Question:medium

If \[ I_n=\int_{0}^{\pi/4}\tan^n x\,dx, \] then \[ \frac{1}{I_2+I_4}+\frac{1}{I_3+I_5}+\frac{1}{I_4+I_6} \] is equal to

Show Hint

For \(I_n=\int_0^{\pi/4}\tan^n x\,dx\), the expression \(I_n+I_{n+2}\) simplifies easily because \(\tan^n x+\tan^{n+2}x=\tan^n x\sec^2x\).
Updated On: Jun 22, 2026
  • \(\dfrac{1}{I_9+I_{11}}\)
  • \(\dfrac{1}{I_{10}+I_{12}}\)
  • \(\dfrac{1}{I_{12}+I_{14}}\)
  • \(\dfrac{1}{I_{11}+I_{13}}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall the reduction relation.
With $I_n=\int_0^{\pi/4}\tan^n x\,dx$, consider $I_n+I_{n+2}=\int_0^{\pi/4}\tan^n x\,(1+\tan^2 x)\,dx=\int_0^{\pi/4}\tan^n x\sec^2 x\,dx$.
Step 2: Evaluate that combination.
Let $t=\tan x$, $dt=\sec^2 x\,dx$; as $x$ goes $0\to\frac{\pi}{4}$, $t$ goes $0\to 1$. So $I_n+I_{n+2}=\int_0^1 t^n\,dt=\frac{1}{n+1}$.
Step 3: Rewrite each given term.
Thus $\frac{1}{I_2+I_4}=3$, $\frac{1}{I_3+I_5}=4$, $\frac{1}{I_4+I_6}=5$ (using $n=2,3,4$ and $\frac{1}{n+1}$).
Step 4: Add them.
The sum is $3+4+5=12$.
Step 5: Express $12$ back in the same form.
We need $\frac{1}{I_m+I_{m+2}}=12$, i.e. $\frac{1}{m+1}=\frac{1}{12}$, so $m+1=12$ and $m=11$.
Step 6: Identify the option.
Hence the value equals $\frac{1}{I_{11}+I_{13}}$, which is option (4). \[ \boxed{\dfrac{1}{I_{11}+I_{13}}} \]
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