Q.Evaluate ∫0π/2logsinxdx
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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 …
The key idea is to use the symmetry of the definite integral, often called the King's property: ∫0af(x)dx=∫0af(a−x)dx.
Let I=∫0π/2logsinxdx.
Using the substitution x→2π−x, we get
I=∫0π/2logsin(2π−x)dx=∫0π/2logcosxdx.
Add the two expressions for I:
2I=∫0π/2(logsinx+logcosx)dx=∫0π/2log(sinxcosx)dx.
Use sinxcosx=21sin2x, so
2I=∫0π/2log(21sin2x)dx=∫0π/2log21dx+∫0π/2logsin2xdx.
The first term is −2πlog2. For the second, let t=2x, then dx=dt/2, limits 0 to π: …
This classic integral is solved using the symmetry property of definite integrals. By substituting x→2π−x and adding the two forms, we transform the product sinxcosx into 21sin2x, leading to a simple equation whose solution is ∫0π/2logsinxdx=−2πlog2.
The integral I=∫0π/2logsinxdx is a famous one — it appears in many contexts, from probability to number theory. The trick is not to integrate directly (the antiderivative involves the dilogarithm), but to exploit symmetry.
Why symmetry works: The interval [0,π/2] is symmetric about π/4. The function logsinx is not symmetric itself, but if we replace x by 2π−x, we get logcosx. Adding the two forms gives log(sinxcosx)=log(21sin2x), which splits into a constant term and a scaled version of the original integral. This creates an equation we can solve for I.
Let’s walk through it step by step.
- Define the integral and apply the substitution x→2π−x. Let I=∫0π/2logsinxdx. Substitute x=2π−t. Then dx=−dt, and when x=0, t=π/2; when x=π/2, t=0. So:
I=∫π/20logsin(2π−t)(−dt)=∫0π/2logcostdt.
Renaming the dummy variable back to x, we have:
I=∫0π/2logcosxdx.
So the integral of logsinx equals the integral of logcosx over the same interval.
- Add the two expressions for I.
2I=∫0π/2logsinxdx+∫0π/2logcosxdx=∫0π/2log(sinxcosx)dx.
Using the identity sinxcosx=21sin2x, we get:
2I=∫0π/2log(21sin2x)dx=∫0π/2(log21+logsin2x)dx.
The constant log(1/2)=−log2 factors out:
2I=−log2∫0π/21dx+∫0π/2logsin2xdx=−2πlog2+∫0π/2logsin2xdx.
- Handle the integral ∫0π/2logsin2xdx with another substitution. Let u=2x. Then dx=du/2, and when x=0, u=0; when x=π/2, u=π. So:
∫0π/2logsin2xdx=21∫0πlogsinudu.
Now, the integral from 0 to π of logsinu can be split at π/2:
∫0πlogsinudu=∫0π/2logsinudu+∫π/2πlogsinudu. …
Method: Reflection plus double-angle self-similarity for log-trig integrals
Use this for integrals like ∫0π/2logsinxdx where direct antidifferentiation fails (the antiderivative is non-elementary) but the interval [0,2π] has sin↔cos symmetry.
Steps
Step 1: Reflect with x→2π−x.
By ∫0af(x)dx=∫0af(a−x)dx, the integral of logsinx equals the integral of logcosx over the same interval. So I can be written two ways.
Step 2: Add the two forms and use a product identity.
2I=∫0π/2log(sinxcosx)dx=∫0π/2log(21sin2x)dx.
Splitting the log separates a constant term ∫0π/2log21dx from a new logsin2x term.
Step 3: Rescale the double angle back to the original integral. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Dropping the 21 factor when substituting t=2x.
Why it's wrong: t=2x gives dx=2dt, so ∫0π/2logsin2xdx=21∫0πlogsintdt; omitting the 21 doubles that term and gives a wrong final value. Correct approach: carry the Jacobian dx=2dt through carefully.
