Q.Integrate the following function: 1−tanx1
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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)∣ …
Concept: method of substitution. Convert to sines and cosines, then split the numerator.
Since tanx=cosxsinx,
1−tanx1=cosx−sinxcosx.
Write the numerator as a combination of the denominator and its derivative-partner:
cosx=21[(cosx−sinx)+(cosx+sinx)],
so
cosx−sinxcosx=21(1+cosx−sinxcosx+sinx).
In the second term, dxd(cosx−sinx)=−(sinx+cosx), so its numerator is exactly the negative of that derivative: …
Rewrite 1−tanx1 as cosx−sinxcosx, split cosx into half the sum of (cosx−sinx) and (cosx+sinx), and integrate the two easy pieces. Final answer: 2x−21log∣cosx−sinx∣+C.
Step 1 — Write in sines and cosines
Using tanx=cosxsinx,
1−tanx1=1−cosxsinx1=cosx−sinxcosx.
So we must find I=∫cosx−sinxcosxdx.
Step 2 — The splitting trick
We want the numerator expressed through the denominator cosx−sinx and its "partner" cosx+sinx (whose combination gives the derivative of the denominator). Notice
(cosx−sinx)+(cosx+sinx)=2cosx,
so
cosx=21[(cosx−sinx)+(cosx+sinx)].
Dividing by cosx−sinx,
cosx−sinxcosx=21(1+cosx−sinxcosx+sinx).
Step 3 — Integrate the two pieces
I=21∫1dx+21∫cosx−sinxcosx+sinxdx.
The first piece is 2x.
For the second piece, put u=cosx−sinx. Then
du=(−sinx−cosx)dx=−(cosx+sinx)dx,
so (cosx+sinx)dx=−du and …
Method: Decompose numerator into denominator plus its derivative
Use this for 1−tanx1-type integrals: rewrite in sines/cosines, then split the numerator as A(denominator)+B(its derivative) so one part integrates to x and the other to a log.
Steps
Step 1: Convert to sine and cosine.
1−tanx1=1−cosxsinx1=cosx−sinxcosx.
Step 2: Match numerator to A(cosx−sinx)+B(−sinx−cosx). …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Not converting 1−tanx1 to cosx−sinxcosx.
Why it's wrong: the integral is intractable until written in sines and cosines. Correct approach: use tanx=cosxsinx and simplify.
Mistake 2: Skipping the Af+Bf′ split. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 51 on this concept.
- 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 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 …
- 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 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 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 2025Set eng-2025-05-27-FN1 markMCQQ.∫(1+x)x−x2dx= (A) −21−x1+x+c (B) −1+x1−x+c (C) −21+x1−x+c (D) 21−x1+x+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substituting t=x turns the surd-heavy integrand into ∫(1+t)3/2(1−t)1/22dt, whose antiderivative is exactly −21+t1−t.
Concept and Intuition
When an integrand mixes x and x−x2=x1−x, substituting t=x clears every square root of x at once, converting the whole thing into a rational-power integral in t that matches the derivative of 1+t1−t — a standard "recognise the derivative" pattern worth memorising for CET-style problems.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write x−x2=x(1−x)=x1−x, so the integral is
I=∫(1+x)x1−xdx.
- Let t=x, so x=t2, dx=2tdt:
I=∫(1+t)⋅t⋅1−t22tdt=∫(1+t)(1−t)(1+t)2dt=∫(1+t)3/2(1−t)1/22dt.
- Let y=1+t1−t. Differentiating y2=1+t1−t: 2yy′=(1+t)2−(1+t)−(1−t)=(1+t)2−2 ⇒ y′=y(1+t)2−1=(1+t)3/2(1−t)1/2−1. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.∫10+sin2xcosx−sinxdx= (A) 21log(10+sin2x)+c (B) 31log(10+sin2x)+c (C) 31Tan−1(3sinx+cosx)+c (D) 31Tan−1(10+sin2x)+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
The numerator cosx−sinx is exactly d(sinx+cosx), and the denominator rewrites in terms of u=sinx+cosx via sin2x=u2−1. That collapses the integral to a standard ∫du/(a2+u2) arctangent form. Answer: 31Tan−1(3sinx+cosx)+c.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever an integrand contains both sinx−cosx (or cosx−sinx) and sin2x, it is worth trying u=sinx+cosx (or sinx−cosx) as the substitution, because u2=1±sin2x links the two.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let u=sinx+cosx. Then du=(cosx−sinx)dx — this is exactly the numerator times dx.
