Question
Question: Integrate the given \[\int {({{\sin }^4}x - {{\cos }^4}x)dx} \] is equal to A.\[ - \dfrac{{\cos 2x...
Integrate the given ∫(sin4x−cos4x)dx is equal to
A.−2cos2x+C
B.−2sin2x+C
C.2sin2x+C
D.2cos2x+C
Solution
We’ll be converting the cos4x or (cos2x)2 to (1−sin2x)2 and then will use this basic trigonometric identity to ultimately solve the question. We are also going to use some elementary expansion: (a−b)2=a2+b2−2ab.
Formula Used:
We’ll use a basic trigonometric formula:
sin2x+cos2x=1
or,
cos2x=1−sin2x
And we’ll also use an elementary ”expansion of a square” formula:
(a−b)2=a2+b2−2ab
Complete step-by-step answer:
∫(sin4x−cos4x)dx
Putting in the above trigonometric formula,
=∫(sin4x−(1−sin2x)2)dx
Putting in the above square formula,
=∫(sin4x−(1+sin4x−2sin2x))dx
Opening the brackets,
=∫(sin4x−1−sin4x+2sin2x)dx
Cancelling out the sin4xwith the −sin4x
=∫(−1+2sin2x)dx
Taking the negative sign common,
=∫−(1−2sin2x)dx
Taking the negative sign out of the integral as it does not affect the result and helps in the tidiness of the integral and hence, it ultimately helps in solving the integral more effectively.
=−∫(1−2sin2x)dx
=−∫cos2xdx
Now, we just have the answer, but we have to divide the whole by the derivative of the function’s argument’s (or coefficient’s) derivative:
=I(integral)=integral of the function (here cos)/derivative of its coefficient/argument (here 2x)
Integral of cos2x=sin2x
and, derivative of its coefficient (2x) = dxd(2x)=2dxdx=2
Thus,
=−∫cos2xdx=−2sin2x
and we’ll have to add an arbitrary constant as it’s an indefinite integral, so
=−∫cos2xdx=−2sin2x+C
So, the answer of the given question is B. −2sin2x+C
Note: Here we saw how to solve a complex question by simply breaking it down into simple form and then using the basic identities. It’s a point to remember that since this is an indefinite integral, we’ve to add an arbitrary constant, in this case C. Also, it’s a point to remember that the integral of cosA is sinA, while the integral of sinAis −cosA. Whereas the derivative (differentiation) of cosA is −sinA, while that of the sinAis cosA.