

7 Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1

14.6: Integration
The integrand can be written as 1
2
sin 2x and the nal answer is 14 cos 2x + c

Back to the theory

Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1 8

14.6: Integration
1. a) 12 x + 14 sin 2x + c. b). /4. c). + c.

2. 10
1
cos 5x 12 cos x + c.

3. tan x + c.
 
1 sin(m n)t sin(m + n)t
1
4. 2 . 5. +c
2 mn m+n

Back to the theory

9 Engineering Mathematics: Open Learning Unit Level 1

14.6: Integration