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I'd like to calculate $\int_{-1}^1(1-x^2)^n\ dx$, but I have no idea how. After searching through this website, I found out that we can transform the integral into Beta function, by using substitution. However, I'm having trouble finding the right substitution. I tried using $x = 1 - 2t$. Then the integral becomes $$-\frac{4^n}{2}\int_{3}^{-1}t^n(1-t)^n\ dt.$$ What's inside the integral is similar to Beta function. But the boundaries are not. It should have been $$\int_0^1t^n(1-t)^n\ dt.$$ Any idea what substitution should I choose?

Vicky
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1 Answers1

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Your substitution leads to the correct bounds. It seems like you used $x = 1 - 2t$ and substituted $t = -1, 1$ when it should have been the other way around: Use $t = \frac{1}{2}(1-x)$ and substitute $x = -1, 1$.