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Could you please tell me what are the possible answers (if there is more than one) for the following indefinite integral?

$$\int \dfrac{\cos(\sqrt{6x})}{\sqrt{6x}}dx$$

Gigili
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2 Answers2

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Set $6x=y^2$. We then have $6dx = 2ydy$. Hence, $$\int \dfrac{\cos(\sqrt{6x})}{\sqrt{6x}}dx = \int \dfrac{\cos(y)}{y} \dfrac{ydy}3 = \dfrac13 \int \cos(y)dy = \dfrac{\sin(\sqrt{6x})}3 + \text{constant}$$

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The double appearance of $\sqrt{6x}$ should suggest at least trying the substitution $u=\sqrt{6x}$. (With more experience you’ll know immediately that it’s a good idea, because you’ll be able to look ahead and see that $du$ will the $\sqrt{6x}$ in the denominator that you need.) Now you have $u=(6x)^{1/2}$, so $$du=\frac12(6x)^{-1/2}\cdot6\,dx=\frac3{\sqrt{6x}}dx\;.$$ This is perfect: except for the factor of $3$, it matches the $\dfrac{dx}{\sqrt{6x}}$ in your integral, and constant factors are never a problem.

That is, you almost have $\int\cos u\,du$; with a factor of $3$ in the integral you would have $\int\cos u\,du$, so write

$$\int\frac{\cos\sqrt{6x}}{\sqrt{6x}}dx=\frac13\int\cos\sqrt{6x}\cdot\frac3{\sqrt{6x}}dx\;,$$

make the substitution, and you have

$$\frac13\int\cos u\,du\;,$$

which readily integrates to $\dfrac13\sin u+C$. Now just reverse the substitution, and you’re home free:

$$\int\frac{\cos\sqrt{6x}}{\sqrt{6x}}dx=\frac13\sin\sqrt{6x}+C\;.$$

Joe
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Brian M. Scott
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  • I was trying this again and again, I think I made small mistake there, so couldn't figure out why. But now I am clear. Thank you very much. Every time I solve this, and then take the derivative of that answer didn't give me the same function back. That's why confused. Thank you very much for explaining. – user60878 Feb 17 '13 at 07:49
  • @user60878: You’re very welcome. – Brian M. Scott Feb 17 '13 at 10:47