Mistake 2: Splitting log(21sin2x) incorrectly. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 22 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-06-FN1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] ∫0πxf(sinx)dx=
(A) 2π∫0π/4f(sinx)dx (B) π∫0π/4f(sinx)dx (C) 2π∫0π/2f(sinx)dx (D) π∫0π/2f(sinx)dx›Reveal solutionSolution
Use the property ∫0af(x)dx=∫0af(a−x)dx with a=π to rewrite the integral, then add the two forms. The result is π∫0πf(sinx)dx, which simplifies to π∫0π/2f(sinx)dx because f(sinx) is symmetric about π/2. The correct option is (D).
The key idea here is a classic trick for integrals of the form ∫0axg(x)dx: replace x by a−x and add the two expressions. This often cancels the x factor and leaves a simpler integral.
Let I=∫0πxf(sinx)dx. The function f(sinx) depends on x only through sinx, which has the property sin(π−x)=sinx. That symmetry is what we will exploit.
- Apply the substitution x→π−x. Let t=π−x. Then dx=−dt, and when x=0, t=π; when x=π, t=0. So
I=∫0πxf(sinx)dx=∫π0(π−t)f(sin(π−t))(−dt)=∫0π(π−t)f(sint)dt.
Since the dummy variable doesn’t matter, rename t back to x:
I=∫0π(π−x)f(sinx)dx.
- Add the two expressions for I. We now have two forms:
I=∫0πxf(sinx)dxandI=∫0π(π−x)f(sinx)dx.
Adding them:
2I=∫0π[x+(π−x)]f(sinx)dx=∫0ππf(sinx)dx.
Hence
I=2π∫0πf(sinx)dx.
- Simplify the limits using symmetry. …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-FN1 markMCQQ.∫−2π2πsin4xcos6xdx= (A) 1283π (B) 329π (C) 649π (D) 643π
›Reveal solutionSolution
The integral of an even power of sine and cosine over a full period can be reduced using symmetry and the Beta function; the value is 643π, which corresponds to option (D).
The key insight: the integrand sin4xcos6x is an even function (since both sine and cosine are raised to even powers, the product is symmetric about x=0). Also, over [−2π,2π], the function repeats its pattern four times (period π for the product of even powers). So we can simplify the integral to a multiple of an integral over [0,π/2], where the classic Beta-function reduction applies.
- Use symmetry and periodicity. The function f(x)=sin4xcos6x has period π (because sin2x and cos2x have period π, and even powers preserve that). Over [−2π,2π], which is 4 periods of length π, we have
∫−2π2πf(x)dx=4∫0πf(x)dx.
Also, f(x) is even, so ∫0πf(x)dx=2∫0π/2f(x)dx. Thus
∫−2π2πf(x)dx=8∫0π/2sin4xcos6xdx.
- Reduce to a Beta integral. Recall the Beta function identity:
∫0π/2sin2a−1xcos2b−1xdx=21B(a,b)=2Γ(a+b)Γ(a)Γ(b).
Here we have sin4x=sin2⋅2.5−1x? Let's match carefully: we want exponents 2a−1=4 and 2b−1=6, so
2a−1=4⟹a=25,2b−1=6⟹b=27.
Then
∫0π/2sin4xcos6xdx=21B(25,27).
- Evaluate the Beta function using Gamma values.
B(25,27)=Γ(6)Γ(5/2)Γ(7/2).
Recall Γ(n)=(n−1)! for integers, and Γ(1/2)=π.
Γ(5/2)=23⋅21⋅π=43π,
Γ(7/2)=25⋅23⋅21⋅π=815π,
Γ(6)=5!=120.
So
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-11-FN1 markMCQQ.∫−π/15π/151+e5xcos5xdx= (A) 51 (B) 103 (C) 151 (D) 101
›Reveal solutionSolution
The symmetry trick ∫−aa1+ecxf(x)dx=∫0af(x)dx (for even f) reduces this to ∫0π/15cos5xdx=103.
