Q.Integrate the following function: 1+cosxsin2x
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Trigonometric Simplification
You know sin2x+cos2x=1 — but the skill of turning a messy trig expression into that kind of clean form is trigonometric simplification. Because sines, cosines and their relatives are all tied together by identities from the unit circle, a tangled combination can almost always be rewritten as something shorter: a single term, a constant, or an easier combination.
Your core toolkit
Pythagorean: sin2θ+cos2θ=1,1+tan2θ=sec2θ,1+cot2θ=csc2θ
Reciprocal: cscθ=sinθ1, secθ=cosθ1, cotθ=tanθ1
Quotient: tanθ=cosθsinθ,cotθ=sinθcosθ
How the process feels
Simplify 1+cosxsinx+sinx1+cosx. Over a common denominator the numerator is sin2x+(1+cosx)2=sin2x+1+2cosx+cos2x. The Pythagorean identity turns sin2x+cos2x into 1, giving 2+2cosx=2(1+cosx), so
sinx(1+cosx)2(1+cosx)=sinx2=2cscx.
A two-term sum collapses to one term.
Strategies that usually work
- Convert everything to sines and cosines — cancellations then appear.
- Spot Pythagorean pairs and replace them with 1 (or sec2, csc2).
- Factor and cancel as you would with ordinary algebra.
- Multiply by a conjugate — e.g. multiply 1+sinx1 by 1−sinx1−sinx to unlock a Pythagorean identity. …
The key idea is to use the identity sin2x=1−cos2x, which factors as a difference of squares and cancels with the denominator.
First, rewrite the numerator:
1+cosxsin2x=1+cosx1−cos2x.
Factor the numerator:
1+cosx(1−cosx)(1+cosx). …
The key idea is to simplify the integrand using the identity sin2x=1−cos2x, which turns the fraction into 1−cosx. The integral then becomes straightforward: ∫(1−cosx)dx=x−sinx+C.
When you see a rational expression involving sin2x and 1+cosx, your first instinct might be to try a substitution like t=tan(x/2) — the universal trigonometric substitution. But that’s overkill here. The smarter path is to notice that sin2x and cosx are related through the Pythagorean identity: sin2x=1−cos2x. This lets you factor the numerator as a difference of squares, which cancels beautifully with the denominator.
Let’s walk through it.
- Rewrite the numerator Use sin2x=1−cos2x. The integrand becomes:
1+cosx1−cos2x
- Factor the numerator 1−cos2x=(1−cosx)(1+cosx). So:
1+cosx(1−cosx)(1+cosx)
- Cancel the common factor Provided 1+cosx=0 (which is true except at isolated points where cosx=−1, and those don’t affect the indefinite integral), we get: 1−cosx …
Method: Simplify a trig fraction with the Pythagorean identity before integrating
When a squared sine or cosine sits over a 1±cosx (or 1±sinx) denominator, factor using sin2x=1−cos2x=(1−cosx)(1+cosx) so the denominator cancels.
Steps
Step 1: Rewrite the squared term as a difference of squares.
sin2x=1−cos2x=(1−cosx)(1+cosx)
Step 2: Cancel the common factor with the denominator.
1+cosxsin2x=1+cosx(1−cosx)(1+cosx)=1−cosx …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Reaching straight for a half-angle substitution.
Why it's wrong: it works but is far longer than needed; the integrand simplifies algebraically first. Correct approach: use sin2x=(1−cosx)(1+cosx) so the 1+cosx cancels, leaving 1−cosx.
Mistake 2: Cancelling incorrectly and losing the constant term. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 146 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.If A and B are positive acute angles satisfying 3cos2A+2cos2B=4 and sinB3sinA=cosA2cosB, then A+2B= (A) 30∘ (B) 45∘ (C) 60∘ (D) 90∘
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests combining two trig constraint equations using double-angle identities to pin down a specific angle sum. The result is A+2B=90∘.
Concept and Intuition
When given two independent trigonometric equations in two unknown angles, converting everything into double-angle form (via cos2θ=1−2sin2θ and sin2θ=2sinθcosθ) turns the problem into solving simultaneous equations in cos2A and cos2B (or equivalently sin2A,sin2B), using the Pythagorean identity to close the system.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Rewrite 3cos2A+2cos2B=4 using cos2θ=1−sin2θ: 3(1−sin2A)+2(1−sin2B)=4⟹5−3sin2A−2sin2B=4⟹3sin2A+2sin2B=1.
