JEE Main 2022 · 29 July · morning · Single correct · +4 / −1

If f(α)=∫₁^α (log ₁₀ t)/(1+t) dt, α>0, then f(e³)+f(e⁻³) is equal to :

  1. (a) 9
  2. (b) 9/2
  3. (c) 9/(log ₑ(10))
  4. (d) 9/(2 log ₑ(10))
Answer and solution

Answer (d) 9/(2 log ₑ(10))

Solution

Maths sir · 4 steps

Put t = 1/u in f(1/α) and the two integrands add up to (log₁₀ t)/t.

  1. Flip the second integral. Since e⁻³ = 1/e³, look at f(1/α) = ∫₁^(1/α) (log₁₀ t)/(1+t) dt. Put t = 1/u, so dt = -du/u² and the limits become 1 to α. Also log₁₀ t = -log₁₀ u and 1 + t = (u+1)/u.
  2. Simplify. The two minus signs cancel, which gives f(1/α) = ∫₁^α (log₁₀ u)/u(1+u) du. It now has the same limits as f(α), so the two integrals can be added under one sign.

    f(α)+f(1/α) = ∫₁^α log₁₀ t(1/(1+t)+1/t(1+t))dt = ∫₁^α (log₁₀ t)/t dt

  3. Integrate. Write log₁₀ t = (ln t)/(ln 10). Since ∫ (ln t)/t dt = (ln t)²/2, the sum equals (ln α)²/(2 ln 10).
  4. So. With α = e³, ln α = 3, so f(e³) + f(e⁻³) = 9/(2 logₑ 10). That is option (d).

The idea to keep. When a question asks for f(α)+f(1/α), substitute t = 1/u in one integral. Bring both to the same limits and add: the two integrands usually combine into something easy.

Answer from the NTA final answer key. Solution by PrepWiser.

Study Definite Integration

Asked about 230 times in JEE Main since 2020. This question is from 2022.