Prove: 1) integral from 0 to (pi/2) sin^n x dx = integral
Prove: 1) $\int_0^{\pi/2} \sin^n x \, dx = \int_0^{\pi/2} \cos^n x \, dx$. 2) $\int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{\sqrt{\sin^{2k} x + \cos^{2k} x}}{\cos 2x} \, dx = 0$.
Explanation of Method
This integral is evaluated using the symmetry properties of even and odd functions on an interval symmetric about the origin, avoiding direct computation of an antiderivative.
Part $1^{\circ}$: Prove $\int_0^{\pi/2} \sin^n x \, dx = \int_0^{\pi/2} \cos^n x \, dx$
Proof using substitution:
Let $u = \frac{\pi}{2} - x$, so $du=-dx$, $dx=-du$, $x=\frac\pi2-u$.
Change the limits of integration:
When $x=0$: $u=\frac\pi2$. When $x=\frac\pi2$: $u=0$.
Use the co-function identity: $\sin x = \sin\left(\frac{\pi}{2} - u\right) = \cos u$.
Transform the integral:
\[\int_0^{\pi/2} \sin^n x \, dx = \int_{\pi/2}^0 \cos^n u \cdot (-du) = \int_0^{\pi/2} \cos^n u \, du = \int_0^{\pi/2} \cos^n x \, dx\]
Therefore:
\[\boxed{\int_0^{\pi/2} \sin^n x \, dx = \int_0^{\pi/2} \cos^n x \, dx}\]
Note: This result is the special case of Problem 45 with $f(t) = t^n$.
Part $2^{\circ}$: Prove $\int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{\sqrt{\sin^{2k} x + \cos^{2k} x}}{\cos 2x} \, dx = 0$
Proof:
Let $I = \int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{\sqrt{\sin^{2k} x + \cos^{2k} x}}{\cos 2x} \, dx$. We use the substitution $u = \frac{\pi}{2} - x$ (as in Part 1).
Step 1: Apply the substitution
When $x=0$: $u=\frac\pi2$. When $x=\frac\pi2$: $u=0$. And $dx=-du$.
Step 2: Transform the integrand
For the numerator: $\sin x = \cos u$ and $\cos x = \sin u$, so
\[\sin^{2k} x + \cos^{2k} x = \cos^{2k} u + \sin^{2k} u\]
For the denominator:
\[\cos 2x = \cos\left(2\left(\frac{\pi}{2} - u\right)\right) = \cos(\pi - 2u) = -\cos(2u)\]
Step 3: Rewrite the integral
\[I = \int_{\pi/2}^0 \frac{\sqrt{\sin^{2k} u + \cos^{2k} u}}{-\cos(2u)} \cdot (-du) = \int_{\pi/2}^0 \frac{\sqrt{\sin^{2k} u + \cos^{2k} u}}{\cos(2u)} \, du\]
\[= -\int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{\sqrt{\sin^{2k} u + \cos^{2k} u}}{\cos(2u)} \, du\]
Since $u$ is a dummy variable:
\[I = -\int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{\sqrt{\sin^{2k} x + \cos^{2k} x}}{\cos(2x)} \, dx = -I\]
Step 4: Solve for $I$
\[I = -I \quad\Rightarrow\quad 2I = 0 \quad\Rightarrow\quad I = 0\]
Therefore:
\[\boxed{\int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{\sqrt{\sin^{2k} x + \cos^{2k} x}}{\cos 2x} \, dx = 0}\]
Geometric interpretation:
The result $I=-I$ means the integral has odd symmetry under $x \to \frac{\pi}{2} - x$: the numerator $\sqrt{\sin^{2k}x+\cos^{2k}x}$ is symmetric, but the denominator $\cos 2x$ flips sign, so the integrand changes sign under this transformation and the positive/negative contributions cancel exactly.
Alternative view:
Splitting at $x=\frac\pi4$: on $[0,\frac\pi4)$, $\cos 2x>0$ (since $2x\in[0,\frac\pi2)$); on $(\frac\pi4,\frac\pi2]$, $\cos 2x<0$ (since $2x\in(\frac\pi2,\pi]$). The symmetry property shows these two parts cancel each other.
Result
Therefore:
\[\boxed{\int_0^{\pi/2} \sin^n x \, dx = \int_0^{\pi/2} \cos^n x \, dx}\]
Therefore:
\[\boxed{\int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{\sqrt{\sin^{2k} x + \cos^{2k} x}}{\cos 2x} \, dx = 0}\]