Use the king-property symmetry. Let
I=∫−π/15π/151+e5xcos5xdx.
Replacing x→−x (limits symmetric) and using cos(−5x)=cos5x:
I=∫−π/15π/151+e5xcos5xe5xdx.
Adding the two forms, since 1+e5x1+1+e5xe5x=1:
2I=∫−π/15π/15cos5xdx=2∫0π/15cos5xdx.
Evaluate. …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-04-FN1 markMCQQ.limn→∞n(2n(2n−1)…(n+2)(n+1))1/n= (A) ∫01logxdx (B) ∫01(x+1)log(x+1)dx (C) ∫01log(1+x)dx (D) ∫01xlogxdx
›Reveal solutionSolution
The product is ∏k=1n(n+k); taking n1-th power and dividing by n turns the log into a Riemann sum for ∫01log(1+x)dx. Answer (C).
Rewrite the product
2n(2n−1)⋯(n+2)(n+1)=∏k=1n(n+k).
So the limit is
L=limn→∞n1(∏k=1n(n+k))1/n=limn→∞(∏k=1nnn+k)1/n=limn→∞(∏k=1n(1+nk))1/n.
Take logarithms …
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-19-AN1 markMCQQ.∫03[sin(3πx)−cos(3πx)]dx= (A) π−6 (B) 0 (C) π−3 (D) π6
›Reveal solutionSolution
Integrating over one full period-related span [0,3]: the sin term contributes π6 and the cos term contributes 0, so the integral is π6 (option D).
∫03[sin(3πx)−cos(3πx)]dx.
Sine part:
∫03sin(3πx)dx=[−π3cos(3πx)]03=−π3(cosπ−cos0)=−π3(−1−1)=π6.
Cosine part: …
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-04-FN1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] ∫−111+x2log(1+x)dx=∫011+x2log(1+x)dx+∫01f(x)dx then f(x)=
(A) 1+x2log(1+x) (B) −1+x2log(1+x) (C) 1+x2log(1−x) (D) 0›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to split the integral at 0 and then use the substitution x→−x on the negative half to rewrite it as an integral from 0 to 1; the function f(x) turns out to be 1+x2log(1−x), which is option (C).
The problem gives you a split of the original integral from −1 to 1 into two parts: one from −1 to 0 and one from 0 to 1. The second part is already written as ∫011+x2log(1+x)dx. The first part, ∫−101+x2log(1+x)dx, is what needs to be transformed into ∫01f(x)dx. So we need to find f(x) such that
∫−101+x2log(1+x)dx=∫01f(x)dx.
The natural way to convert an integral over a negative interval to one over a positive interval is a change of variable that flips the limits. Let’s work through it.
- Set up the substitution. On the interval [−1,0], let x=−t. Then when x=−1, t=1; when x=0, t=0. Also dx=−dt. The integral becomes
∫−101+x2log(1+x)dx=∫101+t2log(1−t)(−dt)=∫011+t2log(1−t)dt.
The minus sign from dx=−dt flips the limits back to 0 to 1, and x2=t2 so the denominator is unchanged.
- Identify f(x). The variable of integration is a dummy, so rename t back to x. We have
∫−101+x2log(1+x)dx=∫011+x2log(1−x)dx.
Therefore, the function f(x) that makes the original equation hold is
f(x)=1+x2log(1−x). …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-10-FN1 markMCQQ.∫−π/8π/81+e4xsin4(4x)dx= (A) 1283π (B) 2563π (C) 643π (D) 323π
›Reveal solutionSolution
The 1+e4x1 symmetry trick reduces the integral to ∫0π/8sin4(4x)dx=643π.
Apply the symmetric-interval identity. For an even function g,
∫−aa1+e4xg(x)dx=∫0ag(x)dx.
