Q.∫0π1+sinxxdx
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Definite Integral Symmetry
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 kill the x in the numerator.
With I=∫0π1+sinxxdx, replace x→π−x (and sin(π−x)=sinx):
I=∫0π1+sinxπ−xdx.
Adding the two expressions,
2I=π∫0π1+sinxdx. …
The king property turns the x into a constant π; evaluating the leftover integral gives ∫0π1+sinxxdx=π.
Idea. An integrand of the form x⋅(function symmetric about x=2a) over [0,a] is a signal for the king property ∫0af(x)dx=∫0af(a−x)dx. Adding the original and reflected integrals cancels the linear x.
1. Apply the reflection
Let I=∫0π1+sinxxdx. Replacing x by π−x and using sin(π−x)=sinx:
I=∫0π1+sinxπ−xdx.
2. Add the two forms
2I=∫0π1+sinxx+(π−x)dx=π∫0π1+sinxdx.
The x-terms cancel, leaving a constant numerator.
3. Evaluate J=∫0π1+sinxdx
Multiply numerator and denominator by 1−sinx:
1+sinx1=1−sin2x1−sinx=cos2x1−sinx=sec2x−secxtanx.
An antiderivative is tanx−secx. To handle the point x=2π cleanly, rewrite it: …
Method: The "king" property to kill a linear factor
Use ∫0af(x)dx=∫0af(a−x)dx when the integrand is x (or a linear term) multiplied by a function unchanged under x→a−x.
Steps
Step 1: Replace x by a−x.
Write I=∫0axg(x)dx, then I=∫0a(a−x)g(a−x)dx. Confirm g(a−x)=g(x) (the trig part is symmetric about the midpoint a/2).
Step 2: Add the two forms. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using the antiderivative tanx−secx straight across x=2π.
Why it's wrong: tanx−secx is discontinuous at 2π, so plugging in the limits is invalid. Correct approach: rewrite it as −1+sinxcosx, which is continuous on [0,π], before evaluating. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 45 on this concept.
- CBSE 2026Set 65/3/11 markMCQQ.∫−11(1−∣x∣)dx is equal to: (A) 2∫01(1+x)dx (B) 2∫−10(1+x)dx (C) 0 (D) 2∫−10(1−x)dx
›Reveal solutionSolution
The integral ∫−11(1−∣x∣)dx evaluates to 1. Using symmetry, the integrand is even, so the integral equals 2∫01(1−x)dx, which matches option (B) after a variable substitution.
The key here is the absolute value function ∣x∣. It makes the integrand 1−∣x∣ an even function — symmetric about the y-axis. For any even function f(x), we have the property:
∫−aaf(x)dx=2∫0af(x)dx
This is because the area from −a to 0 is a mirror image of the area from 0 to a. So instead of dealing with the absolute value directly, we can exploit this symmetry to simplify the integral.
Let’s work through it step by step.
- Identify the symmetry. The function f(x)=1−∣x∣ is even because ∣x∣ is even, and subtracting an even function from a constant keeps it even. So:
∫−11(1−∣x∣)dx=2∫01(1−∣x∣)dx
But for x≥0, ∣x∣=x. Therefore:
∫−11(1−∣x∣)dx=2∫01(1−x)dx
- Evaluate the integral directly (to know the target value). Compute:
2∫01(1−x)dx=2[x−2x2]01=2(1−21)=2⋅21=1
So the integral equals 1. Now we check which option also gives 1.
- Examine each option.
- (A) 2∫01(1+x)dx=2[x+2x2]01=2(1+21)=3 — not equal to 1.
- (B) 2∫−10(1+x)dx — let’s evaluate this carefully. For x from −1 to 0, 1+x is positive? Actually at x=−1, 1+(−1)=0; at x=0, 1+0=1. So:
2∫−10(1+x)dx=2[x+2x2]−10=2(0−(−1+21))=2(0−(−21))=2⋅21=1
This matches!- (C) 0 — clearly not 1.
- (D) 2∫−10(1−x)dx — for x from −1 to 0, 1−x ranges from 2 to 1, so: …
- CBSE 2024Set 65/1/11 markMCQQ.∫abf(x)dx is equal to: (A) ∫abf(a−x)dx (B) ∫abf(a+b−x)dx (C) ∫abf(x−(a+b))dx (D) ∫abf((a−x)+(b−x))dx
›Reveal solutionSolution
The definite integral ∫abf(x)dx remains unchanged if we replace x with a+b−x. This is a fundamental property of definite integrals, making option (B) the correct choice.
The question asks us to identify an equivalent expression for the definite integral ∫abf(x)dx. This involves understanding a key property of definite integrals related to symmetry.
Concept and Intuition: The King Property of Definite Integrals
One of the most useful properties of definite integrals is that the value of the integral remains the same if we replace the variable of integration, x, with a+b−x within the limits [a,b]. This is often called the "King Property" or Property 4 in many textbooks.
Why does this work?
Imagine the interval of integration is [a,b]. The transformation x→a+b−x effectively reflects the variable x about the midpoint of the interval, which is 2a+b.
