Evaluate ∫sin⁴(x) dx by expressing sin⁴(x) in terms of multiple angles

First we remember that sinθ can be expressed in terms of powers of z, where z=cos(θ)+isin(θ), using the following:2isin(nθ)=zⁿ-z⁻ⁿ and 2cos(nθ)=zⁿ+z⁻ⁿ
so, [2isin(θ)]⁴=[z¹-z⁻¹]⁴ 16sin(θ)=(z)⁴(-z⁻¹)⁰+4(z)³(-z⁻¹)¹+6(z)²(-z⁻¹)²+4(z)¹(-z⁻¹)³+(z)⁰(-z⁻¹)⁴ by binomial exp.This simplifies to:16sin(θ)=(z⁴+z⁻⁴)-4(z²+z⁻²)+6but as we saw before (zⁿ+z⁻ⁿ)=2cos(nθ)so 16sin⁴(θ)=2cos(4θ)-8cos(2θ)+6so ∫sin⁴(x)=(1/16)∫2cos(4θ)-8cos(2θ)+6dx=3/8x-1/4sin(2x)+1/32sin(4x)+C.

NH
Answered by Nicholas H. Further Mathematics tutor

3824 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

When and how do I use proof by induction?


Find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the matrix M , where M{2,2} = (1/2 2/3 ; 1/2 1/3) Hence express M in the form PDP^-1 where D is a diagonal matrix.


Why does matrix multiplication seem so unintuitive and weird?!


I'm struggling with an FP2 First-Order Differential Equations Question (Edexcel June 2009 Q3) and the topic in general!


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning