Q.Integrate the following function:
The key idea is to repeatedly apply the product-to-sum identity to break the triple product into a sum of simpler cosine terms, then integrate term-by-term. The final result is .
When you see a product of three cosines, your first instinct might be to try a substitution or a trigonometric identity like . That would lead to a messy polynomial in cosines — doable, but unnecessarily long. The cleanest path is the product-to-sum identity, because it converts multiplication into addition, and addition is trivial to integrate.
The identity is your workhorse here. You apply it pairwise, one pair at a time. The order matters only for convenience — we’ll start with and .
- First product-to-sum step Take the first two factors:
Since cosine is even, . So:
- Multiply by the third factor Now multiply this result by :
- Handle Use the double-angle identity: . Here , so:
- Handle Apply product-to-sum again:
- Combine everything Substitute back:
Factor the outside:
You could also start by pairing and first, or and . The algebra will look different but the final integrand will be the same — try it to build confidence.
- Integrate term-by-term Now integrate:
Each term is straightforward:
So:
A common mistake is to forget the factor or to misplace the denominators when integrating — remember , not alone.
The integral is .
Unlock everything free for 14 days
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Concept-first explanations
- Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.