Can You Evaluate This Definite Integral with Trig Functions?

In summary, the conversation is about evaluating the definite integral $\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \frac{\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx$, where $n$ is a natural number. The person is questioning the equality of this integral to others, and is confused about the extra factor of $2^x$ in the integrand and the change in bounds. They are waiting for further clarification and proof from the original poster.
  • #1
anemone
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Evaluate the definite integral $\displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx$, where $n$ is a natural number.
 
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  • #2
$$I=\displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx $$

Use the substitution $t = -x$

$$I = \displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{2^t\sin nt}{(1+2^t)\sin t}\,dt = \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{2^x\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx $$

Since $t$ is just a dummy variable and by summing the two formulas

$$2I =\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{\sin x}\,dx = \int_{0}^{2\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{\sin x}\,dx $$

Let us consider two different cases when $n$ is even

$$I_k = \int^{2\pi}_0\frac{\sin(2kx)}{\sin(x)}\,dx$$

$$I_k-I_{k-1} = \int^{2\pi}_0\frac{\sin(2kx)-\sin(2kx-2x)}{\sin(x)}\,dx$$

$$I_k-I_{k-1} =2 \int^{2\pi}_0\frac{\sin(x)\cos(2kx-x)}{\sin(x)}\,dx = \int^{2\pi}_0\cos(2kx-x)\,dx = 0$$

Hence

$$I_k=I_{k-1} = I_1 = 2\int^{2\pi}_0 \cos(x) \,dx= 0 $$

If $n$ is odd , let

$$I_j = \int^{2\pi}_0\frac{\sin((2j+1)x)}{\sin(x)}\,dx$$

$$I_j-I_{j-1} = \int^{2\pi}_0\frac{\sin((2j+1)x)-\sin((2j-1)x)}{\sin(x)}\,dx$$

$$I_j-I_{j-1} = \int^{2\pi}_0\frac{\sin(x)\cos(2jx)}{\sin(x)}\,dx = 0$$

Similarily

$$I_j = I_{j-1} = I_0 = \int^{2\pi}_0 \frac{\sin(x)}{\sin(x)} \,dx= 2\pi$$

Finally we get that

$$I= \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx= \begin{cases}
0 & \text{n is even} \\
\pi & \text{n is odd}
\end{cases}$$
 
Last edited:
  • #3
ZaidAlyafey said:
$$I=\displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx =\displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{2^x\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx $$

$$I =\frac{1}{2}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{\sin x}\,dx = \frac{1}{2}\int_{0}^{2\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{\sin x}\,dx $$

The integral is $0$ if $n$ is even and $2\pi$ if it is odd. I will prove it later.

I'm having trouble seeing how any of these integrals are equal?

Where did the extra factor of $\displaystyle \begin{align*} 2^x \end{align*}$ in the integrand come from? How did that all become a factor of $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{1}{2} \end{align*}$? Also how did you change the bounds?
 
  • #4
ZaidAlyafey said:
$$I=\displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx =\displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{2^x\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx $$

$$I =\frac{1}{2}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{\sin x}\,dx = \frac{1}{2}\int_{0}^{2\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{\sin x}\,dx $$

The integral is $0$ if $n$ is even and $2\pi$ if it is odd. I will prove it later.

Prove It said:
I'm having trouble seeing how any of these integrals are equal?

Where did the extra factor of $\displaystyle \begin{align*} 2^x \end{align*}$ in the integrand come from? How did that all become a factor of $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{1}{2} \end{align*}$? Also how did you change the bounds?

Hi Prove It,

I think given Zaid has mentioned that he would prove how such and such are true, we will wait for his second post for more clarification...(Smile)
 
  • #5
I just edited my post. I added more clarifications and the proof of the last integral.
 

FAQ: Can You Evaluate This Definite Integral with Trig Functions?

1. What is a definite integral?

A definite integral is a mathematical concept used to calculate the area under a curve or the net accumulation of a function over a specific interval. It is represented by the symbol ∫ and has two limits, the lower and upper bounds of integration.

2. How is a definite integral evaluated?

To evaluate a definite integral, you can use various methods such as the fundamental theorem of calculus, substitution, or integration by parts. First, you need to find the antiderivative of the function and then substitute the limits of integration into the resulting expression. Finally, evaluate the expression to get the numerical value of the definite integral.

3. What is the difference between definite and indefinite integrals?

A definite integral has specific limits of integration, while an indefinite integral does not have any limits. This means that a definite integral gives a numerical value, while an indefinite integral gives a general expression or a family of functions. In other words, a definite integral calculates the area under a curve, while an indefinite integral finds the antiderivative of a function.

4. What are some real-life applications of evaluating definite integrals?

Definite integrals have various applications in fields such as physics, engineering, economics, and statistics. For example, in physics, definite integrals are used to calculate work, velocity, and acceleration, while in economics, they are used to determine the total revenue or cost of a business. In engineering, definite integrals are used to calculate the volume of objects and to find the center of mass.

5. Can definite integrals have negative values?

Yes, definite integrals can have negative values. This can happen when the function being integrated is negative over the given interval. In this case, the definite integral represents the area below the x-axis. It is important to note that the numerical value of the definite integral will always be positive, but the area may be negative.

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