Problem 95

Question

If \(\int_{0}^{1} \frac{\sin t}{1+t} d t=\alpha\), then the value of the integral \(\int_{4 \pi-2}^{4 \pi} \frac{\sin t / 2}{4 \pi+2-t} d t\) in terms of \(\alpha\) is given by (A) \(2 \alpha\) (B) \(-2 \alpha\) (C) \(\alpha\) (D) \(-\alpha\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
The value of the integral is \(-\alpha\), which is option (D).
1Step 1: Substitution in the Integral
Let \( u = 4\pi + 2 - t \). Then \( du = -dt \). The limits of integration will change accordingly. When \( t = 4\pi - 2 \), then \( u = 4 \). When \( t = 4\pi \), then \( u = 2 \). Thus, the integral \( \int_{4\pi-2}^{4\pi} \frac{\sin(t/2)}{4\pi+2-t} \, dt \) becomes \( -\int_{4}^{2} \frac{\sin((4\pi + 2 - u)/2)}{u} \, du \).
2Step 2: Simplify the Sine Function
Substitute back the sine function with the expression from the change of variables: \( \sin((4\pi + 2 - u)/2) \). This simplifies to \( \sin((2\pi + 1 - u/2)) \). Using the periodic properties of sine, \( \sin((2\pi + 1 - u/2)) = -\sin(u/2) \).
3Step 3: Rearrange the Integral
Substitute the simplified expression from Step 2 back into the integral: \(-\int_{4}^{2} \frac{-\sin(u/2)}{u} \, du = \int_{2}^{4} \frac{\sin(u/2)}{u} \, du\).
4Step 4: Reverse the Limits
Since the sine function will agree with the symmetry of the interval, reverse the integration limits and adjust the sign: \(-\int_{2}^{4} \frac{\sin(u/2)}{u} \, du = \int_{4}^{2} \frac{\sin(u/2)}{u} \, du = -\int_{0}^{1} \frac{\sin t}{1+t} \, dt = -\alpha\).
5Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, the integral \( \int_{4\pi - 2}^{4\pi} \frac{\sin(t/2)}{4\pi + 2 - t} \, dt \) is equivalent to \(-\alpha\). Therefore, the correct answer is option (D): \(-\alpha\).

Key Concepts

Integration by SubstitutionProperties of Sine FunctionChange of Limits in Integration
Integration by Substitution
Integration by substitution is a vital technique in calculus used to simplify the integration process when dealing with complex functions. It involves changing the variable of integration, making it easier to solve the integral. Imagine a puzzle where you change the shape of pieces to fit better together. In our specific problem, we start by making the substitution \( u = 4\pi + 2 - t \). This substitution helps to change the variable from \( t \) to \( u \), which simplifies our integral. As a result, the differential \( dt \) is replaced by \( -du \), changing the direction of integration. Then, the limits also change from \( t = 4\pi - 2 \) and \( t = 4\pi \) to \( u = 4 \) and \( u = 2 \).So, the integral \( \int_{4\pi-2}^{4\pi} \) transforms to the integral \( -\int_{4}^{2} \). Making this process of substitution smoothens the solving process by transforming it into an already known or more straightforward form, hence making calculation easier and manageable.
Properties of Sine Function
The sine function is a trigonometric function that exhibits periodic behavior, meaning it repeats itself at regular intervals. One of its primary characteristics is symmetry, which can be very useful when simplifying integrals. In this exercise, after performing the substitution, we encounter the term \( \sin((2\pi + 1 - u/2)) \). By using the periodic property of the sine function, this can be simplified further. Since sine is periodic with period \( 2\pi \), we use its identity:
  • \( \sin(x + 2\pi) = \sin(x) \)
  • \( \sin(-x) = -\sin(x) \)
Applying these properties, the expression \( \sin((2\pi + 1 - u/2)) \) becomes \( -\sin(u/2) \). The ability to manipulate the sine function in this way, due to its unique periodic properties, allows us to simplify integrals and facilitates the solution process.
Change of Limits in Integration
One of the intricacies of integration is the concept of changing limits, which is essential when performing substitutions. When you change the variable of integration, you must also adjust the limits to reflect the new variable.After our substitution \( u = 4\pi + 2 - t \), the original limits \( t = 4\pi - 2 \) and \( t = 4\pi \) change to \( u = 4 \) and \( u = 2 \). This reversal arises because as \( t \) increases from \( 4\pi - 2 \) to \( 4\pi \), \( u \) decreases from \( 4 \) to \( 2 \). Note that this reversal introduces a negative sign in the integral, which changes \( \int_{4}^{2} \) to \( -\int_{2}^{4} \).However, in step 4 of the solution, by recognizing the symmetry and periodic nature of the sine function through these limits, we can further simplify this expression to align it with known results, ultimately obtaining \( \int_{0}^{1} \) when reversing the limits, with \( -\alpha \) being the outcome. Grasping how limits change with substitution helps in formulating the correct integral expression that maintains the integrity of the original problem.