Q.Choose the correct answer: If f(a+b−x)=f(x), then ∫abxf(x)dx is equal to (A) 2a+b∫abf(b−x)dx (B) 2a+b∫abf(b+x)dx (C) 2b−a∫abf(x)dx (D) 2a+b∫abf(x)dx
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — King Property of Definite Integrals
The King Property of Definite Integrals
Walk a path from a to b measuring something at each step; now walk it backwards from b to a. The King Property says the total is unchanged — provided you also reverse how you measure. It is one of the most useful shortcuts for definite integrals.
∫abf(x)dx=∫abf(a+b−x)dx
The limits stay a to b; only the argument changes, x→a+b−x.
Where it comes from
Substitute t=a+b−x, so dx=−dt; when x=a, t=b and when x=b, t=a:
∫abf(x)dx=∫baf(a+b−t)(−dt)=∫abf(a+b−t)dt.
Renaming t back to x gives the result. So it is not a trick — just substitution.
Why it helps
Adding the original integral to its "mirror" often collapses the integrand. For instance, with I=∫0π/2sinx+cosxsinxdx, the property replaces sinx by cosx (since sin(2π−x)=cosx). Adding the two forms:
2I=∫0π/2sinx+cosxsinx+cosxdx=2π,I=4π.
Reach for it when the integrand has sinx,cosx,tanx over [0,π/2] or [0,π] and f(a+b−x) simplifies. If the swapped form is no easier, it will not help.
The limits do not change — only the function's argument does. …
Concept: King Property of Definite Integrals — when f(a+b−x)=f(x), the integral remains unchanged after the substitution x→a+b−x.
Let I=∫abxf(x)dx.
Apply the substitution x=a+b−t, so dx=−dt, and when x=a, t=b; when x=b, t=a. Then
I=∫ba(a+b−t)f(a+b−t)(−dt)=∫ab(a+b−t)f(t)dt,
since f(a+b−t)=f(t).
Thus
I=∫ab(a+b)f(t)dt−∫abtf(t)dt=(a+b)∫abf(x)dx−I. …
Using the King Property, the integral ∫abxf(x)dx transforms into 2a+b∫abf(x)dx, making option (D) correct.
The King Property of definite integrals is one of those elegant symmetries that turns a seemingly messy problem into a clean result. It says:
∫abf(x)dx=∫abf(a+b−x)dx
Why? Because substituting x=a+b−t reverses the limits but the variable name is just a dummy — the function's shape over the interval is mirrored. When the function itself satisfies f(a+b−x)=f(x), this symmetry becomes even more powerful: the function is symmetric about the midpoint of [a,b].
Here, we have ∫abxf(x)dx with that condition. The trick is to apply the substitution x→a+b−x to the integral itself, then add the original and transformed versions. Because f is symmetric, the x in the integrand gets replaced by a+b−x, and averaging the two forms eliminates the x in favour of the constant midpoint.
Let's work through it.
- Apply the King substitution. Let I=∫abxf(x)dx. Put t=a+b−x. Then dx=−dt, and when x=a, t=b; when x=b, t=a. So
I=∫ba(a+b−t)f(a+b−t)(−dt)=∫ab(a+b−t)f(a+b−t)dt.
- Use the given symmetry. We know f(a+b−t)=f(t). Therefore
I=∫ab(a+b−t)f(t)dt.
- Rename the dummy variable. Since t is just a placeholder, write it as x again:
I=∫ab(a+b−x)f(x)dx.
- Add the two expressions for I. We have:
I=∫abxf(x)dxandI=∫ab(a+b−x)f(x)dx.
Adding them:
2I=∫ab[x+(a+b−x)]f(x)dx=∫ab(a+b)f(x)dx.
- Factor out the constant. …
Method: King property to remove a linear weight x
Use this for ∫abxf(x)dx when f is symmetric about the midpoint, i.e. f(a+b−x)=f(x): the reflection x→a+b−x replaces the weight by the constant midpoint.
Steps
Step 1: Apply the King substitution.
∫abg(x)dx=∫abg(a+b−x)dx.
Apply it to g(x)=xf(x), turning x into a+b−x and f(a+b−x) into f(x) by the given symmetry.
Step 2: Add the two expressions for I. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Confusing f(b−x) with f(a+b−x).
Why it's wrong: the King property uses the shift a+b−x, matching the given condition; options built on f(b−x) or f(b+x) are wrong unless a=0. Correct approach: apply x→a+b−x.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to add the two forms of I.
Why it's wrong: the weight x is removed only by averaging I with its reflection, giving 2I=(a+b)∫abf. Correct approach: add the original and King-substituted integrals. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.Assertion (A): ∫π/6π/3(sinx)2+(cosx)2(sinx)2dx=12π Reason (R): ∫π/6π/3f(x)+f(2π−x)f(x)dx=12π (A) A is true, R is true and R is the correct explanation of A (B) A is true, R is true but R is not the correct explanation of A (C) A is true, R is false (D) A is false, R is true
›Reveal solutionSolution
The Reason is the general (always-true) identity ∫abf(x)+f(a+b−x)f(x)dx=2b−a; since a+b=π/2 here matches the Assertion's integral exactly, R correctly explains A, and both evaluate to π/12.
Concept and Intuition
The key tool is the property ∫abg(x)dx=∫abg(a+b−x)dx (substituting x→a+b−x reflects the interval onto itself). Applying this to g(x)=f(x)+f(a+b−x)f(x):
I=∫abf(x)+f(a+b−x)f(x)dx=∫abf(a+b−x)+f(x)f(a+b−x)dx.
Adding these two expressions for I: 2I=∫ab1dx=b−a, so I=2b−a — true for any function f for which the integral makes sense, which is exactly what R states.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Verify R is a genuinely true, general statement (shown above): ∫abf(x)+f(a+b−x)f(x)dx=2b−a.
- In the Assertion, a=π/6, b=π/3, so a+b=π/2, matching R's structure with f(x)=(sinx)2.
- Compute: 2b−a=2π/3−π/6=2π/6=12π. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-19-AN1 markMCQQ.If ∫0π/2tann(x)dx=k∫0π/2cotn(x)dx, then ______. (A) k=1 (B) k=2 (C) k=21 (D) k=3
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests the complementary-angle substitution x→2π−x inside a definite integral over [0,π/2]; both integrals turn out equal, so k=1.
Concept and Intuition
Over the interval [0,π/2], the substitution x→2π−x swaps sinx↔cosx and hence tanx↔cotx, while leaving the limits of integration unchanged (just reversed and re-reversed). This is the standard reason ∫0π/2tannxdx=∫0π/2cotnxdx for any n.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Consider I=∫0π/2cotn(x)dx.
- Substitute x=2π−u, so dx=−du. When x=0,u=2π; when x=2π,u=0.
- cot(x)=cot(2π−u)=tan(u).
- So I=∫π/20tann(u)(−du)=∫0π/2tann(u)du.
- This is exactly ∫0π/2tann(x)dx (renaming u→x). …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-20-AN1 markMCQQ.If ∫01xm(1−x)ndx=k∫01xn(1−x)mdx, then the value of k equals ______ (A) m (B) n (C) mn1 (D) 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
A direct application of the x→1−x symmetry of definite integrals on [0,1], revealing the two integrals are identical. The answer is k=1.
Concept and Intuition
The substitution x→(a+b−x) (here a=0,b=1, so x→1−x) is the standard trick for definite integrals over a symmetric interval — it often reveals that two seemingly different integrals are actually equal.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Start with I=∫01xm(1−x)ndx.
- Substitute x=1−u, so dx=−du; when x=0,u=1; when x=1,u=0.
- I=∫10(1−u)mun(−du)=∫01(1−u)mundu.
