Q.Evaluate ∫0πa2cos2x+b2sin2xxdx
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Definite Integral Symmetry: The Shortcut That Saves You Work
Asked to find the area under f(x)=x3 from x=−2 to x=2? You could integrate directly — but there's a much faster way if you notice the symmetry of the graph.
The Intuition: What Does "Symmetry" Mean Here?
A function can be symmetric about the y-axis (like x2 or cosx) or about the origin (like x3 or sinx). When you integrate over a symmetric interval — from −a to a — these symmetries create a predictable cancellation or doubling.
Even functions (symmetric about the y-axis): f(−x)=f(x) — think x2, x4, cosx, ∣x∣. The left side mirrors the right, so the area from −a to 0 equals the area from 0 to a. The total is double the area on one side.
Odd functions (symmetric about the origin): f(−x)=−f(x) — think x3, x5, sinx, tanx. The left side is the negative mirror of the right, so every positive area on the right is cancelled by an equal negative area on the left. The total is zero.
This only works when the limits are symmetric about zero — from −a to a. For [0,a] or [1,3], symmetry doesn't help directly.
The Precise Statement
Let f be continuous on [−a,a].
- If f is even (f(−x)=f(x)), then ∫−aaf(x)dx=2∫0af(x)dx
- If f is odd (f(−x)=−f(x)), then ∫−aaf(x)dx=0
∫−aaf(x)dx={2∫0af(x)dx0if f is evenif f is odd
Why Does This Work? (A Quick Proof)
Split at zero:
∫−aaf(x)dx=∫−a0f(x)dx+∫0af(x)dx
For the first term substitute u=−x (dx=−du; x=−a→u=a, x=0→u=0):
∫−a0f(x)dx=∫0af(−u)du
Now use symmetry:
- If f is even, f(−u)=f(u), so this becomes ∫0af(u)du; adding the second term gives 2∫0af(x)dx.
- If f is odd, f(−u)=−f(u), so this becomes −∫0af(u)du; adding the second term gives 0.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't assume symmetry without checking. A "balanced"-looking function need not be even or odd — e.g. f(x)=x2+x is neither, so these formulas don't apply. Always verify f(−x)=f(x) or f(−x)=−f(x) for all x.
The interval must be [−a,a]. If the limits are [−2,3], symmetry doesn't apply directly — split the integral or shift variables.
Examples to Cement the Idea
Example 1: ∫−33x4dx — x4 is even, so
∫−33x4dx=2∫03x4dx=2[5x5]03=2⋅5243=5486 …
Use the King property ∫0af(x)dx=∫0af(a−x)dx to remove the x in the numerator.
Let I=∫0πa2cos2x+b2sin2xxdx. Replacing x→π−x leaves the denominator unchanged (since cos2(π−x)=cos2x, sin2(π−x)=sin2x):
I=∫0πa2cos2x+b2sin2xπ−xdx.
Adding the two forms:
2I=π∫0πa2cos2x+b2sin2xdx=πJ.
Evaluate J. By symmetry about x=2π, J=2∫0π/2a2cos2x+b2sin2xdx. Divide by cos2x and put t=tanx: …
The King property ∫0af(x)dx=∫0af(a−x)dx kills the x in the numerator, reducing the problem to a standard integral. The value is 2abπ2.
The idea
The denominator a2cos2x+b2sin2x is symmetric about x=2π, but the numerator is just x. The substitution x→π−x is designed exactly to exploit that mismatch.
Step 1 — Apply the King property
Let
I=∫0πa2cos2x+b2sin2xxdx.
Using ∫0af(x)dx=∫0af(a−x)dx with a=π, replace x by π−x. Since cos(π−x)=−cosx and sin(π−x)=sinx, the denominator is unchanged:
I=∫0πa2cos2x+b2sin2xπ−xdx.
Step 2 — Add the two forms
Adding the original and transformed integrals, the x and −x cancel:
2I=∫0πa2cos2x+b2sin2xx+(π−x)dx=π∫0πa2cos2x+b2sin2xdx.
Call the remaining integral J, so 2I=πJ.
Step 3 — Evaluate J
The integrand is symmetric about x=2π, so
J=2∫0π/2a2cos2x+b2sin2xdx.
Divide numerator and denominator by cos2x: …
Method: King's property to kill the x, then a tan substitution
Use this for ∫0π⋯x⋅(even-about-2π function)dx: the reflection property removes the linear x, reducing the problem to a pure trig-rational integral.
Steps
Step 1: Apply x→a−x (here a=π).
Because cos2(π−x)=cos2x and sin2(π−x)=sin2x, the denominator is unchanged and
I=∫0πa2cos2x+b2sin2xπ−xdx.
