Maths WorkshopMaths problems with full solutions
Exercise 187Calculus › Single-variable calculus › Integration › Integration techniquesL1Added 31 Oct 2026

Integral of sine squared

#integrals#trigonometry

Statement

Compute ∫0πsin⁡2x dx\displaystyle\int_0^\pi\sin^2x\,dx.

Hint

Linearise using cos⁡2x=1−2sin⁡2x\cos2x=1-2\sin^2x.

Show solutionHide solution

Solution

Since sin⁡2x=1−cos⁡2x2\sin^2x=\dfrac{1-\cos2x}{2},
∫0πsin⁡2x dx=[x2−sin⁡2x4]0π=π2.\int_0^\pi\sin^2x\,dx=\left[\frac x2-\frac{\sin2x}{4}\right]_0^\pi=\frac\pi2.