Express cos2x in the form a*cos^2(x) + b and hence show that the integral of cos^2(x) between 0 and pi/2 is equal to pi/a.

Apply the double angle formula to cos2x to yield the requested result.
cos2x = 2cos^2(x) - 1
Spot that the question asks us to prove the value of cos^2(x) when integrated, and that we can move the variables in the above equation to have cos^2(x) on its own.
cos^2(x) = (1/2)*(cos2x +1)
Now we can integrate the the equation between 0 and pi, and we should get the right hand side equal to pi/4.
[ (1/4)*sin2x + x/2 ] from 0 to pi/2
substituting pi/2 into the above equation gives pi/4. Substituting 0 into the above equation gives 0.
So we get pi/4 - 0 = pi/4

LP
Answered by Louis P. Maths tutor

4502 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Can you explain what a logarithm is?


C2 differentiate 2x^2 -3x +4 with respect to X


Using logarithms solve 8^(2x+1) = 24 (to 3dp)


How can I find the normal to a curve at a given point?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences