# Homework Help: Definite Integral Proof

1. Dec 27, 2011

### AndersCarlos

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
I've been solving a problem, the solution is complete, however, I must prove that the following relation is true:

$$\int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}} sin^m 2x dx = \int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}} cos^m x dx$$
for any m.
2. Relevant equations

-

3. The attempt at a solution

Well, I've trying to find some kind of solution by using substitution, however, when I computed both integrals in indefinite form on WolframAlpha, to see if I was following the right path, it showed me an answer that contained a "hypergeometric function", which I haven't learned yet.

2. Dec 27, 2011

### micromass

Try a suitable subsitution. How can you make a sine into a cosine??

3. Dec 27, 2011

### AndersCarlos

micromass:

Using the Pythagorean trigonometric identity.
Well, this would become (if I take the positive root): $$sin^m 2x = (1-cos^2 2x)^{\frac{m}{2}}$$

I'm trying 'u' = cos x this time.

4. Dec 27, 2011

### micromass

What is

$$\sin(\frac{\pi}{2}-x)$$

??

5. Dec 27, 2011

### AndersCarlos

micromass:

cos x

6. Dec 27, 2011

### Curious3141

AndersCarlos, this is more of the same based on what we discussed yesterday.

Micromass has given you a very big hint. Try to convert $\sin 2x$ into $\cos u$. What substitution would do that? (Note that your sub must also convert that double angle into a single angle). Hint: There's a $\frac{\pi}{4}$ somewhere in there.

After that, there's more of that "even function" manipulation we were talking about yesterday.

Last edited: Dec 27, 2011
7. Dec 27, 2011

### AndersCarlos

micromass and Curious3141:

Well, I chose that: 2x = π/2 - u
then, dx = -du/2
$$\int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}} sin^m (2x)dx = - \int_{\frac{\pi}{2}}^{\frac{-\pi}{2}} \frac{sin^m (\frac{\pi}{2} - u)}{2}du = \int_{\frac{-\pi}{2}}^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \frac{cos^m (u)}{2} du = \int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}} cos^m (u) du = \int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}} cos^m (x) dx$$

Well, I didn't see any π/4 during the process, but if there is anything wrong with this proof, sorry because I wrote it quite fast. Thank you both for your help.

Edit: I have forgotten to put the 'm' exponent through the process, just fixed it.

Last edited: Dec 27, 2011
8. Dec 27, 2011

### SammyS

Staff Emeritus
Looks good !

9. Dec 27, 2011

### Curious3141

Well, the pi/4 is implicit in your proof. What's x in terms of u?

Anyway, good job.