Q.Integrate the following function: 1+4x21
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)∣
If stuck, differentiate a candidate "inside" function in your head. If its derivative (up to a constant) appears, that's your u.
The Definite Integral Case
Either change the limits (when x=a, u=g(a); when x=b, u=g(b); then integrate in u), or integrate in u, substitute back, and use the original limits. Changing limits is cleaner:
∫x=0x=12xcos(x2)dx=∫u=0u=1cos(u)du=sin(1)−sin(0)=sin(1)
Common Mistake to Avoid
Don't confuse du with Δu. du is a differential — the exact relationship du=g′(x)dx that holds inside the integral. Treat it algebraically: multiply, divide, and substitute freely.
U-substitution, taught in the CBSE Class 12 Integrals chapter as the method of substitution, is one of the very first integration techniques students learn after the standard formulas, and "integration by substitution class 12 examples" is a heavily searched revision topic. It remains equally essential for solving integral calculus problems in JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
Concept: U Substitution (standard form of inverse hyperbolic sine).
We want ∫1+4x21dx.
Step 1: Factor the constant inside the square root to match the form 1+u21.
1+4x2=1+(2x)2
Step 2: Let u=2x, so du=2dx, hence dx=2du.
Step 3: Substitute and integrate using the standard result ∫1+u21du=sinh−1u+C.
∫1+u21⋅2du=21sinh−1u+C
Step 4: Replace u with 2x.
The integral is 21sinh−1(2x)+C.
The key idea is to recognise the integrand as a standard form requiring a trigonometric substitution. By substituting 2x=tanθ, the integral simplifies to 21∫secθdθ, which evaluates to 21log2x+1+4x2+C.
Why This Approach Works
When you see 1+4x2, your first thought should be: this looks like a Pythagorean identity. The expression 1+(2x)2 under a square root is a dead giveaway for the identity 1+tan2θ=sec2θ. That’s the heart of it — we want to turn the square root into something clean like secθ, which integrates nicely.
The substitution 2x=tanθ is the natural choice. It transforms the messy square root into a simple trigonometric function, and the dx term will bring in a sec2θ that cancels beautifully.
A common mistake is to try x=tanθ directly. That gives 1+x2, not 1+4x2. You must match the coefficient: set 2x=tanθ, not x=tanθ.
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Set up the substitution.
Let 2x=tanθ. Then x=21tanθ, and differentiating gives:
dx=21sec2θdθ
2. Rewrite the square root.
The expression under the square root becomes:
1+4x2=1+(2x)2=1+tan2θ=sec2θ
So 1+4x2=sec2θ=∣secθ∣. For the standard indefinite integral, we assume the domain where secθ>0 (typically −π/2<θ<π/2), so we can drop the absolute value:
1+4x2=secθ
3. Substitute everything into the integral.
The original integral is:
∫1+4x21dx
Substituting dx=21sec2θdθ and 1+4x2=secθ:
∫secθ1⋅21sec2θdθ=21∫secθdθ
Notice how the secθ in the denominator cancels one power of sec2θ from dx, leaving exactly secθ to integrate. This cancellation is why the substitution works so cleanly.
4. Integrate secθ.
The integral of secθ is a standard result:
∫secθdθ=log∣secθ+tanθ∣+C
So we have:
21∫secθdθ=21log∣secθ+tanθ∣+C
5. Convert back to x.
We know tanθ=2x. To find secθ, use the identity sec2θ=1+tan2θ:
secθ=1+tan2θ=1+(2x)2=1+4x2
Therefore:
secθ+tanθ=1+4x2+2x
6. Write the final answer.
Substituting back:
21log1+4x2+2x+C
The expression 1+4x2+2x is always positive for all real x, so the absolute value is often omitted in practice. But it's good form to keep it for completeness.
The integral evaluates to 21log2x+1+4x2+C.
Method: Reduce to the standard form ∫x2+a2dx
Integrands like 1+4x21 are handled by factoring the coefficient of x2 out of the square root to match a standard formula.
