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MathsMediumClass 12

Even/Odd Function Integration

Definite Integration & Area

17

JEE Qs

8%

Hard

40

min

Always check for symmetric limits and the even/odd nature of the integrand first, as it can often simplify a complex definite integral to zero or a much simpler form instantly.

🧮 Key Formulas

A function f(x) is even if f(-x) = f(x) for all x in its domain.
A function f(x) is odd if f(-x) = -f(x) for all x in its domain.
If f(x) is an even function, then ∫[-a, a] f(x) dx = 2 * ∫[0, a] f(x) dx.
If f(x) is an odd function, then ∫[-a, a] f(x) dx = 0.

✅ Key Points for JEE

  • 1These properties are applicable ONLY when the limits of integration are symmetric, i.e., of the form [-a, a].
  • 2Identifying even/odd nature of common functions (e.g., sin x is odd, cos x is even, x^n is even if n is even, odd if n is odd).
  • 3The product/quotient of two even functions is even. The product/quotient of two odd functions is even. The product/quotient of an even and an odd function is odd.
  • 4The sum/difference of two even functions is even. The sum/difference of two odd functions is odd. The sum/difference of an even and an odd function is generally neither even nor odd.
  • 5If the integrand is a composite function, determine its overall even/odd nature by substituting -x. If it's a sum of functions, determine the nature of each term separately.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Applying the even/odd property to non-symmetric limits of integration.
  • Incorrectly identifying the even/odd nature of a function, especially complex or composite functions (e.g., misclassifying sin(x^2) vs (sin x)^2).
  • Assuming the sum of an even and an odd function is always odd or always even; it's generally neither.
  • Forgetting that if f(x) = 0 for all x in [-a, a], it is both even and odd, but the property still yields 0.

NCERT Chapters

  • Class 11 Maths Ch 2: Relations and Functions (Even and Odd Functions)
  • Class 12 Maths Ch 7: Integrals (Properties of Definite Integrals)