The Daily Bulletin Archive

The paper by Daniel W. Cunningham, professor of mathematics, "Why Does Trigonometric Substitution Work?" now appears in the current issue of the International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology 49 (4) 588–593. Modern calculus textbooks carefully illustrate how to perform integration by trigonometric substitution; however, most of these books do not adequately justify this powerful method of integration. Dr. Cunningham's paper presents an accessible theorem and proof that establishes the validity of integration by inverse substitution. The proof offers calculus instructors an argument that can be used to show their students that trigonometric substitution is a valid technique of integration. IJMEST is a refereed journal that provides a medium by which a wide range of experience in mathematical education can be presented, assimilated, and eventually adapted in schools, colleges, and universities.