- If x=a (the lower limit), then a+b−x=a+b−a=b (the upper limit).
- If x=b (the upper limit), then a+b−x=a+b−b=a (the lower limit).
- If x=2a+b (the midpoint), then a+b−x=a+b−2a+b=2a+b (the midpoint itself).
This reflection means that the "shape" of the function being integrated over the interval, when viewed from x or from a+b−x, is essentially the same, just traversed in the opposite direction, which is accounted for by the change in the differential dx.
Let's prove this property using a substitution.
-
Define the integral:
Let I=∫abf(x)dx.
-
Introduce a substitution:
We will use the substitution t=a+b−x. This is the core idea behind this property.
-
Change the limits of integration:
When x=a (the lower limit), t=a+b−a=b.
When x=b (the upper limit), t=a+b−b=a.
-
Change the differential:
Differentiate the substitution t=a+b−x with respect to x:
dxdt=dxd(a+b−x)=0+0−1=−1.
So, dt=−dx, which means dx=−dt.
-
Substitute into the integral:
Now, replace x with a+b−t, dx with −dt, and change the limits from a to b to b to a:
I=∫baf(a+b−t)(−dt).
-
Simplify using properties of definite integrals:
We know that ∫pq−g(t)dt=−∫pqg(t)dt.
So, I=−∫baf(a+b−t)dt. …
- CBSE 2026Set 65/1/11 markMCQQ.The value of ∫−11x2+2∣x∣+1x3dx is (A) 0 (B) log2 (C) 2log2 (D) 21log2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The integrand is an odd function (satisfies f(−x)=−f(x)), so its integral over the symmetric interval [−1,1] vanishes. The value is 0.
When you see an integral over a symmetric interval like [−1,1], the first instinct should be to check whether the integrand has any special symmetry. Two types matter:
- Even function: f(−x)=f(x) for all x. Then ∫−aaf(x)dx=2∫0af(x)dx.
- Odd function: f(−x)=−f(x) for all x. Then ∫−aaf(x)dx=0.
The second property is powerful: if you can show the integrand is odd, the integral is zero immediately, no computation needed. The geometric reason is that the area under the curve from −a to 0 exactly cancels the area from 0 to a.
Let's check our integrand f(x)=x2+2∣x∣+1x3.
Step-by-step verification
-
Compute f(−x).
Substitute −x for x:
f(−x)=(−x)2+2∣−x∣+1(−x)3=x2+2∣x∣+1−x3
Notice that (−x)3=−x3, (−x)2=x2, and crucially ∣−x∣=∣x∣ (the absolute value kills the sign).
-
Compare with f(x).
We have
f(−x)=x2+2∣x∣+1−x3=−x2+2∣x∣+1x3=−f(x)
This is exactly the definition of an odd function.
-
Apply the symmetry property.
Since f(x) is odd and the interval [−1,1] is symmetric about the origin, …
- CBSE 2025Set 65/2/11 markMCQQ.If f(2a−x)=f(x), then ∫02af(x)dx is: (A) ∫02af(2x)dx (B) ∫0af(x)dx (C) 2∫a0f(x)dx (D) 2∫0af(x)dx
›Reveal solutionSolution
The condition f(2a−x)=f(x) implies that the function f(x) is symmetric about the line x=a, which simplifies the definite integral ∫02af(x)dx to 2∫0af(x)dx.
This problem tests your understanding of a fundamental property of definite integrals related to symmetry. The condition f(2a−x)=f(x) is key here. It tells us something profound about the function's behaviour over the interval [0,2a].
Concept and Intuition: Symmetry in Definite Integrals
Imagine the interval [0,2a] on the x-axis. The midpoint of this interval is x=a.
The condition f(2a−x)=f(x) means that the value of the function at any point x is the same as its value at the point 2a−x.
Let's pick a point x1 in the interval [0,a]. Its symmetric counterpart with respect to x=a is x2=2a−x1.
For example, if a=5 and x1=2, then 2a−x1=10−2=8. The condition f(2)=f(8) means the function has the same height at x=2 and x=8. Both points are 3 units away from x=5.
This implies that the graph of f(x) is symmetric about the vertical line x=a.
When a function is symmetric about x=a over the interval [0,2a], the area under the curve from 0 to a must be exactly equal to the area under the curve from a to 2a.
Therefore, the total area from 0 to 2a is simply twice the area from 0 to a. This is the intuition behind the property we are about to derive.
If f(2a−x)=f(x), then ∫02af(x)dx=2∫0af(x)dx.
If f(2a−x)=−f(x), then ∫02af(x)dx=0.
Let's prove this property step-by-step.
- Split the integral: We can split the given integral into two parts at the midpoint a:
∫02af(x)dx=∫0af(x)dx+∫a2af(x)dx
Let's call the second integral $I_2 = \int_{a}^{2a} f(x)\,dx$.2. Apply substitution to the second integral:
To make use of the given condition f(2a−x)=f(x), we perform a substitution in I2.
Let t=2a−x.
Then, differentiating with respect to x, we get dt=−dx.
