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📐 Mathematics  ·  Application of Integrals  ·  JEE

Find the area bounded by y = sin x and y = cos x between x = 0 and x = pi/2.

Answer: 2(sqrt(2)-1).

  • A 2(sqrt(2)-1)
  • B sqrt(2)-1
  • C 2sqrt(2)
  • D sqrt(2)

Correct answer: A. 2(sqrt(2)-1)

Explanation: They intersect at x=pi/4. Area = integral 0 to pi/4 (cos x - sin x)dx + integral pi/4 to pi/2 (sin x - cos x)dx. Each piece evaluates to (sqrt2-1), so total = 2(sqrt(2)-1).

Area Under a Curve = Definite Integralxyx=ax=bArea = ∫ₐᵇ f(x)dx

The definite integral ∫ₐᵇf(x)dx computes the exact area of the shaded region bounded by the curve, the x-axis, and the vertical lines x=a and x=b - the same idea behind the Riemann sum, but evaluated exactly rather than approximated by rectangles.

Concept context

Using definite integrals to compute the area under a curve, the area between two curves, and the areas enclosed by standard curves like circles, parabolas, and ellipses.

Read the full Application of Integrals notes →