- Also u2=sin2x+cos2x+2sinxcosx=1+sin2x, so sin2x=u2−1.
- Denominator: 10+sin2x=10+u2−1=9+u2.
- The integral becomes ∫9+u2du=31Tan−1(3u)+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 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 2021Set eng-2021-10-05-FN1 markMCQQ.∫sin3xsinxdx= (A) 231log3−tanx3+tanx+c (B) 231log3+tanx3−tanx+c (C) 431log3−tanx3+tanx+c (D) 431log3+tanx3−tanx+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Use the triple-angle identity to cancel sinx, rewrite in terms of cos2x, then apply the Weierstrass-type substitution t=tanx to reduce to a standard rational integral. The answer is (A).
Concept and Intuition
sin3x factors as sinx(3−4sin2x), so sinx cancels immediately with the numerator, turning a trigonometric-looking integral into a much simpler one in sin2x (hence in cos2x), which is a textbook target for the t=tanx substitution.
Step-by-Step Solution
- sin3x=3sinx−4sin3x=sinx(3−4sin2x).
- sin3xsinx=3−4sin2x1.
- Using sin2x=21−cos2x: 4sin2x=2−2cos2x, so 3−4sin2x=1+2cos2x.
- Integral becomes ∫1+2cos2xdx.
- Substitute t=tanx, dx=1+t2dt, cos2x=1+t21−t2: 1+2cos2x=1+t2(1+t2)+2(1−t2)=1+t23−t2.
- Integral =∫3−t21+t2⋅1+t2dt=∫3−t2dt. …
- 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 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-FN1 markMCQQ.If ∫sin3x+cos3xdx=Alog2−t2+t+BTan−1(t)+c, then (AB,t)= (A) (32,sinx−cosx) (B) (22,sinx−cosx) (C) (32,sinx−cosx) (D) (23,sinx+cosx)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The standard sin3x+cos3x integral, solved via the substitution t=sinx−cosx; matching to the given Alog∣⋯∣+Btan−1t form gives B/A=22 with t=sinx−cosx.
Concept and Intuition
sin3x+cos3x factors as a sum of cubes, (sinx+cosx)(sin2x−sinxcosx+cos2x)=(sinx+cosx)(1−sinxcosx). Both remaining factors can be expressed in terms of t=sinx−cosx (since t2=1−2sinxcosx links sinxcosx to t, and dt=(sinx+cosx)dx conveniently cancels the other factor).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Factor: sin3x+cos3x=(sinx+cosx)(1−sinxcosx).
- Let t=sinx−cosx⇒dt=(cosx+sinx)dx, and t2=1−2sinxcosx⇒sinxcosx=21−t2.
- So 1−sinxcosx=1−21−t2=21+t2.
- Also (sinx+cosx)2=1+2sinxcosx=1+(1−t2)=2−t2, so sinx+cosx=2−t2.
- Rewrite the integral:
∫(sinx+cosx)(1−sinxcosx)dx=∫2−t2⋅21+t2dx.
Since dx=sinx+cosxdt=2−t2dt:
=∫2−t2⋅21+t21⋅2−t2dt=∫(2−t2)(1+t2)2dt.
- Split using 1=3(2−t2)+(1+t2):
(2−t2)(1+t2)2=32⋅(2−t2)(1+t2)(2−t2)+(1+t2)=32[1+t21+2−t21].
- Integrate each piece: ∫1+t2dt=tan−1t; ∫2−t2dt=221log2−t2+t (standard form ∫a2−x2dx=2a1loga−xa+x with a=2).
- So the integral is …
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