Step 2: Add the two forms to eliminate x.
x+(π−x)=π, so
2I=π∫0πa2cos2x+b2sin2xdx=πJ.
Step 3: Evaluate the remaining J by a tan substitution. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Thinking the substitution x→π−x changes the denominator.
Why it's wrong: although cos(π−x)=−cosx, the denominator uses cos2x, so squaring removes the sign and it is unchanged — that invariance is exactly what makes the trick work. Correct approach: note the denominator depends only on cos2x,sin2x, both even under x→π−x.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the 21 / limit handling when evaluating J. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 48 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-20-AN1 markMCQQ.∫0π1+cos2xxsinxdx= (A) 0 (B) 2π (C) 2π2 (D) 4π2
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is the classic "xf(sinx)" King's-rule setup; it reduces to π/2 times a standard arctan integral, giving 4π2 — (D).
Concept and Intuition
Whenever the integrand has the shape x⋅g(sinx,cos2x) over [0,π] and g is invariant under x→π−x (true here since sin(π−x)=sinx and cos2(π−x)=cos2x), the King's-rule substitution x→π−x lets us replace the "x" prefactor with "π−x", and adding the two forms eliminates the awkward x entirely.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let I=∫0π1+cos2xxsinxdx and f(x)=1+cos2xsinx.
- Check f(π−x)=1+cos2(π−x)sin(π−x)=1+cos2xsinx=f(x) — confirmed invariant.
- By King's rule: I=∫0π(π−x)f(x)dx=π∫0πf(x)dx−I.
- So 2I=π∫0πf(x)dx=πJ, where J=∫0π1+cos2xsinxdx. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-FN1 markMCQQ.∫0π1+cos2xxsinxdx= (A) 4π2 (B) 2π (C) 2π2 (D) 4π
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is the classic ∫0πxf(sinx,cosx)dx trick using the substitution x→π−x; the answer is (A).
Concept and Intuition
For integrals of the form ∫0πxg(cosx)sinxdx, substituting x→π−x (using sin(π−x)=sinx and cos(π−x)=−cosx, but here cos2 is unaffected) converts the x factor into π−x, letting you solve for the integral algebraically in terms of a simpler integral without the x weight.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let I=∫0π1+cos2xxsinxdx.
- Substitute x→π−x: sin(π−x)=sinx, cos2(π−x)=cos2x, so
I=∫0π1+cos2x(π−x)sinxdx=π∫0π1+cos2xsinxdx−I.
- So 2I=π∫0π1+cos2xsinxdx. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.∫−ππ1+axcos2xdx, (a>0) = (A) aπ (B) aπ (C) 2π (D) 2π
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is the classic "King's rule" property ∫−aa1+bxf(x)dx=21∫−aaf(x)dx for even f; here it directly gives I=π/2, independent of a.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever an even function f(x) is divided by 1+bx and integrated over a symmetric interval [−a,a], replacing x→−x swaps 1/(1+bx) with bx/(1+bx) — and since these two fractions add to exactly 1, averaging the original and transformed integral removes the exponential entirely, leaving half of ∫−aaf(x)dx. This makes the ax term a red herring: the answer depends only on cos2x.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let I=∫−ππ1+axcos2xdx.
- Substitute x→−x (valid since limits are symmetric): I=∫−ππ1+a−xcos2(−x)dx=∫−ππ1+a−xcos2xdx (using cos2(−x)=cos2x).
- Simplify 1+a−x1=ax+1ax, so I=∫−ππ1+axcos2x⋅axdx.
- Add the two expressions for I: 2I=∫−ππcos2x[1+ax1+1+axax]dx=∫−ππcos2xdx. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-22-FN1 markMCQQ.∫0πsin2x+2cos2xxsinxdx= (A) 2π (B) 2π2 (C) 4π2 (D) 4π
›Reveal solutionSolution
Rewriting sin2x+2cos2x=1+cos2x and applying the classical ∫0πxf(sinx,cos2x)dx=2π∫0πfdx symmetry reduces the problem to a standard arctangent integral, giving π2/4.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever an integrand over [0,π] depends on x only through sinx and cos2x (both invariant, or simply transformed, under x↦π−x), the King's-rule substitution I=∫0πxf(x)dx=2π∫0πf(x)dx eliminates the explicit x factor.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Simplify the denominator: sin2x+2cos2x=(sin2x+cos2x)+cos2x=1+cos2x.
- Let I=∫0π1+cos2xxsinxdx.
- Apply x→π−x: sin(π−x)=sinx, cos(π−x)=−cosx⇒cos2(π−x)=cos2x. So I=∫0π1+cos2x(π−x)sinxdx=π∫0π1+cos2xsinxdx−I.
