How to Simplify the Integral of (sinx-cosx)ln(sinx) from 0 to π/2?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral $$\int_0^{\pi/2}(sinx-cosx)ln(sinx)dx$$, which falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically integral calculus. The participants are exploring methods to simplify the evaluation of this integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants discuss using the property of definite integrals to transform the integral, while others explore the possibility of expressing the integrand in a different form, such as using trigonometric identities. There are mentions of splitting the integral and using integration by parts, as well as considering changes of variables to simplify the expression.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing various approaches and questioning the effectiveness of their methods. Some have suggested alternative forms for the integrand, while others are considering the implications of these transformations on the integral's evaluation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the integral is objective-type, implying a need for a more efficient solution. There is also mention of the original integral's equivalence and the potential for simplification through trigonometric identities.

AdityaDev
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Homework Statement


$$\int_0^{\pi/2}(sinx-cosx)ln(sinx)dx$$

Homework Equations


##int_0^af(x)dx=int_0^af(a-x)dx##

The Attempt at a Solution


Using above equation, you get (without integral sign):
##(sinx-cosx)ln(tanx)## but it did not make any difference.
I got the answer by splitting the integral to ##sinxln(sinx)## and ##cosxln(cosx)## and then using integration by parts.(Answer verified without limits in wolfram alpha)
But the answer was long and time taking. Also the question is objective type and there has to be a shorter method. Can you provide a shorter method?
 
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AdityaDev said:

Homework Statement


$$\int_0^{\pi/2}(sinx-cosx)ln(sinx)dx$$

Homework Equations


##int_0^af(x)dx=int_0^af(a-x)dx##

The Attempt at a Solution


Using above equation, you get (without integral sign):
##(sinx-cosx)ln(tanx)## but it did not make any difference.
I got the answer by splitting the integral to ##sinxln(sinx)## and ##cosxln(cosx)## and then using integration by parts.(Answer verified without limits in wolfram alpha)
But the answer was long and time taking. Also the question is objective type and there has to be a shorter method. Can you provide a shorter method?
There's a way to express sin(x)-cos(x) as A sin(y).
 
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haruspex said:
There's a way to express sin(x)-cos(x) as A sin(y).
Yes. Multiply and divide by ##\sqrt{2}## and put ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}## as cos or sine to get ##cosAsinB-sinAcosB## which can be expressed as ##sin(B-A)##.
So ##sinx-cosx=\sqrt{2}sin(x-\frac{\pi}{4})##
 
AdityaDev said:
Yes. Multiply and divide by ##\sqrt{2}## and put ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}## as cos or sine to get ##cosAsinB-sinAcosB## which can be expressed as ##sin(B-A)##.
So ##sinx-cosx=\sqrt{2}sin(x-\frac{\pi}{4})##
Right. Does that suggest a change of variable?
 
Change in variable? The variable is still x.​
 
AdityaDev said:
Change in variable? The variable is still x.​
I was suggesting you make a change of variable to simplify the sin expression, but what I had in mind doesn't work.
Another way is to go to half angles, x=2u. In the original integral, the cos(x)ln(sin(x)).dx term is no problem, since that's like ln(y)dy. Expanding sin(2u) in the other term gets you to integrals like y.ln(y)dy. Whether this is simpler than the method you found is doubtful.
 
AdityaDev said:

Homework Statement


$$\int_0^{\pi/2}(sinx-cosx)ln(sinx)dx$$

Homework Equations


##\displaystyle \int_0^af(x)dx=\int_0^af(a-x)dx##

...
I assume you are to evaluate the given definite integral by making use of the integral equivalence that's given.

You then have a = π/2 , so that ##\displaystyle f(a - x) = \left(\sin(\pi/2-x)-\cos(\pi/2-x)\right)\ln\left(\sin(\pi/2-x)\right)##

However, ##\sin(\pi/2-x)=\cos(x)\ ## and ##\cos(\pi/2-x)=\sin(x)\ ## .

Make those substitutions & see what you get.

Added in Edit:

It looks like this is what you did to get ## (\sin x-\cos x)\ln(\tan x)\ ##, so, never mind.
 
Last edited:
SammyS said:
I assume you are to evaluate the given definite integral by making use of the integral equivalence that's given.

You then have a = π/2 , so that ##\displaystyle f(a - x) = \left(\sin(\pi/2-x)-\cos(\pi/2-x)\right)\ln\left(\sin(\pi/2-x)\right)##

However, ##\sin(\pi/2-x)=\cos(x)\ ## and ##\cos(\pi/2-x)=\sin(x)\ ## .
it does not make much difference. I have to make use properties of definite integrals
 

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