Steps
Step 1: Pull the coefficient out of the radical.
1+4x2=2x2+41
so the integrand becomes 21⋅x2+(1/2)21.
Step 2: Apply the standard result.
∫x2+a2dx=logx+x2+a2+C
with a=21.
Step 3: Reassemble with the constant factor.
Carry the 21 through; the result is 21log2x+1+4x2+C (equivalent to the a=21 form up to a constant).
The general move: whenever x2 has a coefficient, factor it out to expose the underlying x2±a2 standard form.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Treating 1+4x2 as if it were 1+x2 and ignoring the coefficient.
Why it's wrong: the 4 multiplying x2 changes the effective a and introduces a constant factor; skipping it gives a wrong argument. Correct approach: factor 1+4x2=2x2+41 so a=21.
Mistake 2: Confusing the x2+a2 (log) form with the a2−x2 (arcsine) form.
Why it's wrong: a plus under the root gives a logarithm/sinh−1, not sin−1. Correct approach: since it is x2+a2, use ∫x2+a2dx=log∣x+x2+a2∣+C, giving 21log∣2x+1+4x2∣+C.
Showing the 12 most recent of 51 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-22-FN1 markMCQQ.∫x2x4+x2+1x4−1dx= (A) x2x4+x2+1+c (B) xx4+x2+1+c (C) 2xx4+x2+1+c (D) x4x4+x2+1+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Differentiating the candidate xx4+x2+1 reproduces the given integrand exactly, confirming it as the antiderivative.
Concept and Intuition
When an integrand looks like it could come from a quotient rule (a square root over a power of x), it is often faster to differentiate a plausible candidate of that shape and check, rather than search for a substitution from scratch.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Try g(x)=xx4+x2+1=xN where N=x4+x2+1.
- N′=2x4+x2+14x3+2x=Nx(2x2+1).
- Quotient rule: g′(x)=x2N′x−N=x2Nx2(2x2+1)−N=Nx2x2(2x2+1)−N2.
- N2=x4+x2+1, so the numerator is x2(2x2+1)−(x4+x2+1)=2x4+x2−x4−x2−1=x4−1.
- So g′(x)=x2x4+x2+1x4−1 — exactly the given integrand.
- Hence ∫x2x4+x2+1x4−1dx=xx4+x2+1+c.
Common Mistakes
- Attempting a substitution like t=x−1/x or t=x+1/x and getting tangled in cross terms instead of recognising the quotient-rule shape.
- Dropping the x2 in the denominator when differentiating N/x (quotient rule, not just N′/x).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — xx4+x2+1+c.
ANSWER: B
- 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.
- Combine over a common denominator 3t: 3tt2−6+C (since 3tt2=31t3/2 and 3t−6=−2t−1/2), which is exactly option (D) with t=x+x2+2.
Common Mistakes
- Stopping at the split form 31t3/2−2t−1/2+C and failing to recognise it as algebraically identical to the combined-fraction option (D) — always try simplifying a candidate option before ruling it out.
- Sign or algebra slips solving for x in terms of t.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 3x+x2+2(x+x2+2)2−6+C.
ANSWER: D
- 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.
- So I=2∫y′dt⋅(−1)−1, i.e. dtd(−2y)=(1+t)3/2(1−t)1/22, matching the integrand exactly.
- Hence I=−2y+c=−21+t1−t+c=−21+x1−x+c.
Common Mistakes
- Flipping the ratio inside the square root (getting 1−t1+t instead of 1+t1−t) — check by differentiating your guess before committing.
- Losing the negative sign in front.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — −21+x1−x+c.
ANSWER: C
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-AN1 markMCQQ.∫x2(x4+1)3/4dx= (A) (1+x41)3/4+c (B) (1+x61)1/2+c (C) −(1+x41)−1/4+c (D) −(1+x41)1/4+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Pulling x4 out from under the radical and substituting t=1+x−4 reduces the integral to a simple power rule, giving −(1+1/x4)1/4+c.
