Evaluate $\int_{-1}^{1} x^3 \cos x \, dx$.
Evaluate $\int_{-1}^{1} x^3 \cos x \, dx$.
1 Answer
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· 3mo ago
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Let $f(x) = x^3 \cos x$. Let's test if this function is even or odd by checking $f(-x)$:
$$f(-x) = (-x)^3 \cos(-x) = -x^3 \cos x = -f(x)$$
Since $f(-x) = -f(x)$, the integrand is an odd function.
By the definite integral property, for any odd function integrated over symmetric limits $[-a, a]$:
$$\int_{-a}^{a} f(x) \, dx = 0$$
Thus, $\int_{-1}^{1} x^3 \cos x \, dx = 0$.
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Discussion (2)
AS
Underrated solution. The way you set it up makes it almost obvious.
L
Does this approach generalise to the JEE Advanced version of this question?