Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
We use the property of definite integrals: \( \int_a^b f(x) \, dx = \int_a^b f(a+b-x) \, dx \). For a symmetric interval \([-a, a]\), this property (often called the King's Property) helps eliminate the exponential term in the denominator.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. Let \( I = \int_{-\pi/4}^{\pi/4} \frac{32 \cos^4 \theta}{1 + e^{\sin \theta}} \, d\theta \) --- (i)
2. Replace \( \theta \) with \( (-\pi/4 + \pi/4 - \theta) = -\theta \):
\( I = \int_{-\pi/4}^{\pi/4} \frac{32 \cos^4(-\theta)}{1 + e^{\sin(-\theta)}} \, d\theta = \int_{-\pi/4}^{\pi/4} \frac{32 \cos^4 \theta}{1 + e^{-\sin \theta}} \, d\theta \) --- (ii)
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. Adding (i) and (ii):
\[ 2I = \int_{-\pi/4}^{\pi/4} 32 \cos^4 \theta \left( \frac{1}{1 + e^{\sin \theta}} + \frac{1}{1 + e^{-\sin \theta}} \right) d\theta \]
2. Since \( \frac{1}{1+e^x} + \frac{1}{1+e^{-x}} = 1 \), the expression simplifies to:
\[ 2I = \int_{-\pi/4}^{\pi/4} 32 \cos^4 \theta \, d\theta \implies I = 16 \int_{-\pi/4}^{\pi/4} \cos^4 \theta \, d\theta \]
3. Using the even function property \( \int_{-a}^a f(x)dx = 2\int_0^a f(x)dx \):
\[ I = 32 \int_{0}^{\pi/4} \cos^4 \theta \, d\theta = 32 \int_{0}^{\pi/4} \left( \frac{1 + \cos 2\theta}{2} \right)^2 d\theta \]
\[ I = 8 \int_{0}^{\pi/4} (1 + 2\cos 2\theta + \frac{1 + \cos 4\theta}{2}) d\theta = 4 \int_{0}^{\pi/4} (3 + 4\cos 2\theta + \cos 4\theta) d\theta \]
\[ I = 4 \left[ 3\theta + 2\sin 2\theta + \frac{\sin 4\theta}{4} \right]_0^{\pi/4} = 4 \left( \frac{3\pi}{4} + 2 + 0 \right) = 3\pi + 8 \]
Step 4: Final Answer:
The value of the integral is \( 3\pi + 8 \).