- Renaming the dummy variable u→x: I=∫01xn(1−x)mdx. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-20-AN1 markMCQQ.If ∫0πlog(sinx)dx=8k, then ∫0π/4log(1+tanx)dx= ______ (A) k (B) −k (C) 2k (D) 4k
›Reveal solutionSolution
This combines two classical definite-integral results: ∫0πlogsinxdx=−πlog2 and ∫0π/4log(1+tanx)dx=8πlog2. The answer is −k.
Concept and Intuition
Both integrals are standard results worth memorizing (or re-deriving via King's rule x→a−x). The second one uses the substitution x→π/4−x, which turns 1+tanx into 1+tanx2, producing a self-referential equation for the integral.
Step-by-Step Solution
- ∫0πlog(sinx)dx=2∫0π/2log(sinx)dx (symmetry about π/2), and the classical value of ∫0π/2log(sinx)dx=−2πlog2.
- So ∫0πlog(sinx)dx=−πlog2=8k⇒k=−8πlog2.
- For I=∫0π/4log(1+tanx)dx, substitute x→π/4−x: tan(π/4−x)=1+tanx1−tanx, so 1+tan(π/4−x)=1+tanx2. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.∫0πxsin5xcos6xdx= (A) 69316π (B) 6938π (C) 6934π (D) 6932π
›Reveal solutionSolution
Apply the King's-rule property ∫0πxf(x)dx=2π∫0πf(x)dx (valid here since f(π−x)=f(x)), then evaluate the resulting Wallis-type integral. Answer: 6938π.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever an integrand has the shape x⋅f(x) over [0,π] and f(π−x)=f(x), the substitution x→π−x shows ∫0πxf(x)dx=∫0π(π−x)f(x)dx, so adding gives 2∫0πxf(x)dx=π∫0πf(x)dx, i.e. the "King's rule". Here f(x)=sin5xcos6x satisfies this because the even power on cosx absorbs the sign flip from cos(π−x)=−cosx.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let f(x)=sin5xcos6x. Check: f(π−x)=sin5(π−x)cos6(π−x)=sin5x⋅(−cosx)6=sin5xcos6x=f(x) (even power kills the sign).
- By King's rule: ∫0πxf(x)dx=2π∫0πf(x)dx.
- f(x) is also symmetric about x=π/2 in the same way, so ∫0πf(x)dx=2∫0π/2sin5xcos6xdx.
- Use the Wallis-type formula for m odd (here m=5), n even (here n=6):
∫0π/2sinmxcosnxdx=(m+n)!!(m−1)!!(n−1)!!.
Here (m−1)!!=4!!=8, (n−1)!!=5!!=15, (m+n)!!=11!!=10395.
∫0π/2sin5xcos6xdx=103958⋅15=10395120=6938. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-AN1 markMCQQ.If ∫π/43π/41+3cos2xxsinxdx=k∫π/43π/41+3cos2xsinxdx, then ∫0ksinπ/kxdx= (A) 32 (B) 2π (C) 43π (D) 4π
›Reveal solutionSolution
The symmetry x→π−x on [π/4,3π/4] shows k=π/2; then ∫0π/2sin2xdx=π/4.
Concept and Intuition
When integration limits a,b satisfy a+b=π (or any constant L) and the "weight function" f(x) is invariant under x→a+b−x, the King's-rule trick converts ∫xf(x)dx into 2a+b∫f(x)dx. That directly gives k.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let I=∫π/43π/41+3cos2xxsinxdx and J=∫π/43π/41+3cos2xsinxdx, so I=kJ.
- Substitute x→π−x in I (limits swap and reverse, net unchanged since π/4+3π/4=π):
sin(π−x)=sinx,cos(2π−2x)=cos2x
So I=∫π/43π/41+3cos2x(π−x)sinxdx=πJ−I.
