MHB How Challenging Is This Definite Integral with a Tangent and Pi Power?

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The integral $$\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \frac{dx}{1+(\tan x)^{\pi e}}$$ presents a challenging evaluation due to the complexity of the tangent function raised to a power involving pi and e. A solution was successfully provided, demonstrating the correct approach to tackle this integral. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the properties of trigonometric functions in integration. Participants express appreciation for the clarity and accuracy of the solution. Overall, the thread emphasizes the intricate nature of evaluating definite integrals involving transcendental functions.
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Evaluate $$\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \frac{dx}{1+(\tan x)^{\pi e}}$$.
 
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Here is my solution:

We are given to evaluate:

$$I=\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\frac{1}{1+\tan^{\pi e}(x)}\,dx$$

Using the property of definite integrals $$\int_0^a f(x)\,dx=\int_0^a f(a-x)\,dx$$ and a co-function identity, we may state:

$$I=\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\frac{1}{1+\cot^{\pi e}(x)}\,dx$$

Adding the two equations, we obtain:

$$2I=\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\frac{1}{1+\tan^{\pi e}(x)}+\frac{1}{1+\cot^{\pi e}(x)}\,dx$$

$$2I=\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\frac{2+\tan^{\pi e}(x)+\cot^{\pi e}(x)}{2+\tan^{\pi e}(x)+\cot^{\pi e}(x)}\,dx=\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\,dx=\frac{\pi}{2}$$

Hence:

$$I=\frac{\pi}{4}$$
 
MarkFL said:
Here is my solution:

We are given to evaluate:

$$I=\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\frac{1}{1+\tan^{\pi e}(x)}\,dx$$

Using the property of definite integrals $$\int_0^a f(x)\,dx=\int_0^a f(a-x)\,dx$$ and a co-function identity, we may state:

$$I=\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\frac{1}{1+\cot^{\pi e}(x)}\,dx$$

Adding the two equations, we obtain:

$$2I=\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\frac{1}{1+\tan^{\pi e}(x)}+\frac{1}{1+\cot^{\pi e}(x)}\,dx$$

$$2I=\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\frac{2+\tan^{\pi e}(x)+\cot^{\pi e}(x)}{2+\tan^{\pi e}(x)+\cot^{\pi e}(x)}\,dx=\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\,dx=\frac{\pi}{2}$$

Hence:

$$I=\frac{\pi}{4}$$

Well done, MarkFL!(Clapping) Your answer is spot on!
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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