Question

The area under the curve y = cos x on $\left[-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}\right]$ is given by :

• A. $\frac{1}{2}$ square units
• B. 2 square units
• C. $\pi$ square units
• D. $\frac{\pi}{4}$ square units

Hint:

The cosine function is symmetric (an even function). Therefore, you can simplify the calculation using symmetry:
$\int_{-\pi/2}^{\pi/2} \cos x \, dx = 2 \int_{0}^{\pi/2} \cos x \, dx = 2 [ \sin x ]_{0}^{\pi/2} = 2(1 - 0) = 2$.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B