Q.Integrate the following function: cos2x(1−tanx)21
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — U Substitution
U Substitution: The Reverse Chain Rule
The chain rule differentiates composite functions: the derivative of sin(x2) is cos(x2)⋅2x — differentiate the outer function, then multiply by the derivative of the inside. Integration asks the reverse: given cos(x2)⋅2x, find the original function. That's what u substitution does — it reverses the chain rule.
The Core Intuition
When an integral looks like "a function times the derivative of its inside," substitute the inside with u and the derivative of the inside with du. Consider:
∫2xcos(x2)dx
Here 2x is the derivative of x2, and x2 is the inside of cos(x2). Let u=x2, so du=2xdx:
∫cos(u)du=sin(u)+C=sin(x2)+C
Check: the derivative of sin(x2) is cos(x2)⋅2x.
The Precise Statement
∫f(g(x))⋅g′(x)dx=∫f(u)duwhere u=g(x),du=g′(x)dx
Valid provided g is differentiable and the resulting integral in u is simpler.
The Step-by-Step Method
- Identify a function g(x) whose derivative g′(x) also appears (possibly up to a constant factor).
- Set u=g(x), compute du=g′(x)dx.
- Rewrite the entire integral in u and du — every x and dx must be replaced.
- Integrate with respect to u.
- Substitute back u=g(x).
You cannot mix variables. If any x remains after substitution, you chose the wrong u (or must solve for x in terms of u — rare).
A Second Example (with a constant factor)
Evaluate ∫xx2+1dx. Let u=x2+1, so xdx=21du:
∫u⋅21du=21⋅32u3/2+C=31(x2+1)3/2+C
When Does It Work?
When the integrand is something times the derivative of something inside. Common patterns:
- x⋅f(x2) — derivative of x2 is 2x, so u=x2
- eg(x)⋅g′(x) — derivative of g(x) appears
- g(x)g′(x) — leads to log∣g(x)∣ …
The key idea is U Substitution: let u=1−tanx, because the derivative of tanx is sec2x=cos2x1, which appears in the integrand.
Step 1: Set u=1−tanx. Then du=−sec2xdx=−cos2x1dx, so cos2xdx=−du.
Step 2: Substitute into the integral:
∫cos2x(1−tanx)21dx=∫u2−du=−∫u−2du.
Step 3: Integrate: …
With u=tanx, ∫cos2x(1−tanx)2dx=1−tanx1+C.
1. Use cos2x1=sec2x.
∫(1−tanx)2sec2xdx.
2. Substitute. Let u=tanx, so du=sec2xdx:
∫(1−u)2du.
3. Integrate.
∫(1−u)−2du=1−u1+C, …
Method: Rewrite cos2x1 as sec2x to expose d(tanx)
Use this when cos2x sits in a denominator beside a function of tanx, e.g. cos2x(1−tanx)21: the sec2x is exactly d(tanx).
Steps
Step 1: Convert to a tanx expression.
cos2x(1−tanx)21=(1−tanx)2sec2x.
Step 2: Substitute the bracket. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Not converting cos2x1 to sec2x.
Why it's wrong: left as cos2x1, the d(tanx)=sec2xdx pairing with (1−tanx)2 stays hidden. Correct approach: rewrite as (1−tanx)2sec2x.
Mistake 2: Sign error from du=−sec2xdx.
Why it's wrong: with u=1−tanx, sec2xdx=−du, so ∫u−2(−du)=+u1. Missing the sign flips the result. Correct approach: substitute the differential exactly. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 51 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-06-FN1 markMCQQ.∫(sinx+cosx+2sin2x)21dx= (A) (3+tan2x)3−(1+3tanx)+C (B) 3(1+tanx)3−(1+3tanx)+C (C) 3(1+3tanx)2−(1+tanx)+C (D) (1+3tanx)31+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
Recognising the denominator as (sinx+cosx)4 and substituting u=tanx reduces this to a rational integral, giving −3(1+tanx)31+3tanx+C.
Concept and Intuition
The key algebraic identity here is (sinx+cosx)2=sinx+cosx+2sinxcosx=sinx+cosx+2sin2x (since 2sinxcosx=4sinxcosx=2sin2x). That matches the given denominator's base exactly, turning a scary-looking radical expression into a clean fourth power.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Verify (sinx+cosx)2=sinx+cosx+2sinxcosx=sinx+cosx+2sin2x, matching sinx+cosx+2sin2x.
- So the denominator is (sinx+cosx)4.
- Factor out cosx: sinx+cosx=cosx(tanx+1), so the denominator =cos2x(1+tanx)4.
