Theory and Concept
›
This problem illustrates the application of the properties of definite integrals to evaluate trigonometric integrals. Instead of directly applying integration formulae, we use the symmetry property of definite integrals and the fundamental trigonometric identity to simplify the given expression.
Concept 1: Symmetry Property of Definite Integrals
For a continuous function \(f(x)\) defined over the interval \([0,a]\), the following property holds:
Consequently, adding the two equivalent integrals gives:
This property is particularly useful when the sum \(f(x)+f(a-x)\) can be simplified using trigonometric identities.
Concept 2: Trigonometric Identity
We use the fundamental identity:
Also, the complementary-angle identity gives:
These identities help transform the integrand into a simpler expression.
Step-by-step Plan
›
Assume the given integral to be \(I\).
Apply the symmetry property of definite integrals by replacing \(x\) with \(\frac{\pi}{2}-x\).
Obtain an equivalent integral involving \(\sin^2 x\).
Add the two equivalent expressions for \(I\).
Use the identity \(\sin^2 x+\cos^2 x=1\) to simplify the integrand.
Evaluate the resulting elementary definite integral.
Complete Solution
›
-
Given — \[I=\int\limits_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\cos^2 x\,dx\]
- Apply the symmetry property of definite integrals.
- We know that\[\int\limits_0^a f(x)\,dx=\int\limits_0^a f(a-x)\,dx\]
- Comparing the given integral with this property, we have\[a=\frac{\pi}{2}\]\[f(x)=\cos^2 x\]
- Therefore,\[ \begin{aligned} I&=\int\limits_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \cos^2\left(\frac{\pi}{2}-x\right)\,dx\\[6pt] &=\int\limits_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\sin^2 x\,dx \end{aligned} \]
- Here, we have used the identity:\[\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2}-x\right)=\sin x\]
- Add the two expressions for \(I\).
- From the original integral and the transformed integral, we have\[I=\int\limits_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\cos^2 x\,dx\]and\[I=\int\limits_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\sin^2 x\,dx\]
- Adding these equations,\[\begin{aligned}I+I&=\int\limits_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\cos^2 x\,dx+\int\limits_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\sin^2 x\,dx\\[6pt] 2I&=\int\limits_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}(\cos^2 x+\sin^2 x)\,dx\end{aligned}\]
- Apply the fundamental trigonometric identity
- Using\[\cos^2 x+\sin^2 x=1\]
- we obtain\[\begin{aligned}2I&=\int\limits_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}1\,dx\\[6pt] &=\left[x\right]_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\\[6pt] &=\frac{\pi}{2}-0\\[6pt] &=\frac{\pi}{2}\end{aligned}\]
- Calculate the value of \(I\).\[\begin{aligned}2I&=\frac{\pi}{2}\\[6pt] I&=\frac{\pi}{2}\times\frac{1}{2}\\[6pt] I&=\frac{\pi}{4}\end{aligned}\]
Final Answer
›
Exam Significance
›
- Application of properties: This problem tests the ability to apply the symmetry property of definite integrals rather than relying exclusively on direct integration.
- Trigonometric identities: It reinforces the use of complementary-angle identities and the fundamental identity \(\sin^2 x+\cos^2 x=1\).
- Stepwise mathematical presentation: Writing the transformed integral, adding the two expressions and simplifying systematically helps secure marks for mathematical reasoning.
- Conceptual understanding: It demonstrates how symmetry can simplify an integral without requiring the evaluation of an antiderivative of the original integrand.
For JEE, CUET and Other Competitive Entrance Examinations:
- Time-efficient problem-solving: Recognising symmetry can significantly reduce the number of calculation steps.
- Multiple-choice questions: The result is useful in questions involving definite integrals of powers of sine and cosine.
- Symmetry recognition: The technique provides a foundation for evaluating integrals of the form \(\int\limits_0^a f(x)\,dx\) when \(f(x)+f(a-x)\) has a simple expression.
- Mathematical reasoning: It develops the ability to identify useful transformations and combine equivalent integral expressions.
Key Takeaways
›
-
Symmetry property: For a continuous function over \([0,a]\), \(\int\limits_0^a f(x)\,dx=\int\limits_0^a f(a-x)\,dx\).
-
Complementary-angle identity: \(\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2}-x\right)=\sin x\).
-
Fundamental identity: \(\sin^2 x+\cos^2 x=1\).
-
Integral simplification: Adding equivalent integrals can transform a complicated-looking expression into a simple one.
-
Important standard result: \(\displaystyle\int\limits_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\sin^2 x\,dx=\int\limits_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\cos^2 x\,dx=\frac{\pi}{4}\).
-
Exam strategy: Whenever the limits are symmetric about the midpoint of an interval, check whether the substitution \(x\rightarrow a-x\) simplifies the integrand.