- So 3sin2A=1−2sin2B=cos2B. Call this Eq I: cos2B=3sin2A=23(1−cos2A).
- From the second given equation 3sinAcosA=2sinBcosB, i.e. 23sin2A=sin2B. Call this Eq II: sin2B=23sin2A.
- Substitute Eq I and Eq II into sin22B+cos22B=1:
(23sin2A)2+(23(1−cos2A))2=1
49[sin22A+(1−cos2A)2]=1
- Expand: sin22A+(1−cos2A)2=sin22A+1−2cos2A+cos22A=2−2cos2A. So 49⋅2(1−cos2A)=1⟹1−cos2A=92⟹cos2A=97. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.If sin(πcosθ)=cos(πsinθ), then sin2θ= (A) ±43 (B) ±21 (C) ±31 (D) ±2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Convert cos to a co-function sin, equate arguments (mod 2π and the supplementary branch), then square to land on sin2θ=±43.
Concept and Intuition
sin(πcosθ)=cos(πsinθ) mixes sine and cosine of different bounded arguments. Rewriting the RHS as a sine via cosϕ=sin(2π−ϕ) lets us use the standard sinA=sinB⇒A=B or A=π−B (mod 2π) equivalence, and because πcosθ,πsinθ∈[−π,π] only the n=0 branch is achievable.
Step-by-Step Solution
- cos(πsinθ)=sin(2π−πsinθ).
- So sin(πcosθ)=sin(2π−πsinθ).
- Branch 1: πcosθ=2π−πsinθ+2nπ⇒cosθ+sinθ=21+2n. Since cosθ+sinθ∈[−2,2], only n=0 works: cosθ+sinθ=21.
- Branch 2: πcosθ=π−(2π−πsinθ)+2nπ⇒cosθ−sinθ=21+2n, and again only n=0: cosθ−sinθ=21. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.tan81∘−tan63∘−tan27∘+tan9∘= (A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 5
›Reveal solutionSolution
A telescoping identity using cotθ−tanθ=2cot2θ turns this sum of four tangents of special angles into a clean constant: 4.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever you see tan(90∘−θ)−tanθ patterns, rewrite tan(90∘−θ)=cotθ and use the standard identity cotθ−tanθ=sinθcosθcos2θ−sin2θ=sin2θ2cos2θ=2cot2θ.
Step-by-Step Solution
- tan81∘=cot9∘ and tan63∘=cot27∘.
- So the expression =(cot9∘+tan9∘)−(cot27∘+tan27∘).
- Use cotθ+tanθ=sinθcosθcos2θ+sin2θ=sinθcosθ1=sin2θ2.
- So expression =sin18∘2−sin54∘2. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.For n∈Z, a set of values of θ satisfying secθ−1=(2−1)tanθ is (A) 2nπ−4π (B) 2nπ+2π (C) (2n+1)π+4π (D) 2nπ+4π
›Reveal solutionSolution
Clearing denominators and converting to half-angle form reduces the equation to tan(θ/2)=tan(π/8), giving θ=2nπ+π/4.
Concept and Intuition
secθ−1 and tanθ both vanish at θ=0, so factoring through half-angle identities (1−cosθ=2sin2(θ/2), sinθ=2sin(θ/2)cos(θ/2)) turns a mixed-function equation into a pure tan(θ/2) equation.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Multiply both sides by cosθ: 1−cosθ=(2−1)sinθ.
- Substitute half-angle identities: 2sin22θ=(2−1)⋅2sin2θcos2θ.
- Assuming sin(θ/2)=0 (the trivial branch θ=2nπ is not among the answer choices, so we take the genuine oscillating branch): divide through to get tan2θ=2−1.
- Recall the exact value tan(π/8)=tan22.5∘=2−1. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.If u=logtan(4π+2θ), then tanh2u= (A) tan2θ (B) cot2θ (C) sec2θ (D) sin2θ
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is the classical Gudermannian-function identity: tanh(u/2)=tan(θ/2) when u=logtan(π/4+θ/2).
Concept and Intuition
The substitution u=logtan(π/4+θ/2) links circular and hyperbolic functions (used e.g. in the Mercator map projection). Converting tanh(u/2) into exponentials of u, then substituting eu, collapses everything back to a clean circular function of θ/2.
Step-by-Step Solution
- tanh2u=eu+1eu−1 (standard identity, since tanhx=e2x+1e2x−1 with x=u/2).
- Given u=logtan(4π+2θ), we have eu=tan(4π+2θ).