- Integral becomes ∫(1+tanx)4sec2xdx. Let t=tanx, dt=sec2xdx: ∫(1+t)4dt.
- Let u=t, t=u2, dt=2udu: ∫(1+u)42udu.
- Write 2u=2(1+u)−2: ∫[(1+u)32−(1+u)42]du=−(1+u)21+3(1+u)32+C. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-23-FN1 markMCQQ.∫(secx+tanx)5/2sec2xdx= (A) −5(secx+tanx)5/2−7(secx+tanx)7/2+c (B) −5(secx−tanx)5/2−7(secx−tanx)7/2+c (C) −3(secx+tanx)3/2−7(secx+tanx)7/2+c (D) −3(secx−tanx)3/2−7(secx−tanx)7/2+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
A substitution t=secx+tanx (which pairs neatly with secx−tanx=1/t) reduces this odd-looking integral to a simple power-rule integral, whose answer re-expresses in terms of secx−tanx.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever secx+tanx appears, remember its reciprocal identity (secx+tanx)(secx−tanx)=1, and that dxd(secx+tanx)=secx(secx+tanx) — this makes t=secx+tanx a natural substitution whenever secxdx multiplies a function of t.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let t=secx+tanx. Then dt=secx(secx+tanx)dx=secx⋅tdx, so secxdx=tdt.
- Also secx−tanx=t1, so secx=2t+1/t=2tt2+1.
- The integral ∫t5/2sec2xdx=∫t5/2secx⋅(secxdx)=∫t5/2secx⋅tdt=∫t7/2secxdt.
- Substitute secx=2tt2+1: integral =∫2t9/2t2+1dt=21∫(t−5/2+t−9/2)dt.
- =21[−32t−3/2−72t−7/2]+c=−3t−3/2−7t−7/2+c. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.∫cos6x+sin6xsin2xcos2xdx= (A) 21Tan−1(tan2x)+c (B) 31Tan−1(tan2x)+c (C) 31Tan−1(tan3x)+c (D) Tan−1(tan3x)+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Dividing through by cos6x to introduce tanx, then a double substitution (t=tanx, then u=t3), reduces the integral to a standard arctangent form, giving 31Tan−1(tan3x)+c.
Concept and Intuition
When an integrand has sin and cos appearing only in even powers that can be grouped, dividing everything by the highest power of cosx converts the whole expression into a rational function purely of tanx — a very common trick that opens the door to the substitution t=tanx. Here, since the denominator naturally forms 1+tan6x, a further substitution u=t3 turns it into the standard ∫1+u2du arctangent integral.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Divide numerator and denominator of cos6x+sin6xsin2xcos2x by cos6x: numerator becomes cos6xsin2xcos2x=cos4xsin2x=tan2xsec2x; denominator becomes 1+tan6x.
- The integral is now ∫1+tan6xtan2xsec2xdx.
- Substitute t=tanx, so dt=sec2xdx. The integral becomes ∫1+t6t2dt.
- Substitute u=t3, so du=3t2dt, i.e. t2dt=3du. The integral becomes 31∫1+u2du. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.∫(tan7x+tanx)dx= (A) 12tan2x(2tan4x−3tan2x+6)+c (B) 6tan2x−4tan5x+2tan4x+c (C) 6tan2x(tan4x+3tan2x+4)+c (D) 12tanx(tan4x−3tan2x+6)+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Factoring tan7x+tanx using the sum-of-like-terms identity t7+t=t(t6+1)=t(t2+1)(t4−t2+1) exposes the sec2x needed for a clean t=tanx substitution. Answer: 12tan2x(2tan4x−3tan2x+6)+c.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever an integrand is built purely from powers of tanx together with an explicit or hidden sec2x, substituting t=tanx turns it into a polynomial integral — the key is recognizing that t6+1=(t2+1)(t4−t2+1) supplies exactly the sec2x=1+tan2x factor needed.
Step-by-Step Solution
- tan7x+tanx=tanx(tan6x+1)=tanx(tan2x+1)(tan4x−tan2x+1)=tanxsec2x(tan4x−tan2x+1).
- Let t=tanx, dt=sec2xdx. Integral becomes ∫t(t4−t2+1)dt=∫(t5−t3+t)dt.
- =6t6−4t4+2t2+c=6tan6x−4tan4x+2tan2x+c. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-07-AN1 markMCQQ.∫(1+x)2022dx= (A) (1+x)20212[20201+x−20211]+C (B) (1+x)20222[20201+x−2021x]+C (C) (1+x)2[2022(1+x)2022−2021(1+x)2021]+C (D) (1+x)21[(1+x)10101−(1+x)10111]+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substituting t=1+x turns the integral into a simple power-rule integral in t; back-substituting and factoring reproduces option (A)'s bracketed form.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever an integrand is a function purely of 1+x, the substitution t=1+x (so x=t−1, x=(t−1)2) turns the messy radical expression into a clean power of t, and the pieces of dx that are left over (2(t−1)dt) combine with the t−2022 factor to give a difference of two pure power terms — each integrable by the ordinary power rule.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let t=1+x. Then x=t−1, x=(t−1)2, and dx=2(t−1)dt.