- So 2I=πJ where J=∫0π1+cos2xsinxdx. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-04-FN1 markMCQQ.∫0πx(sin2(sinx)+cos2(cosx))dx= (A) π2 (B) π2/2 (C) 2π (D) π/4
›Reveal solutionSolution
Uses the ∫0axf(x)dx=2a∫0af(x)dx trick (valid when f(a−x)=f(x)) plus a π/2-symmetry identity to collapse the integrand to a constant; the answer is π2/2.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever ∫0axf(x)dx appears with f(a−x)=f(x), King's Property gives ∫0axf(x)dx=2a∫0af(x)dx — the x weight averages out. Separately, sin2(sinx)+cos2(cosx) has a beautiful complementary-angle identity that makes its integral over a quarter period trivial.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let h(x)=sin2(sinx)+cos2(cosx). Check h(π−x): sin(π−x)=sinx and cos(π−x)=−cosx, and since cos(−cosx)=cos(cosx) (cosine is even), we get h(π−x)=h(x).
- By King's property, I=∫0πxh(x)dx=2π∫0πh(x)dx.
- Since h(π−x)=h(x), h is symmetric about x=π/2, so ∫0πhdx=2∫0π/2hdx.
- On [0,π/2], substitute x→π/2−x in just the cosine part: ∫0π/2cos2(cosx)dx=∫0π/2cos2(sinx)dx (since cos(π/2−x)=sinx). …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-24-FN1 markMCQQ.∫0πsecx+tanxxtanxdx= (A) 2π(π−2) (B) 2π+2 (C) 2π(π+2) (D) 2π−2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The integrand times x over [0,π] is handled with the symmetry trick ∫0axf(x)dx=2a∫0af(x)dx when f(a−x)=f(x).
Concept and Intuition
tanx/(secx+tanx) simplifies to sinx/(1+sinx), a function symmetric under x→π−x. This symmetry lets us replace the troublesome factor of x with a constant π/2, reducing the problem to a standard definite integral.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Simplify: secx+tanxtanx=(1+sinx)/cosxsinx/cosx=1+sinxsinx=f(x).
- Check symmetry: f(π−x)=1+sin(π−x)sin(π−x)=1+sinxsinx=f(x). ✓
- By the King's rule, I=∫0πxf(x)dx=2π∫0πf(x)dx.
- Compute J=∫0π1+sinxsinxdx=∫0π[1−1+sinx1]dx=π−∫0π1+sinxdx. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-22-FN1 markMCQQ.∫−ππ1+cos2xxsinxdx= (A) 43π2 (B) 2π+1 (C) 4π2 (D) 2π2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Combine the even-function property over [−π,π] with the classic x→π−x symmetry trick for integrals of xg(sinx,cosx). Answer: π2/2.
Concept and Intuition
First check parity: since sin(−x)=−sinx and cos2(−x)=cos2x, the integrand f(x)=1+cos2xxsinx satisfies f(−x)=f(x) — it's even, so the integral over [−π,π] is twice the integral over [0,π]. Then, for integrals of x times a function of sinx,cosx over [0,π], the substitution x→π−x is the standard tool to eliminate the explicit x.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Since f(−x)=f(x): ∫−ππfdx=2∫0πfdx=2J, where J=∫0π1+cos2xxsinxdx.
- Substitute x→π−x in J: sin(π−x)=sinx, cos(π−x)=−cosx (so cos2 unchanged): J=∫0π1+cos2x(π−x)sinxdx=π∫0π1+cos2xsinxdx−J.
- So 2J=πK where K=∫0π1+cos2xsinxdx. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.∫0π/21+4cos22xxsin2xdx= (A) 8π(Tan−12) (B) 4π(Tan−12) (C) 2π(Tan−12) (D) 8π(Tan−14)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Use the King's-rule symmetry ∫0af(x)dx=∫0af(a−x)dx to eliminate the explicit x, then substitute; the result is 8πTan−12.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever an integrand is x times a function that is itself symmetric (or anti-symmetric) under x→a−x, replacing x by a−x and adding to the original kills the explicit x-dependence, leaving a much simpler integral to evaluate.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let I=∫0π/21+4cos22xxsin2xdx.
- Replace x→2π−x: since sin(π−2x)=sin2x and cos(π−2x)=−cos2x (so cos2 is unchanged),
I=∫0π/21+4cos22x(2π−x)sin2xdx=2π∫0π/21+4cos22xsin2xdx−I.
- So 2I=2πJ where J=∫0π/21+4cos22xsin2xdx.
- Let w=cos2x, dw=−2sin2xdx. Limits: x=0⇒w=1; x=π/2⇒w=−1.
