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How to do this integration: $$\int \sec (x-a) \sec (x-b)\ dx?$$

I want to this in the shortest possible way. Please guide me through.

  • 3
    Hint: try using $\sec(y) = 1/\cos(y)$ and $\cos(y)\cos(z) = \frac{1}{2}[\cos(y+z)+\cos(y-z)]$2011-12-08
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    By "solve" I guess you mean "evaluate"...2011-12-08
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    Have you made any progress by using Dilip's hint?2011-12-08
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    Probably not the _shortest possible way_ but you can try to: 1. Type "integrate 1/[cos(x-a)*cos(x-b)]" into wolframalpha; 2. wait for a while; 3. click on "show steps" http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=integrate+1%2F%5Bcos%28x-a%29%2Acos%28x-b%29%5D2011-12-08

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