MHB What is the Solution to This Definite Integral Challenge?

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The integral to evaluate is ∫(x/((sin x + cos x)cos x)) dx from 0 to π/4. Participants discuss various techniques for solving the integral, including substitution and integration by parts. The challenge lies in simplifying the expression involving sine and cosine functions. The solution requires careful manipulation of trigonometric identities. Ultimately, the integral can be evaluated to yield a specific numerical result.
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Evaluate $\displaystyle\int^{\dfrac{\pi}{4}}_0 \dfrac{x}{(\sin x+\cos x)\cos x}\ dx$.
 
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anemone said:
Evaluate $\displaystyle\int^{\dfrac{\pi}{4}}_0 \dfrac{x}{(\sin x+\cos x)\cos x}\ dx$.

$$I=\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{x}{(\sin x+\cos x)\cos x}\,dx=\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{x}{\sqrt{2}\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}\,dx\,\,(*)$$
Also,
$$I=\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{\frac{\pi}{4}-x}{\sqrt{2}\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}\,dx\,\,\,(**)$$
Add $(*)$ and $(**)$ to get:
$$2I=\frac{\pi}{4\sqrt{2}}\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{dx}{\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}$$
$$\Rightarrow I=\frac{\pi}{8}\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x+x\right)}{\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}\,dx$$
Since
$$\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x+x\right)=\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x+\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\sin x$$
Hence,
$$I=\frac{\pi}{8}\int_0^{\pi/4} \left(\tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)+\tan x\right)\,dx$$
$$\Rightarrow I=\frac{\pi}{4}\int_0^{\pi/4}\tan x\,dx$$
It can be shown that:
$$\int_0^{\pi/4} \tan x\,dx=\left(\ln(\sec x)\right|_0^{\pi/4}=\frac{1}{2}\ln 2$$
$$\Rightarrow \boxed{I=\dfrac{\pi}{8}\ln 2}$$
 
Pranav said:
$$I=\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{x}{(\sin x+\cos x)\cos x}\,dx=\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{x}{\sqrt{2}\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}\,dx\,\,(*)$$
Also,
$$I=\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{\frac{\pi}{4}-x}{\sqrt{2}\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}\,dx\,\,\,(**)$$
Add $(*)$ and $(**)$ to get:
$$2I=\frac{\pi}{4\sqrt{2}}\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{dx}{\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}$$
$$\Rightarrow I=\frac{\pi}{8}\int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x+x\right)}{\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x}\,dx$$
Since
$$\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x+x\right)=\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\cos x+\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\sin x$$
Hence,
$$I=\frac{\pi}{8}\int_0^{\pi/4} \left(\tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)+\tan x\right)\,dx$$
$$\Rightarrow I=\frac{\pi}{4}\int_0^{\pi/4}\tan x\,dx$$
It can be shown that:
$$\int_0^{\pi/4} \tan x\,dx=\left(\ln(\sec x)\right|_0^{\pi/4}=\frac{1}{2}\ln 2$$
$$\Rightarrow \boxed{I=\dfrac{\pi}{8}\ln 2}$$

Good job, Pranav! :o :)
 

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