Q.The value of ∫−ππsin3xcos2xdx is _______.
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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 Definite Integral Symmetry: for an odd function f(x), ∫−aaf(x)dx=0.
Step 1: Let f(x)=sin3xcos2x. Check parity:
sin3(−x)=−sin3x and cos2(−x)=cos2x, so f(−x)=(−sin3x)(cos2x)=−f(x). Hence f(x) is odd. …
Using the property that the integral of an odd function over a symmetric interval [−a,a] is zero, we identify the integrand sin3xcos2x as an odd function. Hence the integral evaluates to 0.
The key to solving this integral lies in recognising symmetry — specifically, whether the function you're integrating is odd or even over the interval [−π,π].
A function f(x) is odd if f(−x)=−f(x) for all x in its domain. For an odd function, the definite integral over a symmetric interval [−a,a] is always zero:
∫−aaf(x)dx=0
This is because the area on the left side of the y-axis exactly cancels the area on the right side.
Now, look at our integrand: sin3x⋅cos2x. We need to check if it's odd.
-
Check the parity of each factor.
- sin3x is an odd function: sin(−3x)=−sin3x.
- cos2x is an even function: cos(−2x)=cos2x.
-
Combine them.
The product of an odd function and an even function is odd. Let's verify:
Let f(x)=sin3xcos2x. Then
f(−x)=sin(−3x)cos(−2x)=(−sin3x)(cos2x)=−sin3xcos2x=−f(x)
So indeed f(x) is odd.
- Apply the symmetry property. Since the interval [−π,π] is symmetric about zero and f(x) is odd, we have: …
Method: Parity test before integrating over [−a,a]
Before doing any work on ∫−aaf(x)dx, test the integrand's parity — an odd integrand integrates to 0 instantly.
Steps
Step 1: Compute f(−x).
If f(−x)=−f(x) the function is odd; if f(−x)=f(x) it is even.
Step 2: Use the product parity rules. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Mis-identifying the parity of sin3xcos2x.
Why it's wrong: odd (sin) × even (cos) = odd, so f(−x)=−f(x); treating it as even leads you to expect a nonzero value. Correct approach: verify f(−x)=−sin3xcos2x and conclude the integral is 0.
Mistake 2: Grinding through product-to-sum instead of using symmetry. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 22 on this concept.
- 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 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-2024-05-10-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 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 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 2024Set eng-2024-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.∫−22x4(4−x2)7dx= (A) 4π (B) 16π (C) 28π (D) 1283π
›Reveal solutionSolution
With the even integrand and the substitution x=2sinθ, the integral reduces to a Beta function. For the value to be a multiple of π the intended power is (4−x2)7/2; evaluating gives 28π. Answer: (C).
Concept
An integral of the form ∫−22x4(4−x2)mdx with m a half-integer becomes a Beta/Gamma expression under x=2sinθ, producing a rational multiple of π. The choices here (4π, π/16, 28π, 3π/128) are all multiples of π, which is only possible when the exponent is 27 (a half-integer), so the integrand is read as x4(4−x2)7/2.
NoteA strict polynomial power (4−x2)7 would integrate to a rational number with no π, inconsistent with every option. The exponent is therefore taken as 27, which the printed options require; the solution below uses that reading and lands on the exam key.
Solution
1. Use symmetry. The integrand is even, so
I=∫−22x4(4−x2)7/2dx=2∫02x4(4−x2)7/2dx.
2. Substitute x=2sinθ, dx=2cosθdθ, with 4−x2=4cos2θ:
x4=16sin4θ,(4−x2)7/2=(4cos2θ)7/2=128cos7θ.
Therefore
I=2∫0π/216sin4θ⋅128cos7θ⋅2cosθdθ=8192∫0π/2sin4θcos8θdθ.
3. Beta function. Using ∫0π/2sin2p−1θcos2q−1θdθ=21B(p,q) with p=25, q=29: …
- 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 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 2024Set eng-2024-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.If m,l,r,s,n are integers such that, 9>m>l>s>n>r>2 and
[!FORMULA] ∫−ππsinrxcossxdx=4∫−ππsinlxcosrxdx,∫027πsinrxcossxdx=4∫0πsinlxcosrxdx and
[!FORMULA] ∫−2π27πsinlxcosmxdx=0,
then (A) (s−2)(l−2)=mr (B) (s−2)(l+2)=rm+5 (C) (s−2)(s+2)=ln−3 (D) (l−2)(l+2)=ms−5›Reveal solutionSolution
The chain of inequalities leaves only six integer sets, and the symmetry conditions on the trigonometric integrals fix the parities. Checking the four printed relations, only (s−2)(s+2)=log−3 survives — option (C).
The concept first
Two symmetry facts do all the work.
- An odd power of sine kills a symmetric integral. sinx is odd, cosx is even, so sinpxcosqx is an odd function when p is odd, and therefore ∫−ππsinpxcosqxdx=0.
- An odd power of cosine kills the [0,π] integral. Under x↦π−x, sinx is unchanged but cosx↦−cosx; so ∫0πsinpxcosqxdx=0 when q is odd.
Combining: on [−π,π] the integral is non-zero only if both exponents are even, and then
∫−ππsinpxcosqxdx=2∫0πsinpxcosqxdx=4∫0π/2sinpxcosqxdx.
That is exactly the shape of the given equations — the factor 4 is a symmetry statement, not an accident. The condition that the third integral (taken over a whole number of periods) is 0 forces one of l,m to be odd.
Step 1 — List the candidate sets
All five integers lie strictly between 2 and 9, i.e. in {3,4,5,6,7,8}, and are strictly increasing in the order r<n<s<l<m. So we just drop one member of that six-element set:
(r,n,s,l,m)∈{(4,5,6,7,8),(3,5,6,7,8),(3,4,6,7,8),(3,4,5,7,8),(3,4,5,6,8),(3,4,5,6,7)}.
Step 2 — Apply the parity conditions …
- 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 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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