- Let t=tan(θ/2). Then tan(4π+2θ)=1−t1+t. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.The quadratic equation whose roots are cos72∘ and sin54∘ is (A) 4x2+5x−1=0 (B) 4x2+25x+1=0 (C) 4x2−25x+1=0 (D) x2−25x+4=0
›Reveal solutionSolution
This uses the exact surd values of cos36∘ and cos72∘ (from the golden-ratio pentagon geometry) to build a quadratic from sum and product of roots. The answer is (C).
Concept and Intuition
36∘ and 72∘ are special angles tied to the regular pentagon, and their cosines involve 5 (the golden ratio). Once we recognize sin54∘=cos36∘ (co-function identity), both roots become known surds, and building the quadratic is just x2−(sum)x+(product)=0.
Step-by-Step Solution
- sin54∘=sin(90∘−36∘)=cos36∘.
- Known exact values: cos36∘=45+1⋅1 — precisely cos36∘=41+5 (numerically ≈0.809, correct), and cos72∘=45−1 (numerically ≈0.309, correct).
- Roots: r1=cos72∘=45−1, r2=sin54∘=cos36∘=45+1.
- Sum =r1+r2=4(5−1)+(5+1)=425=25. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.If f(x)=1−3x2x+8x, then f(tan15∘)+f(tan20∘)= (A) 81+3 (B) 83(3+3) (C) 82+3 (D) 83(1+3)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The denominator 1−3x2 is designed to interact with the 60∘ triple-angle tangent identity — plugging in tan15∘ and tan20∘ each collapses f(x) to a clean closed form. The answer is (D).
Concept and Intuition
The triple angle formula tan3θ=1−3tan2θ3tanθ−tan3θ has exactly the denominator 1−3x2 that appears in f(x). If 3θ is a known angle (here 45∘ for θ=15∘, and 60∘ for θ=20∘), then x=tanθ satisfies a specific cubic obtained by clearing denominators in the triple-angle identity — and that cubic is exactly what's needed to simplify f(x) to a constant.
Step-by-Step Solution
- For θ=15∘: 3θ=45∘, so tan45∘=1=1−3x23x−x3 where x=tan15∘. This gives 1−3x2=3x−x3, i.e. x3−3x2−3x+1=0.
- Suppose f(x)=1−3x2x+8x=k for a constant k. Then 1−3x2x=k−8x=88k−x, so 8x=(8k−x)(1−3x2). Trying k=83: 8x=(3−x)(1−3x2)=3−9x2−x+3x3, i.e. 3x3−9x2−9x+3=0, i.e. x3−3x2−3x+1=0 — exactly the equation from Step 1! So f(tan15∘)=83.
- For θ=20∘: 3θ=60∘, so tan60∘=3=1−3x23x−x3 where x=tan20∘. This gives 3(1−3x2)=3x−x3, i.e. x3−33x2−3x+3=0. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.If A+B+C=π, then 3−2(cos2Acos2Bsin2C+cos2Asin2Bcos2C+sin2Acos2Bcos2C)= (A) sin2A+sin2B+sin2C (B) cos2A+cos2B+cos2C (C) sin22A+sin22B+sin22C (D) cos22A+cos22B+cos22C
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a standard triangle trig identity built from the sine-of-sum expansion at half-angles. The answer is (C).
Concept and Intuition
When A+B+C=π, the half-angles satisfy 2A+2B+2C=2π. Expanding sin of that sum using the standard three-term product expansion links the bracketed expression directly to sin2Asin2Bsin2C, and from there to the well-known triangle identity for the sum of sin2 of the half-angles.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let a=2A,b=2B,c=2C, so a+b+c=2π and sin(a+b+c)=1.
- Expand: sin(a+b+c)=sinacosbcosc+cosasinbcosc+cosacosbsinc−sinasinbsinc.
- The given bracket S=cosacosbsinc+cosasinbcosc+sinacosbcosc is exactly the first three terms of this expansion (just reordered). So 1=S−sinasinbsinc, giving S=1+sinasinbsinc.
- The expression asked for is 3−2S=3−2(1+sinasinbsinc)=1−2sinasinbsinc=1−2sin2Asin2Bsin2C.
- Recall the standard identity: sin22A+sin22B+sin22C=1−2sin2Asin2Bsin2C for a triangle.
- So 3−2S=sin22A+sin22B+sin22C, matching option (C). …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.If 6sin2x=3cos4x−sin2xcos2x, then x= (A) 2nπ±3π ∀n∈Z (B) nπ±3π ∀n∈Z (C) nπ±6π ∀n∈Z (D) 2nπ±4π ∀n∈Z
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substituting cos2x=1−sin2x turns the equation into a quadratic in sin2x, and the valid root gives a standard sin2x=sin2α solution. The answer is (C).
