Question

When doing trig substitution integration problems does it matter if you use sin or cos? If you have something like sqrt(1-x^2) it seems like either would work because you can use 1-cos^2 or 1-sin^2 to get cos^2 or sin^2 at the end, but the final answer differs by C right?

Answer 1

How can you show this by example?

Answer 2

if you know that the negative is just equal to the other then you have no problem ;)

Answer 3

but just to be safe...always put the constant at the base

Answer 4

I think C is the Integration Constant..

Answer 5

yup C is an arbitrary cosntant

Answer 6

Yes it is I know what C is, but that was not the question. @waterineyes

Answer 7

Thanks Igbasallote, but what do you mean put the constant at the base?

Answer 8

for example you have \[\sqrt{1 + x^2}\]

Answer 9

to do trig sub on that you draw a triangle right?

Answer 10

notice the one is at the base

Answer 11

that's what i mean by putting constants on the base