Question:hard

The value of \[ \int_{\alpha}^{\beta} \sqrt{(x-\alpha)(\beta-x)}\,dx, \qquad \alpha\ne\beta \] is

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A standard result: \[ \int_a^b \sqrt{(x-a)(b-x)}\,dx = \frac{\pi}{8}(b-a)^2. \] This formula is frequently asked in entrance examinations.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • \((\beta-\alpha)\)
  • \((\beta-\alpha)^2\)
  • \[ \frac{\pi}{2}(\beta-\alpha)^2 \]
  • \[ \frac{\pi}{8}(\beta-\alpha)^2 \]
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recognise the shape inside the root.
The factor $(x-\alpha)(\beta-x)$ is a downward parabola that is zero at $x=\alpha$ and $x=\beta$ and positive between them, so its square root traces a semicircle.

Step 2: Complete the square.
$(x-\alpha)(\beta-x)=-x^2+(\alpha+\beta)x-\alpha\beta$. Setting $r=\dfrac{\beta-\alpha}{2}$ and centre $m=\dfrac{\alpha+\beta}{2}$, this equals $r^2-(x-m)^2$.

Step 3: Rewrite the integral.
So $I=\displaystyle\int_{\alpha}^{\beta}\sqrt{r^2-(x-m)^2}\,dx$. This is the area under the upper half of a circle of radius $r$.

Step 4: Use the known semicircle area.
Over the full width from $\alpha$ to $\beta$ (which is the diameter $2r$), the curve is a semicircle, and a semicircle of radius $r$ has area $\dfrac{\pi r^2}{2}$.

Step 5: Substitute $r$.
$I=\dfrac{\pi}{2}r^2=\dfrac{\pi}{2}\left(\dfrac{\beta-\alpha}{2}\right)^2=\dfrac{\pi}{2}\cdot\dfrac{(\beta-\alpha)^2}{4}$.

Step 6: Simplify.
$I=\dfrac{\pi}{8}(\beta-\alpha)^2$. \[ \boxed{\dfrac{\pi}{8}(\beta-\alpha)^2} \]
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