This follows from adding I to its x→−x image: 1+e4x1+1+e−4x1=1. Here g(x)=sin4(4x) is even and a=8π, so
I=∫0π/8sin4(4x)dx.
Evaluate. Substitute u=4x, du=4dx; limits 0→π/2: …
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.∫−2π2πsin2xcos2x(sinx+cosx)dx= (A) 32 (B) 103 (C) 154 (D) 185
›Reveal solutionSolution
The integrand is an odd function over a symmetric interval, so the integral evaluates to zero; none of the given positive options match, but the correct answer is 0, which is not listed — the intended answer is (C) only if the problem had a misprint, but strictly the integral is zero.
The key insight is symmetry. When integrating over [−π/2,π/2], check if the function is odd or even. An odd function integrated over a symmetric interval always gives zero. Here, sin2xcos2x is even, but (sinx+cosx) is a sum of an odd and an even part. The product of an even function with an odd function is odd, and that part integrates to zero. The even part (from cosx) also integrates to zero because of the specific powers? Let’s check carefully.
- Separate the integrand:
sin2xcos2x(sinx+cosx)=sin2xcos2xsinx+sin2xcos2xcosx.
-
Analyze parity:
- sin2xcos2x is even because sin2x and cos2x are both even.
- sinx is odd, so sin2xcos2x⋅sinx is odd.
- cosx is even, so sin2xcos2x⋅cosx is even.
-
Integrate the odd part:
For any odd function f(x), ∫−aaf(x)dx=0.
Thus,
∫−π/2π/2sin2xcos2xsinxdx=0.
- Integrate the even part: The even part is sin2xcos3x. Over a symmetric interval, we can double the integral from 0 to π/2: ∫−π/2π/2sin2xcos3xdx=2∫0π/2sin2xcos3xdx. …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-10-FN1 markMCQQ.0∫π(sin3x+cos2x)2dx= (A) 1615π+158 (B) 1611π+158 (C) 1615π+154 (D) 1611π+154
›Reveal solutionSolution
The integral simplifies by expanding the square, using symmetry and reduction formulas; the final value is 1611π+158, which corresponds to option (B).
We start with
I=∫0π(sin3x+cos2x)2dx.
The key idea: expand the square, then use symmetry and standard trigonometric integrals. The presence of both odd and even powers suggests splitting the interval or using reduction formulas.
- Expand the square
(sin3x+cos2x)2=sin6x+2sin3xcos2x+cos4x.
So
I=∫0πsin6xdx+2∫0πsin3xcos2xdx+∫0πcos4xdx.
- Use symmetry for the middle integral The function sin3xcos2x is odd about x=π/2? Check: sin(π−x)=sinx, cos(π−x)=−cosx, so sin3(π−x)cos2(π−x)=sin3xcos2x. Actually it's symmetric, not odd. But better: note that sin3xcos2x is an odd function with respect to x=π/2? Let's test: replace x by π−x, the product is unchanged. So it's symmetric. However, we can compute directly using substitution u=cosx:
∫0πsin3xcos2xdx=∫0πsinx(1−cos2x)cos2xdx.
Let u=cosx, du=−sinxdx, limits: x=0→u=1, x=π→u=−1. Then
∫0πsin3xcos2xdx=∫1−1(1−u2)u2(−du)=∫−11(u2−u4)du.
The integrand is even, so
=2∫01(u2−u4)du=2[3u3−5u5]01=2(31−51)=2⋅152=154.
Thus
2∫0πsin3xcos2xdx=158.
- Compute ∫0πsin6xdx Use the reduction formula or known result:
∫0πsin2nxdx=π⋅(2n)!!(2n−1)!!.
For n=3, sin6x has even power, so
∫0πsin6xdx=π⋅6!!5!!=π⋅6⋅4⋅25⋅3⋅1=π⋅4815=165π.
(Check: 5!!=15, 6!!=48, yes.)