- The integral becomes ∫t20222(t−1)dt=2∫(t−2021−t−2022)dt.
- Integrate termwise: 2∫t−2021dt=−20202t−2020, and −2∫t−2022dt=−20212⋅(−1)t−2021⋅(−1), combining to 20212t−2021−20202t−2020. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.∫4+5cosxdx= (A) −31log3−tan2x3+tan2x+C (B) 31log3−tan2x3+tan2x+C (C) −91log3+tan2x3−tan2x+C (D) 91log3+tan2x3−tan2x+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
The Weierstrass substitution t=tan(x/2) turns this into a standard ∫dt/(a2−t2) integral, giving option (B).
Concept and Intuition
For ∫a+bcosxdx the substitution t=tan(x/2) (so cosx=1+t21−t2, dx=1+t22dt) always converts the integral into a rational function of t alone.
Step-by-Step Solution
- cosx=1+t21−t2, dx=1+t22dt, with t=tan(x/2).
- 4+5cosx=4+5⋅1+t21−t2=1+t24(1+t2)+5(1−t2)=1+t29−t2.
- Integral becomes ∫(9−t2)/(1+t2)2dt/(1+t2)=∫9−t22dt.
- Using ∫a2−t2dt=2a1loga−ta+t+C with a=3: ∫9−t2dt=61log3−t3+t+C. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-19-FN1 markMCQQ.If f(x)=(1+nxn)1/nx for n≥2, then ∫xn−2f(x)dx= (A) n(n−1)1(1+nxn)1−n1+C (B) n−11(1+nxn)1−n1+C (C) n(n−1)1(1+nxn)1+n1+C (D) n+11(1+nxn)1+n1+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
A direct substitution u=1+nxn turns the integral into a simple power rule.
Concept and Intuition
The integrand's power of x (namely xn−1) is exactly proportional to the derivative of u=1+nxn, which is the classic signal to substitute.
Step-by-Step Solution
- xn−2f(x)=xn−2⋅(1+nxn)1/nx=(1+nxn)1/nxn−1.
- Let u=1+nxn. Then du=n⋅nxn−1dx=n2xn−1dx, so xn−1dx=n2du.
- Integral becomes ∫u−1/n⋅n2du=n21⋅1−1/nu1−1/n+C.
- Simplify: n21⋅nn−11=n21⋅n−1n=n(n−1)1. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-20-AN1 markMCQQ.∫sin3xcos(x−α)dx= (A) cosα1cotx+tanα+c (B) cosα1cotx−tanα+c (C) sinα−1cotx+tanα+c (D) cosα−2cotx+tanα+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Expanding cos(x−α) and substituting u=cotx reduces this to a simple square-root integral; final answer is (D).
Concept and Intuition
The key move is expanding cos(x−α) and factoring out sin4x from inside the square root so that a substitution u=cotx (whose differential is −csc2xdx, conveniently matching what's left outside) linearizes the whole thing.
Step-by-Step Solution
- cos(x−α)=cosxcosα+sinxsinα.
- sin3xcos(x−α)=sin3xcosxcosα+sin4xsinα=sin4x(sinxcosxcosα+sinα)=sin4x(cotxcosα+sinα).
- So sin3xcos(x−α)=sin2xcotxcosα+sinα (taking sin2x>0 outside the root).
- The integral is ∫sin2xcosαcotx+sinαdx=∫cosαcotx+sinαcsc2xdx.
- Let u=cotx, du=−csc2xdx. Integral becomes −∫cosαu+sinαdu=−cosα2cosαu+sinα+c. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-AN1 markMCQQ.If ∫sin3x+cos3x1dx=Alog2−t2+t+BTan−1(t)+c, then (AB,t)= (A) (22,sinx+cosx) (B) (92,sinx+cosx) (C) (92,sinx−cosx) (D) (22,sinx−cosx)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Factoring the sum of cubes and substituting t=sinx−cosx turns the trigonometric integral into a clean rational-function integral in t, giving B/A=22 with t=sinx−cosx.
