Analyzing the Setup
The problem asks us to evaluate the definite integral:
At first glance, the cubic polynomial trapped inside a cube root appears daunting. However, in JEE Advanced mathematics, such complexity often masks an elegant underlying symmetry.
The Secret Key
The King's Property
We utilize the 'King's Property', a fundamental tool in definite integration. It states that for any function f(x) integrated over the interval [0,a]:
This property allows us to replace x with (a−x) without altering the value of the integral. In our specific case, a=1, so we will substitute x with (1−x).
The Algebraic Grind
Let our integrand be f(x)=(2x3−3x2−x+1)31. Applying the substitution x→(1−x), we obtain:
f(1−x)=[2(1−x)3−3(1−x)2−(1−x)+1]31
Expanding the binomial terms (1−x)3=1−3x+3x2−x3 and (1−x)2=1−2x+x2, we substitute these into the expression:
[2(1−3x+3x2−x3)−3(1−2x+x2)−(1−x)+1]31
Distributing the constants and grouping the terms by powers of x:
[(2−6x+6x2−2x3)+(−3+6x−3x2)−1+x+1]31
Combining the coefficients for each power of x:
The Revelation
Factoring out a negative sign from the expression, we observe:
f(1−x)=−(2x3−3x2−x+1)31=−f(x)
This reveals that the function possesses odd symmetry about the midpoint x=0.5. Consequently, the area under the curve from 0 to 0.5 is exactly the negative of the area from 0.5 to 1.
Applying the King's Property to our integral I:
I=∫01f(1−x)dx=∫01−f(x)dx=−I
Since I=−I, it follows that 2I=0. Therefore, the final value of the integral is:
I=0