- Compute ∫0πcos4xdx Since cos4x is symmetric about π/2, we can also use ∫0πcos4xdx=2∫0π/2cos4xdx. Use the reduction formula for ∫0π/2cos2nxdx=(2n)!!(2n−1)!!⋅2π. …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.Let f:[0,1]→R be a function defined as f(x)+f(1−x)=1. Then ∫01f(x)dx= (A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 21 (D) 41
›Reveal solutionSolution
The functional equation f(x)+f(1−x)=1 forces the average value of f over [0,1] to be 21, so the integral is 21. The correct option is (C).
Concept & Intuition
The given condition f(x)+f(1−x)=1 is a symmetry relation: the value at x and the value at its mirror point 1−x always sum to 1. This means the graph of f is symmetric about the point (21,21). If you average f over the whole interval, the contributions from x and 1−x together always give 1, so the overall average must be 21. The integral is just the average value times the length of the interval.
- Set up the integral and use the substitution x→1−x. Let I=∫01f(x)dx. Substitute u=1−x, so du=−dx and when x=0, u=1; when x=1, u=0. Then
I=∫01f(x)dx=∫10f(1−u)(−du)=∫01f(1−u)du.
Renaming the dummy variable back to x, we have
I=∫01f(1−x)dx.
- Add the two expressions for I. We now have two representations:
I=∫01f(x)dxandI=∫01f(1−x)dx.
Adding them gives
2I=∫01[f(x)+f(1−x)]dx.
- Use the given functional equation. The condition f(x)+f(1−x)=1 holds for every x∈[0,1]. Therefore 2I=∫011dx=[x]01=1.…
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-14-AN1 markMCQQ.∫369−x+xxdx= (A) 21 (B) 23 (C) 2 (D) 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
This integral is a classic symmetric-invariance problem: using the substitution x→9−x shows the integrand and its complement sum to 1, so the integral over [3,6] is half the interval length, giving 23.
Concept & Intuition
When you see an integral of the form ∫abf(x)+f(a+b−x)f(x)dx, there’s a beautiful trick: the integrand and its “mirror image” add to 1. Here a=3, b=6, so a+b=9. The denominator is 9−x+x, and the numerator is x. If we replace x by 9−x, the numerator becomes 9−x and the denominator stays the same (just swapped order). So the original integrand I(x) and I(9−x) sum to 1. Integrating over a symmetric interval around the midpoint x=4.5 then gives half the length of the interval.
Step-by-step solution
- Define the integral Let
I=∫369−x+xxdx.
- Apply the substitution x→9−u Set u=9−x. Then dx=−du, and when x=3, u=6; when x=6, u=3. So
I=∫63u+9−u9−u(−du)=∫36u+9−u9−udu.
Since u is a dummy variable, rename it x:
I=∫36x+9−x9−xdx.
- Add the two expressions for I We now have two representations:
I=∫369−x+xxdxandI=∫36x+9−x9−xdx.
Adding them:
2I=∫36(9−x+xx+x+9−x9−x)dx.… - TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.253∫025π∣cosx−cos3x∣dx= (A) 8 (B) 4 (C) 1 (D) 0
›Reveal solutionSolution
∣cosx−cos3x∣=∣cosx∣∣sinx∣, whose integral over one period π is 34; over 25π it is 3100, and 253⋅3100=4.
Simplifying the integrand.
cosx−cos3x=cosx(1−cos2x)=cosxsin2x.
Since sin2x≥0,
∣cosx−cos3x∣=∣cosx∣sin2x=∣cosx∣∣sinx∣.
Periodicity.
Both ∣cosx∣ and ∣sinx∣ have period π, so the integrand has period π. The interval [0,25π] contains exactly 25 periods.
Integral over one period [0,π].
On [0,π], sinx≥0. Split where cosx changes sign at 2π:
∫0π∣cosx∣sinxdx=∫0π/2cosxsinxdx+∫π/2π−cosxsinxdx. …
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