Q.Evaluate the definite integral: ∫0π/2cos2x dx
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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 …
The key idea is that the definite integral of cos2x over one full period is zero, but here the limits cover only half a period.
Step 1: Integrate directly.
∫cos2xdx=2sin2x.
Step 2: Apply the limits 0 to π/2: …
The key idea is to use the symmetry of the cosine function over the interval [0,π/2], or simply evaluate the antiderivative directly. The value of ∫0π/2cos2xdx is 0.
Why this approach works
When you see a definite integral involving cos2x, your first instinct might be to find the antiderivative and plug in the limits. That works perfectly here. But there's also a neat geometric insight: over one full period of cos2x (which is π), the area above the x-axis exactly cancels the area below. The interval [0,π/2] is exactly half a period, and because cos2x is symmetric about the midpoint x=π/4, the positive and negative contributions balance out to zero. Let's verify this step by step.
Step-by-step solution
1. Find the antiderivative.
Recall that the derivative of sin(2x) is 2cos(2x). So the antiderivative of cos(2x) is 21sin(2x).
We can write:
∫cos2xdx=21sin2x+C
2. Apply the limits of integration.
Using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus:
∫0π/2cos2xdx=[21sin2x]0π/2
3. Evaluate at the upper limit x=π/2.
21sin(2⋅2π)=21sin(π)=21⋅0=0
4. Evaluate at the lower limit x=0.
21sin(0)=0
5. Subtract: upper minus lower.
0−0=0 …
Method: Definite integral of cos2x over a symmetric-looking range
Integrate cos(kx) to ksin(kx), then evaluate — and watch for the value coming out zero.
Steps
Step 1: Recall ∫cos(kx)dx=ksin(kx). With k=2, F(x)=2sin2x.
Step 2: Bracket it.
∫abcos2xdx=[2sin2x]ab. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Integrating cos2x to sin2x without the 21.
Why it's wrong: the chain factor 2 means ∫cos2xdx=2sin2x. Correct approach: divide by k.
Mistake 2: Believing the answer "can't be 0". …
Showing the 12 most recent of 48 on this concept.
- 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 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 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 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.∫0π/2sinx+cosxsin3xdx= (A) 4π+1 (B) 2π−2 (C) 4π−2 (D) 4π−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
By symmetry I=J (the cos3 analogue) and I+J=π/2−1/2 via a sum-of-cubes factorisation, giving I=(π−1)/4.
Concept and Intuition
Define J as the same integral with sin3x replaced by cos3x. The substitution x→π/2−x shows I=J exactly (not just numerically), because it swaps sine and cosine while leaving sinx+cosx and the interval unchanged. Then the sum-of-cubes identity sin3x+cos3x=(sinx+cosx)(1−sinxcosx) lets I+J collapse to an elementary integral, and since I=J, each equals half of that sum.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let I=∫0π/2sinx+cosxsin3xdx and J=∫0π/2sinx+cosxcos3xdx.
- Substituting u=π/2−x in I: sinx→cosu, cosx→sinu, limits unchanged, giving I=∫0π/2cosu+sinucos3udu=J. So I=J.
- I+J=∫0π/2sinx+cosxsin3x+cos3xdx. Using sin3x+cos3x=(sinx+cosx)(sin2x−sinxcosx+cos2x)=(sinx+cosx)(1−sinxcosx), this simplifies to ∫0π/2(1−sinxcosx)dx. …
- 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 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-2023-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.∫0π/2cosx+sinxsin(π/4+x)+sin(3π/4+x)dx= (A) 2π (B) 22π (C) 32π (D) 42π
›Reveal solutionSolution
Simplify the numerator using angle-addition identities, then use the classic x→π/2−x symmetry trick (King's rule) to evaluate the definite integral without direct antidifferentiation.
Concept and Intuition
Symmetric definite integrals over [0,π/2] often simplify beautifully using the substitution x→π/2−x, which swaps sin and cos. Adding the original and transformed integrals frequently collapses to something trivial.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Expand: sin(π/4+x)=22(cosx+sinx) and sin(3π/4+x)=22(cosx−sinx).
- Sum =22[(cosx+sinx)+(cosx−sinx)]=2cosx.
- So I=∫0π/2cosx+sinx2cosxdx.
- Substitute x→π/2−x: I=∫0π/2sinx+cosx2sinxdx=J (same value, by the King's-rule symmetry). …
- 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 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 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-2025-05-23-AN1 markMCQQ.∫−π/2π/2sin2xcos2x(sinx+cosx)dx= (A) 0 (B) 152 (C) 154 (D) 52
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests using odd/even symmetry over a symmetric interval to kill half the integral, then a simple u=sinx substitution for the rest. The answer is 154, option (C).
Concept and Intuition
Over a symmetric interval [−a,a], an odd integrand integrates to zero and an even integrand integrates to twice the integral over [0,a]. Expanding (sinx+cosx) splits the problem cleanly into one odd term and one even term, so only the even term survives — turning a seemingly complicated integral into a single elementary substitution.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Expand: sin2xcos2x(sinx+cosx)=sin3xcos2x+sin2xcos3x.
- g(x)=sin3xcos2x: since sin3(−x)=−sin3x and cos2(−x)=cos2x, g(−x)=−g(x) — odd. So ∫−π/2π/2g(x)dx=0.
- h(x)=sin2xcos3x: both factors are even, so h is even, and ∫−π/2π/2hdx=2∫0π/2hdx.
- Write h(x)=sin2xcos2xcosx=sin2x(1−sin2x)cosx. Let u=sinx, du=cosxdx; limits 0→1. …
- 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. …
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