Concept and Intuition
Any equation that's homogeneous in sinx,cosx (or reducible via cos2x=1−sin2x) to a polynomial in one trig function can be solved as an algebraic equation first, then converted to a general angle solution. Here, once we know sin2x equals a specific value, we use the identity that sin2x=sin2α⟺x=nπ±α.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let s=sin2x, so cos2x=1−s, and cos4x=(1−s)2.
- The equation 6sin2x=3cos4x−sin2xcos2x becomes 6s=3(1−s)2−s(1−s).
- Expand: 3(1−s)2=3−6s+3s2, and s(1−s)=s−s2. So RHS =3−6s+3s2−s+s2=3−7s+4s2.
- So 6s=3−7s+4s2⇒4s2−13s+3=0.
- Solve: s=813±169−48=813±11, giving s=3 or s=41.
- Since s=sin2x≤1, reject s=3. So sin2x=41=sin26π. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-AN1 markMCQQ.1−cosθcosθ+1+secθsecθ= (A) 1+2tan2θ (B) sec2θ+csc2θ (C) tan2θ+cot2θ (D) 1+2cot2θ
›Reveal solutionSolution
Simplify the second term to a form with the same (1±cosθ) denominators as the first, combine, and reduce using sin2θ+cos2θ=1 and csc2θ=1+cot2θ. The sum simplifies to 1+2cot2θ.
Concept and Intuition
Many trig-identity problems become tractable once every term is rewritten in terms of sinθ and cosθ only — here, secθ=cosθ1 simplifies the second fraction dramatically, revealing a common structure with the first term (both end up over denominators built from 1±cosθ, whose product is sin2θ).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Simplify the second term: 1+secθsecθ=1+1/cosθ1/cosθ=(cosθ+1)/cosθ1/cosθ=1+cosθ1.
- The expression becomes 1−cosθcosθ+1+cosθ1.
- Combine over the common denominator (1−cosθ)(1+cosθ)=1−cos2θ=sin2θ: sin2θcosθ(1+cosθ)+(1−cosθ)=sin2θcosθ+cos2θ+1−cosθ=sin2θ1+cos2θ. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-AN1 markMCQQ.For θ∈(0,2π), if the complete range of (cot2θ−cos2θ)(tan2θ−sin2θ) is (α,β] then β−α= (A) 1 (B) 21 (C) 41 (D) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Both factors collapse neatly to give the product cos2θsin2θ=41sin2(2θ), whose range on (0,π/2) is (0,41] — so β−α=41.
Concept and Intuition
Rather than expanding the product directly, it pays to simplify each bracket separately using cotθ=cosθ/sinθ and tanθ=sinθ/cosθ — each bracket turns out to be a perfect "difference into a single power" simplification, and multiplying the two results collapses everything into the well-known double-angle expression sin2(2θ)/4, whose range over a given domain is easy to reason about directly (rather than doing calculus on the original messy expression).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Simplify the first bracket:
cot2θ−cos2θ=cos2θ(sin2θ1−1)=cos2θ⋅sin2θ1−sin2θ=cos2θ⋅sin2θcos2θ=sin2θcos4θ.
- Simplify the second bracket similarly:
tan2θ−sin2θ=sin2θ(cos2θ1−1)=sin2θ⋅cos2θsin2θ=cos2θsin4θ.
- Multiply the two results: sin2θcos4θ⋅cos2θsin4θ=cos2θsin2θ=41sin2(2θ). …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-AN1 markMCQQ.If tanx+cotx=6, then tan3x+cot3x= (A) 192 (B) 180 (C) 198 (D) 186
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the algebraic identity for the sum of cubes in terms of the sum, tan3x+cot3x=(tanx+cotx)3−3(tanx+cotx), since tanx⋅cotx=1 always.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever a problem gives you t+t1 and asks for t3+t31, the clean route is the algebraic identity a3+b3=(a+b)3−3ab(a+b), applied with a=t, b=1/t. Because t⋅t1=1 identically, the identity simplifies beautifully to t3+t31=(t+t1)3−3(t+t1) — no need to ever find tanx itself.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let t=tanx. Since cotx=1/tanx=1/t, the given condition is t+t1=6.
- We want t3+t31. Use a3+b3=(a+b)3−3ab(a+b) with a=t,b=t1, noting ab=1. …
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