Q.∫−π/4π/4log(sinx+cosx)dx
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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 property of definite integrals with symmetric limits:
∫−aaf(x)dx=∫0a[f(x)+f(−x)]dx.
Step 1: Let I=∫−π/4π/4log(sinx+cosx)dx.
Replace x by −x in the integrand:
f(−x)=log(sin(−x)+cos(−x))=log(−sinx+cosx).
Step 2: Add f(x) and f(−x):
f(x)+f(−x)=log(sinx+cosx)+log(cosx−sinx)
=log[(cosx+sinx)(cosx−sinx)]=log(cos2x−sin2x)=log(cos2x).
Step 3: Using the symmetry property:
I=∫0π/4log(cos2x)dx.
Substitute t=2x, so dx=dt/2, limits: 0 to π/2: …
Using the symmetry property ∫−aaf(x)dx=∫0a[f(x)+f(−x)]dx, the integrand simplifies to log(cos2x) after combining f(x) and f(−x). The integral then becomes ∫0π/4log(cos2x)dx, which evaluates to −4πlog2.
The key insight here is that the limits are symmetric about zero, from −π/4 to π/4. When you see symmetric limits, your first instinct should be to check if the integrand has any symmetry — even, odd, or something that simplifies when you replace x with −x. Here, the integrand is log(sinx+cosx), which is neither even nor odd. But the symmetry trick still works: we can rewrite the integral as half the sum of the function and its reflection.
Let’s walk through it.
- Apply the symmetry property for definite integrals. For any function f(x) integrated over [−a,a], we have:
∫−aaf(x)dx=∫0a[f(x)+f(−x)]dx.
This is because the integral from −a to 0 can be transformed by substituting x→−x, and then adding it to the integral from 0 to a.
Here, a=π/4 and f(x)=log(sinx+cosx). So:
I=∫−π/4π/4log(sinx+cosx)dx=∫0π/4[log(sinx+cosx)+log(sin(−x)+cos(−x))]dx.
- Simplify f(−x). Since sin(−x)=−sinx and cos(−x)=cosx, we get:
f(−x)=log(−sinx+cosx)=log(cosx−sinx).
So the sum inside the integral becomes:
log(sinx+cosx)+log(cosx−sinx)=log[(sinx+cosx)(cosx−sinx)].
- Use the identity (sinx+cosx)(cosx−sinx)=cos2x−sin2x=cos2x. This is a standard double-angle identity. So:
I=∫0π/4log(cos2x)dx.
Notice how the symmetry turned a sum of two logs into a single log of a product, and that product collapsed into a simple trigonometric function. This is the power of the f(x)+f(−x) trick — it often reveals hidden simplifications.
- Substitute to simplify further. Let t=2x. Then dx=dt/2, and when x=0, t=0; when x=π/4, t=π/2. So:
I=∫0π/2log(cost)⋅2dt=21∫0π/2log(cost)dt.
- Recall the standard result for ∫0π/2log(cost)dt. This is a well-known integral. One way to derive it is to use the identity ∫0π/2log(sint)dt=∫0π/2log(cost)dt (by substituting t→π/2−t), and then note that:
∫0π/2log(sin2t)dt=∫0π/2log(2sintcost)dt=log2⋅2π+∫0π/2log(sint)dt+∫0π/2log(cost)dt.
But the left side, with u=2t, becomes 21∫0πlog(sinu)du, and using symmetry, that equals ∫0π/2log(sint)dt. Solving gives:
∫0π/2log(cost)dt=−2πlog2.
›Proof
Derivation of ∫0π/2log(cost)dt=−2πlog2: …
Method: Symmetric limits via f(x)+f(−x)
When the limits are [−a,a] but the integrand is neither plainly even nor odd, use ∫−aaf(x)dx=∫0a[f(x)+f(−x)]dx.
Steps
Step 1: Form f(x)+f(−x).
Replace x by −x using sin(−x)=−sinx, cos(−x)=cosx, and add. For log integrands, logP+logQ=log(PQ) often collapses to a simple product.
Step 2: Simplify the combined integrand. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Assuming log(sinx+cosx) is even or odd.
Why it's wrong: it is neither, so neither the "double it" nor the "it's zero" shortcut applies. Correct approach: use ∫−aaf=∫0a[f(x)+f(−x)]dx, which turns the sum into logcos2x.
Mistake 2: Dropping the 21 from the substitution t=2x. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 22 on this concept.
- 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 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 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 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 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 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-2024-05-11-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 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 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. …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-AN1 markMCQQ.Let m,n,p,q be four positive integers. If ∫02πsinmxcosnxdx=4∫02πsinmxcosnxdx, ∫02πsinpxcosqxdx=0, ∫0πsinrxcosqxdx=0, a=m+n+p and b=m+n+q, then (A) a is even number and b is odd number (B) a is odd number and b is even number (C) Both a and b are even numbers (D) Both a and b are odd numbers
›Reveal solutionSolution
Both a and b are odd numbers — option (D).
Analyse each condition by symmetry.
- ∫02πsinmxcosnxdx=4∫0π/2sinmxcosnxdx requires the integrand to be non-negative with quarter-period symmetry, i.e. m and n are both even.
- ∫02πsinpxcosqxdx=0: under x→2π−x the integral picks up a factor (−1)p, so it vanishes only if p is odd. …
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.∫−11x∣x∣dx= (A) 1 (B) 21 (C) 0 (D) 32
›Reveal solutionSolution
The integral of an odd function over a symmetric interval is zero. Since x∣x∣ is odd, the definite integral from −1 to 1 is 0.
The key idea here is symmetry. When you integrate an odd function over an interval symmetric about zero, the positive and negative contributions cancel perfectly. The function f(x)=x∣x∣ is odd because f(−x)=(−x)∣−x∣=−x∣x∣=−f(x). So instead of doing any messy piecewise integration, we can immediately see the result.
Let’s verify this step by step to be thorough.
-
Understand the function
The absolute value makes the function piecewise:
- For x≥0, ∣x∣=x, so x∣x∣=x⋅x=x2.
- For x<0, ∣x∣=−x, so x∣x∣=x⋅(−x)=−x2. So f(x)={−x2,x2,x<0x≥0. This confirms it’s odd: the graph for negative x is the mirror image (with opposite sign) of the graph for positive x.
-
Split the integral at the symmetry point
Since the function changes definition at x=0, we write:
∫−11x∣x∣dx=∫−10(−x2)dx+∫01x2dx.
- Evaluate each piece
- For the left part: ∫−10−x2dx=−[3x3]−10=−(0−3(−1)3)=−(0+31)=−31. …
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