How do you integrate int x^3 cot x dx using integration by parts?

1 Answer
Nov 28, 2016

You can't.

Explanation:

The antiderivative of x^3cotx involves the Polylogarithm Function evaluated at imaginary values.

I = intx^3cotx dx

Let u = x^3 so du = 3x^2 dx and

let dv = cotx dx so v = intcotx dx = ln abssinx .

I = x^3lnabssinx - 3int x^2 ln abs sinx dx

Let u = x^2 so du = 2x dx

let dv = ln abs sinx dx so v = 1/2i(x^2+Li_2(e^(2ix)))-xln(1-e^(2ix))+xlnabs sinx

Where Li_2(x) = sum_(k=1)^oo x^k/k^2 " " (known as the polylogarithm or Jonquiere's function.)

At this point I'll let you finish yourself. (Because I'm out of my depth.)