Definite integral using only properties

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the definite integral from 0 to 1 of the function log(sin(πx/2)). Participants are exploring properties of definite integrals to approach the problem without relying on indefinite integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the property of integrals that relates f(x) to f(a+b-x) to transform the original integral into a different form. There is an attempt to combine integrals and manipulate logarithmic identities. Some participants express confusion about the steps taken and the clarity of explanations.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of relationships between different integrals derived from the original problem. Some participants have provided insights into expressing one integral in terms of another, while others are questioning the clarity of the work presented. The discussion is active, with participants seeking further insights and clarifications.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the constraint of minimal use of indefinite integrals and the requirement to solve the problem using properties of definite integrals. There is also mention of formatting issues with LaTeX in the initial posts, which some participants are addressing.

Krushnaraj Pandya
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Homework Statement


evaluate the following definite integral with limits 0 to 1## ∫log(sin(πx/2)) dx ##

2. The attempt at a solution

I used ##∫f(x) = ∫f(a+b-x)## to get ## I=∫log(cos(πx/2))## with the same limits. Adding them and using ##log(m)+log(n)=log(mn)## and ##2sinxcosx=sin2x## I got ##2I=∫log(sin(πx)) - ∫log2## with same limits. The second part evaluates to ##log2##, I'm stuck on how to solve the first part. I'd appreciate some help, thank you. (Note-minimal use of indefinite integrals is to be done, this is supposed to be solved by properties of definite integrals such as mentioned in my attempt)
 
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Krushnaraj Pandya said:

Homework Statement


evaluate the following definite integral with limits 0 to 1## ∫log(sin(πx/2)) dx ##

2. The attempt at a solution

I used ##∫f(x) = ∫f(a+b-x)## to get ## I=∫log(cos(πx/2))## with the same limits. Adding them and using ##log(m)+log(n)=log(mn)## and ##2sinxcosx=sin2x## I got ##2I=∫log(sin(πx)) - ∫log2## with same limits. The second part evaluates to ##log2##, I'm stuck on how to solve the first part. I'd appreciate some help, thank you. (Note-minimal use of indefinite integrals is to be done, this is supposed to be solved by properties of definite integrals such as mentioned in my attempt)

Your LaTeX is very difficult to read. To use LaTeX as it is meant to be used you should type "\log" instead of "log", "\sin" instead of "sin", and "\cos" instead of "cos". Furthermore, you should type "\int_0^1" to get an integral from 0 to 1. When you do all that you get ##\int_0^1 \log( \sin(\pi x /2)) \, dx##, as well as ##\log(m)+\log(n) = \log(mn)## and ##2 \sin x\, \cos x = \sin 2x##, etc.
 
Ray Vickson said:
Your LaTeX is very difficult to read. To use LaTeX as it is meant to be used you should type "\log" instead of "log", "\sin" instead of "sin", and "\cos" instead of "cos". Furthermore, you should type "\int_0^1" to get an integral from 0 to 1. When you do all that you get ##\int_0^1 \log( \sin(\pi x /2)) \, dx##, as well as ##\log(m)+\log(n) = \log(mn)## and ##2 \sin x\, \cos x = \sin 2x##, etc.
Got it! will keep that in mind from next time, still a major improvement from normal text though- but it'll get better once I follow this. About the question though, any insights?
 
You didn't explain your work clearly. Let's say the problem is to evaluate ##I_0 = \int_0^1 \log( \sin(\frac{\pi}{2})) dx## and you have it as ##I_0 = ## (some stuff) ## + I_1## where ##I_1 = \int_0^1 \log(\sin(\pi x)) dx##.

Try expressing ##I_1## in terms of ##I_0##.

The area under the graph of ##f_1(x) = \log(\sin(\pi x)) ## from ##x = 0## to ##x = 1## is twice the area under the graph of ##f_1## from ##x = 0 ## to ##x = 1/2##. The graph of ##f_1## from ##x = 0## to ##x = 1/2## is like a contracted version of the graph of ##f_0(x) = \log(\sin(\frac{\pi}{2} x)) ## from ## x = 0## to ##x = 1##.
 
Krushnaraj Pandya said:
Got it! will keep that in mind from next time, still a major improvement from normal text though- but it'll get better once I follow this. About the question though, any insights?

Yes, but Stephen Tashi beat me to it.
 
Stephen Tashi said:
You didn't explain your work clearly. Let's say the problem is to evaluate ##I_0 = \int_0^1 \log( \sin(\frac{\pi x}{2})) dx## and you have it as ##I_0 = ## (some stuff) ## + I_1## where ##I_1 = \int_0^1 \log(\sin(\pi x)) dx##.

Try expressing ##I_1## in terms of ##I_0##.

The area under the graph of ##f_1(x) = \log(\sin(\pi x)) ## from ##x = 0## to ##x = 1## is twice the area under the graph of ##f_1## from ##x = 0 ## to ##x = 1/2##. The graph of ##f_1## from ##x = 0## to ##x = 1/2## is like a contracted version of the graph of ##f_0(x) = \log(\sin(\frac{\pi}{2} x)) ## from ## x = 0## to ##x = 1##.
So, trying to express ##I_1 = \int_0^1 \log(\sin(\pi x)) dx## in terms of ##I_0 = \int_0^1 \log( \sin(\frac{\pi x}{2})) dx##. I put x=t/2, in ##I_1##therefore dx=dt/2 and limits change from 0 to 2. while I write 1/2 outside (Then writing t as x since changing variable doesn't affect the integral-I feel like I might be wrong here??) I get ## \frac{1}{2} \int_0^2 \log(\sin(\frac{\pi}{2} t))## is equal to ## \frac{1}{2} \int_0^2 \log(\sin(\frac{\pi}{2} x))## I wrote using property-if ##f(x) = f(2a - x)## where upper limit is 2a and lower limit is 0, then it can be written as twice of that integral with half the upper limit- this evaluates to ##I_1 = \int_0^1 \log( \sin(\frac{\pi x}{2})) dx## which is equal to ##I_0## but we have ## \log 2## in RHS...so I get a wrong equation
 
Krushnaraj Pandya said:
.so I get a wrong equation
What equation are you talking about?

##2I_0 = I_0 - \ln(2)## is solvable
 
Stephen Tashi said:
What equation are you talking about?

##2I_0 = I_0 - \ln(2)## is solvable
Ohh right! I totally forgot there was 2 in the LHS, sorry...thanks a lot
 

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