J=∫1−11+4w2−dw/2=∫−111+4w2dw/2=∫011+4w2dw
(using the evenness of the integrand over the symmetric interval). …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-05-AN1 markMCQQ.∫−ππ1+cos2x2x(1+sinx)dx= (A) 2π (B) π2 (C) π+2 (D) π/2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Splitting the integrand by parity kills the odd piece immediately; the remaining even piece is handled with the classic "∫0πxf(sinx,cosx)dx=2π∫0πf(sinx,cosx)dx"-style symmetry trick, collapsing to a simple arctangent integral.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever a definite integral is over a symmetric interval like [−π,π], always check parity first: odd integrands vanish, and even integrands can be doubled and computed over [0,π] only. For integrals of the form ∫0πxg(sinx,cosx)dx, the substitution x→π−x often converts the "x" factor into "π−x", letting you solve for the integral in terms of a simpler one without the x multiplier.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write 1+cos2x2x(1+sinx)=1+cos2x2x+1+cos2x2xsinx.
- The first term, 1+cos2x2x, is odd (odd/even = odd), so ∫−ππ of it is 0.
- The second term, 1+cos2x2xsinx, is even (odd×odd = even, divided by even), so
∫−ππ1+cos2x2xsinxdx=2∫0π1+cos2x2xsinxdx=4∫0π1+cos2xxsinxdx.
- Let J=∫0π1+cos2xxsinxdx. Substituting x→π−x (using sin(π−x)=sinx, cos(π−x)=−cosx, and cos2 unchanged): J=∫0π1+cos2x(π−x)sinxdx=π∫0π1+cos2xsinxdx−J. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.∫0πxsin3xcos2xdx= (A) 152π (B) 154π (C) 30π (D) 52π
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the symmetry property ∫0πxg(x)dx=2π∫0πg(x)dx (valid since g(π−x)=g(x) here) reduces the problem to a simple substitution integral, giving 152π.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever the integrand has the form x⋅g(x) over [0,π] and g(π−x)=g(x) (i.e., g is symmetric about x=π/2), we can use the standard trick: let I=∫0πxg(x)dx, substitute x→π−x to get I=∫0π(π−x)g(x)dx=π∫0πg(x)dx−I, so 2I=π∫0πg(x)dx, i.e. I=2π∫0πg(x)dx. This avoids ever integrating xsin3xcos2x directly by parts.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let g(x)=sin3xcos2x. Check symmetry: g(π−x)=sin3(π−x)cos2(π−x)=(sinx)3(−cosx)2=sin3xcos2x=g(x). ✓
- So ∫0πxsin3xcos2xdx=2π∫0πsin3xcos2xdx.
- Compute ∫0πsin3xcos2xdx=∫0πsinx(1−cos2x)cos2xdx. Substitute u=cosx, du=−sinxdx; limits x:0→π give u:1→−1.
- This becomes ∫1−1(1−u2)u2(−du)=∫−11(u2−u4)du. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.∫0π/2log∣tanx+cotx∣dx= (A) πlog2 (B) −πlog2 (C) 2πlog2 (D) 2πlog2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Simplify tanx+cotx=2/sin2x, split the log, and use the classical result ∫0πlogsinudu=−πlog2. Answer: πlog2.
Concept and Intuition
tanx+cotx always simplifies to sin2x2 via the Pythagorean identity — a very common simplification in definite-integral problems. This converts the problem into the well-known integral of logsin, whose value over a full "half-period" (0 to π) is a standard memorized result, −πlog2.
Step-by-Step Solution
- tanx+cotx=cosxsinx+sinxcosx=sinxcosxsin2x+cos2x=sinxcosx1=sin2x2.
- So log∣tanx+cotx∣=log2−log(sin2x) (since sin2x>0 on (0,π/2)).
- ∫0π/2log∣tanx+cotx∣dx=2πlog2−∫0π/2log(sin2x)dx.
- Let I=∫0π/2log(sin2x)dx. Substitute u=2x,du=2dx: I=21∫0πlog(sinu)du. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-23-FN1 markMCQQ.∫03π/2cos3x+sin3xcos3xdx= (A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 4π (D) 43π
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the substitution x→23π−x swaps the roles of cos3x and sin3x in the integrand, showing the given integral equals its "sine" counterpart; since the two together give the full interval length, each equals 43π.
Concept and Intuition
This is a King's-rule-style symmetry trick: ∫0af(x)dx=∫0af(a−x)dx. Applying it with a=3π/2 swaps cosx↔−sinx and sinx↔−cosx, which exactly interchanges the roles of cos3x and sin3x in the fraction (the minus signs cancel through the cube and the overall ratio), letting us equate the two "complementary" integrals.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Define I=∫03π/2cos3x+sin3xcos3xdx and J=∫03π/2cos3x+sin3xsin3xdx.
- Adding: I+J=∫03π/21dx=23π.
- Substitute x→23π−x in I: cos(23π−x)=−sinx and sin(23π−x)=−cosx. …
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