MHB How to Evaluate the Integral of an Even Trig Function in a Radical?

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SUMMARY

The integral \( I_4 = \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \sqrt{\frac{1+\cos{x}}{2}} \, dx \) can be evaluated using trigonometric identities and properties of even functions. By recognizing that \( \sqrt{\frac{1+\cos{x}}{2}} \) simplifies to \( |\cos{t}| \) through the identity \( \cos^2{t} = \frac{1+\cos(2t)}{2} \), the integral can be split into two parts based on the intervals where \( \cos(t) \) is positive and negative. The final evaluation yields \( I_4 = 4 \), confirming the integral's value through the calculation \( 4 \int_0^{\pi/2} \cos{t} \, dt \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically \( \cos^2{t} \) and \( |\cos{t}| \).
  • Familiarity with definite integrals and properties of even functions.
  • Knowledge of integration techniques, particularly for trigonometric functions.
  • Ability to manipulate integrals through substitution, such as \( x = 2t \).
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of even and odd functions in calculus.
  • Learn about trigonometric substitutions in integral calculus.
  • Explore the application of definite integrals in evaluating symmetric functions.
  • Investigate the use of absolute values in integrals and their implications on interval splitting.
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Mathematicians, calculus students, and educators looking to deepen their understanding of integral evaluation techniques, particularly in relation to trigonometric functions and symmetry.

karush
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Evaluate the integral
$I_4=\displaystyle\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}\sqrt{\frac{1+\cos{x}}{2}} \, dx $

ok offhand i think what is in the radical is trig identity
but might be better way...
 
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note …

$\cos^2{t} = \dfrac{1+\cos(2t)}{2}$

also, $\sqrt{\cos^2{t}} = |\cos{t}|$
 
Last edited by a moderator:
skeeter said:
note …

$\cos^2{t} = \dfrac{1+\cos(2t)}{2}$

also, $\sqrt{\cos^2{t}} = |\cos{t}|$
$I=\displaystyle\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} |\cos{t}| dt$
Ok I would assume the abs would mean the splitting of the int into 2 int of + and -
 
karush said:
$I=\displaystyle\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} |\cos{t}| dt$
Ok I would assume the abs would mean the splitting of the int into 2 int of + and -
Right. So on what intervals is cos(t) positive and negative on [math]( -\pi , \pi ][/math]?

-Dan
 
$\displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^\pi \sqrt{\dfrac{1+\cos{x}}{2}} \, dx$

$x = 2t \implies dx = 2 \, dt$

$2 \displaystyle \int_{-\pi/2}^{\pi/2} |\cos{t}| \, dt = 4 \int_0^{\pi/2} \cos{t} \, dt$
 
$$$$
skeeter said:
$\displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^\pi \sqrt{\dfrac{1+\cos{x}}{2}} \, dx$

$x = 2t \implies dx = 2 \, dt$

$2 \displaystyle \int_{-\pi/2}^{\pi/2} |\cos{t}| \, dt = 4 \int_0^{\pi/2} \cos{t} \, dt$
$ \displaystyle4 \int_0^{\pi/2} \cos{t} \, dt = 4\Biggr[ \sin{t} \Biggr]_0^{\pi/2} =4[1-0]=4$

ok I didn't understand how this last step made the abs disappear?

W|A
 
karush said:
$$$$

$ \displaystyle4 \int_0^{\pi/2} \cos{t} \, dt = 4\Biggr[ \sin{t} \Biggr]_0^{\pi/2} =4[1-0]=4$

ok I didn't understand how this last step made the abs disappear?

W|A
cos(t) is negative on [math]\left [ -\pi, -\dfrac{ \pi }{2} \right ][/math] and [math]\left [ \dfrac{ \pi }{2}, \pi \right ][/math]. There are 4 intervals which have the same value and are all the same as the integral from 0 to [math]\pi / 2[/math].

-Dan
 
Mahalo
spicy problem 🤔
 
  • #10
karush said:
Evaluate the integral
$I_4=\displaystyle\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}\sqrt{\frac{1+\cos{x}}{2}} \, dx $

ok offhand i think what is in the radical is trig identity
but might be better way...

It might be worth noting that the integrand is an even function...
 

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