Concept and Intuition
sin3x+cos3x factors as a sum of cubes: (sinx+cosx)(1−sinxcosx). Both sinx+cosx and 1−sinxcosx can be written purely in terms of u=sinx−cosx, because (sinx+cosx)2+(sinx−cosx)2=2 and 1−sinxcosx=21+(sinx−cosx)2. Crucially, dxdu=cosx+sinx, which is exactly the factor left over after using the second identity — so the whole integral collapses into a rational function of u alone.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Factor: sin3x+cos3x=(sinx+cosx)(1−sinxcosx).
- Let u=sinx−cosx. Then u2=1−2sinxcosx, so 1−sinxcosx=21+u2.
- Also (sinx+cosx)2=1+2sinxcosx=2−u2, so sinx+cosx=2−u2 (taking the appropriate branch), and dxdu=cosx+sinx=2−u2.
- So sin3x+cos3x=2−u2⋅21+u2, and
I=∫sin3x+cos3xdx=∫2−u2(1+u2)2dx=∫2−u2(1+u2)2⋅2−u2du=∫(2−u2)(1+u2)2du.
- Partial fractions (by symmetry, only even terms survive): (2−u2)(1+u2)2=2−u22/3+1+u22/3. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-07-AN1 markMCQQ.∫x+x2+2dx= (A) 23(x+x+2)3/2−2(x+x2+2)1/4+C (B) 31(x+x2+2)3/2−2(x+x2+2)1/4+C (C) (x+x2+2)−3/2−2(x+x2+2)−1/2+C (D) 3x+x2+2(x+x2+2)2−6+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
The substitution t=x+x2+2 rationalises the nested radical; the resulting antiderivative, written as a single fraction, matches option (D). Answer: option (D).
Concept and Intuition
Integrals containing x+x2+a2 are a classic signal to substitute t equal to that whole expression — it converts the awkward nested square root into simple powers of t, because x and x2+a2 can both be written as clean rational/linear functions of t.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let t=x+x2+2. Then x2+2=t−x; squaring, x2+2=t2−2tx+x2⇒2=t2−2tx⇒x=2tt2−2.
- Then x2+2=t−x=t−2tt2−2=2t2t2−t2+2=2tt2+2.
- Differentiate t w.r.t. x: dxdt=1+x2+2x=x2+2x2+2+x=x2+2t=(t2+2)/(2t)t=t2+22t2, so dx=2t2t2+2dt.
- Substitute into the integral: ∫tdx=∫t1/2⋅2t2t2+2dt=21∫(t1/2+2t−3/2)dt.
- Integrate: 21[32t3/2−4t−1/2]+C=31t3/2−2t−1/2+C. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.∫(1+sinx)4cos3xdx= (A) −5(1+sinx)5cos4x+c (B) 5(1+sinx)5cos4x+c (C) 4(1+sinx)4cos4x+c (D) −4(1+sinx)4cos4x+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Factor cos3x using cos2x=(1−sinx)(1+sinx) and substitute t=sinx; the resulting antiderivative can equivalently be written in the cos4x/(1+sinx)4 form given in the options (they differ only by an added constant). Answer: −4(1+sinx)4cos4x+c.
Concept and Intuition
Integrals of cosoddx over powers of (1+sinx) are handled by peeling off one factor of cosx to pair with dx (making d(sinx)) and expressing the remaining even power of cosx in terms of sinx. Since the MCQ options are phrased in terms of cos4x rather than sinx directly, it is often faster (and safer against sign traps) to guess-and-check an antiderivative of that shape by differentiating a general form Acos4x(1+sinx)−n and matching powers/coefficients — this is exactly how the printed option is confirmed.
Step-by-Step Solution
- cos3x=cosx⋅cos2x=cosx(1−sin2x)=cosx(1−sinx)(1+sinx).
- Integrand =(1+sinx)4cosx(1−sinx)(1+sinx)=(1+sinx)3cosx(1−sinx).
- Let t=sinx, dt=cosxdx: I=∫(1+t)31−tdt. Writing 1−t=2−(1+t): I=∫((1+t)32−(1+t)21)dt=−(1+t)21+1+t1+c=(1+t)2t+c.
- So I=(1+sinx)2sinx+c is one valid closed form. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.∫cos8xsin6xdx= (A) tan7x+c (B) 7tan7x+c (C) 7tan7x+c (D) sec7x
›Reveal solutionSolution
∫tan6xsec2xdx=7tan7x+c via u=tanx.
Concept and Intuition
sin6x/cos8x=tan6x⋅sec2x, and sec2xdx is exactly d(tanx) — a direct power-rule substitution.
Step-by-Step Solution
- cos8xsin6x=tan6x⋅cos2x1=tan6xsec2x.
- Let u=tanx⇒du=sec2xdx.
- ∫u6du=7u7+c=7tan7x+c.
Common Mistakes …
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