What is the Solution to This Definite Integral Challenge?

In summary, a definite integral is a mathematical concept used to find the exact area under a curve between two points on a graph. It differs from an indefinite integral in that it has specific limits of integration and provides a numerical value instead of an equation. The "Definite Integral Challenge" is a tool used for practicing and improving skills in solving definite integrals. Strategies for solving definite integrals include using properties, substitution, and integration by parts, and it is important to have a good understanding of algebra and trigonometric functions. To check the correctness of a solution, one can use a graphing calculator or software to graph the original function and compare it to the result of the definite integral, or double-check the calculations and steps used.
  • #1
anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
3,883
115
Evaluate $\displaystyle\int^{\dfrac{\pi}{4}}_0 \dfrac{x}{(\sin x+\cos x)\cos x}\ dx$.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
anemone said:
Evaluate $\displaystyle\int^{\dfrac{\pi}{4}}_0 \dfrac{x}{(\sin x+\cos x)\cos x}\ dx$.

$$I=\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{x}{(\sin x+\cos x)\cos x}\,dx=\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{x}{\sqrt{2}\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}\,dx\,\,(*)$$
Also,
$$I=\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{\frac{\pi}{4}-x}{\sqrt{2}\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}\,dx\,\,\,(**)$$
Add $(*)$ and $(**)$ to get:
$$2I=\frac{\pi}{4\sqrt{2}}\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{dx}{\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}$$
$$\Rightarrow I=\frac{\pi}{8}\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x+x\right)}{\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}\,dx$$
Since
$$\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x+x\right)=\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x+\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\sin x$$
Hence,
$$I=\frac{\pi}{8}\int_0^{\pi/4} \left(\tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)+\tan x\right)\,dx$$
$$\Rightarrow I=\frac{\pi}{4}\int_0^{\pi/4}\tan x\,dx$$
It can be shown that:
$$\int_0^{\pi/4} \tan x\,dx=\left(\ln(\sec x)\right|_0^{\pi/4}=\frac{1}{2}\ln 2$$
$$\Rightarrow \boxed{I=\dfrac{\pi}{8}\ln 2}$$
 
  • #3
Pranav said:
$$I=\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{x}{(\sin x+\cos x)\cos x}\,dx=\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{x}{\sqrt{2}\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}\,dx\,\,(*)$$
Also,
$$I=\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{\frac{\pi}{4}-x}{\sqrt{2}\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}\,dx\,\,\,(**)$$
Add $(*)$ and $(**)$ to get:
$$2I=\frac{\pi}{4\sqrt{2}}\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{dx}{\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}$$
$$\Rightarrow I=\frac{\pi}{8}\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x+x\right)}{\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}\,dx$$
Since
$$\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x+x\right)=\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x+\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\sin x$$
Hence,
$$I=\frac{\pi}{8}\int_0^{\pi/4} \left(\tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)+\tan x\right)\,dx$$
$$\Rightarrow I=\frac{\pi}{4}\int_0^{\pi/4}\tan x\,dx$$
It can be shown that:
$$\int_0^{\pi/4} \tan x\,dx=\left(\ln(\sec x)\right|_0^{\pi/4}=\frac{1}{2}\ln 2$$
$$\Rightarrow \boxed{I=\dfrac{\pi}{8}\ln 2}$$

Good job, Pranav! :eek: :)
 

FAQ: What is the Solution to This Definite Integral Challenge?

What is a definite integral?

A definite integral is a mathematical concept used to find the exact area under a curve between two points on a graph. It is represented by the symbol ∫ and has a lower and upper limit of integration.

How is a definite integral different from an indefinite integral?

A definite integral has specific limits of integration, while an indefinite integral does not. This means that a definite integral will give a numerical value, while an indefinite integral will give an equation with a constant term.

What is the purpose of the "Definite Integral Challenge"?

The Definite Integral Challenge is a tool used to help students practice and improve their skills in solving definite integrals. It provides a variety of integrals with varying levels of difficulty to challenge students and help them become more proficient in this mathematical concept.

Are there any specific strategies that can help in solving definite integrals?

Yes, there are several strategies that can be used to solve definite integrals. These include using the properties of integrals, substitution, and integration by parts. It is also important to have a good understanding of basic algebra and trigonometric functions.

How can I check if my solution to a definite integral is correct?

The best way to check if your solution is correct is to use a graphing calculator or software to graph the original function and then use the definite integral to find the area under the curve. If the answer matches, then your solution is most likely correct. You can also double-check your calculations and ensure that you followed the correct steps in solving the integral.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
821
Replies
1
Views
901
Replies
1
Views
916
Replies
2
Views
869
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top