Definite Integration
King's Property
Grade None
Question:
<p>If \(f\) is continuous, prove/use: \(\displaystyle\int_0^{\pi} x\,f(\sin x)\,dx = \frac{\pi}{2}\int_0^{\pi} f(\sin x)\,dx\). Hence evaluate \(\displaystyle\int_0^{\pi}\frac{x\sin x}{1+\cos^2 x}\,dx\)</p>
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept: King's property: \int_0^\pi x \cdot f(sin x)dx = (\pi/2) \cdot \int_0^\pi f(sin x)dx. Then use \int_0^\pi sin x/(1+cos^2x)dx = \pi/2.
<div class='solution'>
<p><strong>Step 1 (King):</strong> Let $I = \int_0^\pi \frac{x\sin x}{1+\cos^2 x}\,dx$. Sub $x\to\pi-x$:</p>
<p>$$I = \int_0^\pi \frac{(\pi-x)\sin x}{1+\cos^2 x}\,dx$$</p>
<p><strong>Step 2:</strong> Add: $2I = \pi\int_0^\pi \frac{\sin x}{1+\cos^2 x}\,dx$</p>
<p><strong>Step 3:</strong> Let $t=\cos x$, $dt=-\sin x\,dx$:</p>
<p>$$\int_0^\pi \frac{\sin x}{1+\cos^2 x}\,dx = \int_1^{-1}\frac{-dt}{1+t^2} = \int_{-1}^1\frac{dt}{1+t^2} = [\arctan t]_{-1}^1 = \frac{\pi}{4}-\left(-\frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \frac{\pi}{2}$$</p>
<p><strong>Step 4:</strong> $2I = \pi\cdot\dfrac{\pi}{2}\Rightarrow I = \boxed{\dfrac{\pi^2}{4}}$</p>
</div>
Correct Answer: A