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Question

What is \(\smallint {\sin ^3}x\cos x\;dx\) equal to?

This question was previously asked in
NDA I 2018 GAT Previous Year Paper (22-Apr-2018)
The correct answer is \(\frac{{{{\left( {1 - {{\cos }^2}x} \right)}^2}}}{4} + c\)

Solving the Integral \(\smallint {\sin ^3}x\cos x\;dx\)

Let's find the value of the integral \(\smallint {\sin ^3}x\cos x\;dx\). This type of integral can be solved effectively using the method of substitution. We look for a part of the integrand whose derivative is also present in the integrand.

Applying Substitution Method for \(\smallint {\sin ^3}x\cos x\;dx\)

Consider the integrand \({\sin ^3}x\cos x\). We can see that the derivative of \(\sin x\) is \(\cos x\), which is present in the integrand.

Let's use the substitution method:

  • Let \(u = \sin x\).
  • Differentiate both sides with respect to \(x\): \(\frac{{du}}{{dx}} = \cos x\).
  • Rearrange to get \(du\) in terms of \(dx\): \(du = \cos x\;dx\).

Now, substitute \(u\) and \(du\) into the original integral:

\(\smallint {\sin ^3}x\cos x\;dx = \smallint {u^3}\;du\)

Integrating the Substituted Expression

The integral \(\smallint {u^3}\;du\) is a basic power rule integral. The power rule states that \(\smallint u^n\;du = \frac{{u^{n+1}}}{{n+1}} + C\), where \(n \neq -1\) and \(C\) is the constant of integration.

Applying the power rule with \(n=3\):

\(\smallint {u^3}\;du = \frac{{u^{3+1}}}{{3+1}} + C = \frac{{u^4}}{4} + C\)

Substituting Back to Original Variable

Now, we substitute back \(u = \sin x\) into our result:

\(\frac{{u^4}}{4} + C = \frac{{{{\left( {\sin x} \right)}^4}}}{4} + C = \frac{{{{\sin }^4}x}}{4} + C\)

So, the integral \(\smallint {\sin ^3}x\cos x\;dx\) is equal to \(\frac{{{{\sin }^4}x}}{4} + C\).

Comparing with Given Options

Let's compare our result, \(\frac{{{{\sin }^4}x}}{4} + C\), with the given options:

  1. \(\cos ^4x + c\)
  2. \(\sin ^4x + c\)
  3. \(\frac{{{{\left( {1 - {{\sin }^2}x} \right)}^2}}}{4} + c\)
  4. \(\frac{{{{\left( {1 - {{\cos }^2}x} \right)}^2}}}{4} + c\)

Our result is \(\frac{{{{\sin }^4}x}}{4} + C\). Let's examine Option 4:

\(\frac{{{{\left( {1 - {{\cos }^2}x} \right)}^2}}}{4} + c\)

Recall the fundamental trigonometric identity: \(\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1\). From this, we get \(\sin^2 x = 1 - \cos^2 x\).

Substitute this into Option 4:

\(\frac{{{{\left( {\sin^2 x} \right)}^2}}}{4} + c = \frac{{{{\sin }^4}x}}{4} + c\)

This matches our calculated result. The constant of integration is typically denoted by \(C\) or \(c\), which are equivalent in this context.

Let's look at Option 2 again, \(\sin ^4x + c\). This option is missing the division by 4.

Option 3 is \(\frac{{{{\left( {1 - {{\sin }^2}x} \right)}^2}}}{4} + c\). Using the identity, \(1 - \sin^2 x = \cos^2 x\). Substituting this into Option 3 gives \(\frac{{{{\left( {\cos^2 x} \right)}^2}}}{4} + c = \frac{{{{\cos }^4}x}}{4} + c\), which does not match our result.

Therefore, Option 4 is the correct equivalent form of our integral result.

Step-by-Step Solution Summary

  1. Identify the integral: \(\smallint {\sin ^3}x\cos x\;dx\).
  2. Choose the substitution \(u = \sin x\).
  3. Calculate the differential \(du = \cos x\;dx\).
  4. Substitute \(u\) and \(du\) into the integral: \(\smallint u^3\;du\).
  5. Integrate using the power rule: \(\frac{u^4}{4} + C\).
  6. Substitute back \(u = \sin x\): \(\frac{{{{\sin }^4}x}}{4} + C\).
  7. Rewrite the result using trigonometric identities to match the options: \(\sin^4 x = (\sin^2 x)^2 = (1 - \cos^2 x)^2\).
  8. Final result matching an option: \(\frac{{{{\left( {1 - {{\cos }^2}x \right)}^2}}}{4} + C\).

Revision Table: Integral \(\smallint {\sin ^3}x\cos x\;dx\)

Here is a summary of the key steps involved in solving this integration problem.

Step Action Result
1 Original Integral \(\smallint {\sin ^3}x\cos x\;dx\)
2 Substitution \(u = \sin x\)
3 Differential \(du = \cos x\;dx\)
4 Integral in terms of \(u\) \(\smallint u^3\;du\)
5 Integration \(\frac{u^4}{4} + C\)
6 Substitute back \(x\) \(\frac{{{{\sin }^4}x}}{4} + C\)
7 Apply Identity \(\sin^2 x = 1 - \cos^2 x\) \(\frac{{{{\left( {1 - {{\cos }^2}x \right)}^2}}}{4} + C\)

Additional Information on Substitution in Integration

The substitution method is a fundamental technique for evaluating integrals. It is essentially the reverse of the chain rule for differentiation.

  • When to use substitution: It is often useful when the integrand contains a function and its derivative. For example, \(\smallint f(g(x))g'(x)\;dx\).
  • The process:
    1. Choose a substitution \(u = g(x)\). Often, \(u\) is the 'inner' function or a part of the integrand whose derivative is also present.
    2. Find the differential \(du\) by differentiating \(u\) with respect to \(x\) and multiplying by \(dx\): \(du = g'(x)\;dx\).
    3. Rewrite the entire integral in terms of \(u\). Make sure there are no \(x\) terms left.
    4. Evaluate the new integral with respect to \(u\).
    5. Substitute back \(g(x)\) for \(u\) to express the result in terms of the original variable \(x\).
    6. Don't forget the constant of integration, \(C\).

The choice of substitution is crucial. Practice helps in identifying the appropriate substitution quickly.

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