[Math] Integrating $\int\tan\theta\sec^5\theta\ d\theta$

integration

This problem is relatively straight forward, but for some reason, my answer is off by the power of 1.

$$\int \tan \theta \sec^5\theta d\theta $$

The steps I take are

  • Step 1. $$ u = \sec \theta $$ $$ du = \tan\theta $$
  • Step 2. $$ \int u^5 du $$
  • Step 3. $$ (u^6 / 6) $$
  • Step 4. $$ \frac{(\sec\theta)^6}{6} + c $$

However, the answer according to wolfram is $$ \frac{(\sec\theta)^5}{5} + c $$

Best Answer

$$ \int \tan\theta\sec^5\theta\,d\theta = \int (\sec^4\theta)\Big( \tan\theta\sec\theta\, d\theta\Big) = \int u^4\, du. $$