3. Hence 2I=πJ⇒I=2πJ, so k=2π.
4. Now compute ∫0ksinπ/kxdx=∫0π/2sin2xdx (since π/k=π/(π/2)=2). …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-16-FN1 markMCQQ.If ∫02024π2023sin2x+2023cos2x2023sin2xdx=k, then (π2k+1)= (A) 2023 (B) 2025 (C) 2022 (D) 2024
›Reveal solutionSolution
Use the complementary-angle symmetry f(x)+f(π/2−x)=1 together with periodicity to evaluate the integral over one period, then scale up to 2024π.
Concept and Intuition
This is a "King's rule" style integral: whenever the integrand can be paired with its reflection so the pair sums to a constant, the integral over a symmetric range collapses to (constant)×(range)/2 — no actual antiderivative is needed.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let f(x)=2023sin2x+2023cos2x2023sin2x. Since sin2x,cos2x both have period π, f has period π.
- Check f(π/2−x): sin2(π/2−x)=cos2x, cos2(π/2−x)=sin2x, so f(π/2−x)=2023cos2x+2023sin2x2023cos2x=1−f(x).
- So ∫0π/2f(x)dx=∫0π/2f(π/2−x)dx (substitution), and adding both expressions: 2∫0π/2fdx=∫0π/21dx=π/2⇒∫0π/2f=π/4.
- Similarly, substituting x→π−x on [π/2,π] shows ∫π/2πfdx=∫0π/2fdx=π/4. So ∫0πfdx=π/2. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-23-FN1 markMCQQ.∫0π4cos2x+3sin2xxsinxdx= (A) 63π2 (B) 33π (C) 33π2 (D) 3π2
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is the classic ∫0πxf(sinx,cos2x)dx=2π∫0πfdx trick, followed by a routine u=cosx substitution into a standard arctangent integral.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever the integrand is x times a function of sinx and even powers of cosx (so that replacing x→π−x leaves the non-x part unchanged), the King's Rule ∫0πxg(x)dx=2π∫0πg(x)dx removes the awkward factor of x entirely, turning it into an ordinary trigonometric integral.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let g(x)=4cos2x+3sin2xsinx. Check g(π−x): sin(π−x)=sinx, cos2(π−x)=cos2x, sin2(π−x)=sin2x, so g(π−x)=g(x).
- By the King's Rule, I=∫0πxg(x)dx=2π∫0πg(x)dx=2πJ.
- Simplify the denominator: 4cos2x+3sin2x=3(sin2x+cos2x)+cos2x=3+cos2x.
- J=∫0π3+cos2xsinxdx. Let u=cosx, du=−sinxdx; limits x=0→u=1, x=π→u=−1. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-06-FN1 markMCQQ.∫0πsinxx(3cos2x+2sinx+sin3x−3)dx= (A) 4π(5π−12) (B) 2π (C) 2π(5π−6) (D) 6π(5π−12)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The bracket factors as sinx(sinx−1)(sinx−2), cancelling the sinx denominator; the resulting polynomial-in-sinx integral evaluates to π(5π−12)/4.
Concept and Intuition
The messy bracket is actually a cubic in sinx that factors cleanly, and once the 1/sinx cancels with a factor of sinx from the bracket, the integral reduces to standard ∫0πxsin2xdx, ∫0πxsinxdx, and ∫0πxdx — all classic results.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Simplify the bracket: 3cos2x+2sinx+sin3x−3=−3(1−cos2x)+2sinx+sin3x=−3sin2x+2sinx+sin3x=sin3x−3sin2x+2sinx.
- Factor: sinx(sin2x−3sinx+2)=sinx(sinx−1)(sinx−2).
- So the integrand sinxx×sinx(sinx−1)(sinx−2)=x(sinx−1)(sinx−2)=x(sin2x−3sinx+2).
- Integral I=∫0πxsin2xdx−3∫0πxsinxdx+2∫0πxdx.
- ∫0πxdx=π2/2. ∫0πxsinxdx=[−xcosx+sinx]0π=π. …
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