We also need to change the limits of integration:
* When x=a, t=2a−a=a.
* When x=2a, t=2a−2a=0.
Substituting these into $I_2$:I2=∫a0f(2a−t)(−dt)
- Simplify the substituted integral: Using the property ∫bag(t)dt=−∫abg(t)dt, we can reverse the limits and remove the negative sign:
I2=−∫a0f(2a−t)dt=∫0af(2a−t)dt
- Apply the given condition: We are given that f(2a−x)=f(x). Since t is just a dummy variable, this also means f(2a−t)=f(t). …
- CBSE 2024Set 65/3/11 markMCQQ.∫−aaf(x)dx=0, if: (A) f(−x)=f(x) (B) f(−x)=−f(x) (C) f(a−x)=f(x) (D) f(a−x)=−f(x)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The integral of a function over a symmetric interval [−a,a] vanishes if and only if the function is odd, i.e., f(−x)=−f(x). The answer is (B).
Understanding Definite Integral Symmetry
When we integrate a function over an interval symmetric about the origin, [−a,a], the geometry of the function determines whether contributions from the left and right halves reinforce or cancel each other.
The key insight is to split the integral at the center of symmetry and examine what happens when we change variables. For any function f(x), we can write:
∫−aaf(x)dx=∫−a0f(x)dx+∫0af(x)dx
Now let's see what each option implies.
Step-by-step analysis
- Split and substitute in the left integral In the first integral ∫−a0f(x)dx, substitute x=−u. Then dx=−du, and when x=−a, u=a; when x=0, u=0:
∫−a0f(x)dx=∫a0f(−u)(−du)=∫0af(−u)du
Renaming the dummy variable u→x:
∫−a0f(x)dx=∫0af(−x)dx
- Combine the two halves Our original integral becomes:
∫−aaf(x)dx=∫0af(−x)dx+∫0af(x)dx=∫0a[f(−x)+f(x)]dx
- When does this equal zero? The integral vanishes if and only if the integrand is identically zero:
f(−x)+f(x)=0⟺f(−x)=−f(x)
This is precisely the definition of an odd function. …
- CBSE 2026Set V11 markMCQQ.The value of ∫−2π2πsin7xdx(a) 1(b) 0(c) −1(d) 7
›Reveal solutionSolution
An odd function integrated over symmetric limits gives 0; answer (b).
Let g(x)=sin7x. Then
g(−x)=sin7(−x)=(−sinx)7=−sin7x=−g(x),
so g is odd. For any odd function, …
- CBSE 2026Set A1 markMCQQ.∫−ππsin5xdx=(a) 43π(b) 2π(c) 65π(d) 0
›Reveal solutionSolution
Odd function over a symmetric interval integrates to 0.
…
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.Write the value of ∫−aa{f(x)−f(−x)}dx.(a) 0(b) 2f(a)(c) 2f(−a)(d) 2f(0)
›Reveal solutionSolution
g(x)=f(x)−f(−x) is an odd function, so ∫−aag(x)dx=0.
Let g(x)=f(x)−f(−x). Check whether g is odd or even by evaluating g(−x):
g(−x)=f(−x)−f(−(−x))=f(−x)−f(x)=−[f(x)−f(−x)]=−g(x)
Since g(−x)=−g(x), g is an odd function.
…
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Evaluate ∫−11sin5xcos4xdx.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Recognise that the integrand is an odd function; the integral of any odd function over a symmetric interval [−a,a] is always zero.
Let f(x)=sin5xcos4x.
Test for odd/even symmetry:
f(−x)=sin5(−x)cos4(−x)=(−sinx)5(cosx)4=−sin5xcos4x=−f(x)
(using sin(−x)=−sinx so sin5(−x)=−sin5x, and cos(−x)=cosx so cos4(−x)=cos4x.)
…
- CBSE 2025Set E1 markMCQQ.∫−11sin7xcos13xdx=(a) 0(b) 1(c) 20(d) 6
›Reveal solutionSolution
An odd function integrated over a symmetric interval gives 0.
Let f(x)=sin7xcos13x. Since sin7(−x)=−sin7x (odd power of an odd function) and cos13(−x)=cos13x (even function),
f(−x)=−sin7xcos13x=−f(x), …
- CBSE 2025Set E1 markMCQQ.∫αβϕ(x)dx+∫βαϕ(x)dx=(a) 2(b) 1(c) 0(d) 2∫αβϕ(x)dx
›Reveal solutionSolution
By the property ∫baϕ=−∫abϕ, the two integrals cancel to 0.
A basic property of definite integrals is ∫βαϕ(x)dx=−∫αβϕ(x)dx. Therefore …
- CBSE 2025Set E1 markMCQQ.∫−11sin13xcos12xdx=(a) 0(b) 1(c) 21(d) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
sin13xcos12x is odd, so its integral over [−1,1] is 0.
Let f(x)=sin13xcos12x. Since sin(−x)=−sinx and cos(−x)=cosx:
f(−x)=(−sinx)13(cosx)12=−sin13xcos12x=−f(x), …
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