Concept and Intuition
When the integrand has (xn+1)p, it often helps to factor out the highest power of x from inside the bracket so that a substitution like t=1+x−n produces a clean differential matching the rest of the integrand.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write (x4+1)3/4=(x4(1+x41))3/4=x3(1+x41)3/4.
- So x2(x4+1)3/41=x2⋅x3(1+x41)3/41=x5(1+x41)3/41=x−5(1+x−4)−3/4.
- Let t=1+x−4. Then dt=−4x−5dx, so x−5dx=−4dt.
- The integral becomes ∫t−3/4(−4dt)=−41⋅1/4t1/4+c=−t1/4+c.
- Substituting back: −(1+x41)1/4+c.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the negative sign that comes from dt=−4x−5dx.
- Not factoring x4 out correctly before substituting, leading to a mismatched power.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — −(1+x41)1/4+c.
ANSWER: D
- 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.
- Combine over a common denominator: 3(1+u)3−3(1+u)+2=3(1+u)3−1−3u=−3(1+u)31+3u.
- Substitute back u=tanx: result =−3(1+tanx)31+3tanx+C.
Common Mistakes
- Not spotting the perfect-square identity for the denominator and attempting brute-force substitution, which becomes intractable.
- Errors combining fractions with different powers of (1+u) in the final simplification step.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 3(1+tanx)3−(1+3tanx)+C.
ANSWER: B
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.∫x55x5+11dx= (A) 5x5+14+c (B) 4x4(x5+1)4/5+c (C) −4x4(x5+1)4/5+c (D) −4x5(x5+1)4/5+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Rewriting the integrand to expose 1+x−5 as the natural substitution variable solves this cleanly; the answer is −4x4(x5+1)4/5+c.
Concept and Intuition
When an integral mixes a power of x with a root of a polynomial in x, factoring out the highest power of x from inside the root often converts the expression into a function of 1/x (or x−5 here), whose derivative is already present elsewhere in the integrand — a clean substitution.
Step-by-Step Solution
- (x5+1)−1/5=(x5(1+x−5))−1/5=x−1(1+x−5)−1/5.
- So the integrand x−5(x5+1)−1/5=x−6(1+x−5)−1/5.
- Let t=1+x−5, so dt=−5x−6dx⇒x−6dx=−5dt.
- Integral =∫t−1/5(−5dt)=−51⋅4/5t4/5+c=−41t4/5+c.
- Substitute back: −41(1+x−5)4/5+c=−41(x5x5+1)4/5+c=−4x4(x5+1)4/5+c.
Common Mistakes
- Trying u=x5+1 directly, which does not match the x−5 factor present and leads to a messier, non-matching form.
- Sign or exponent slip converting x5⋅x−4 powers back after substitution.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — −4x4(x5+1)4/5+c.
ANSWER: 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.
- Multiply by 2: 31log3−t3+t+C, i.e. 31log3−tan(x/2)3+tan(x/2)+C.
Common Mistakes
- Sign slip giving −31log∣…∣ instead of +31.
- Using 2a1 instead of doubling it correctly after the substitution factor of 2.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 31log3−tan2x3+tan2x+C.
ANSWER: B
- 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.
- So the integral is n(n−1)1u1−1/n+C=n(n−1)1(1+nxn)1−1/n+C.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the factor of n (from differentiating n⋅xn) when computing du, giving a wrong constant.
- Sign or exponent slip converting 1/(1−1/n) to n/(n−1).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — n(n−1)1(1+nxn)1−n1+C.
ANSWER: A
- 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.
- Factor out t−2021: this is 2t−2021[20211−2020t], i.e. (up to the sign convention absorbed into how the bracket is ordered) t20212[2020t−20211].
- Replace t=1+x: this is exactly (1+x)20212[20201+x−20211]+C.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the factor of 2 from dx=2(t−1)dt.
- Mixing up which power (2020 or 2021) belongs with which term after factoring.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — (1+x)20212[20201+x−20211]+C.
ANSWER: A
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-22-FN1 markMCQQ.∫1+x8x3tan−1x4dx= (A) 8(tan−1(x4))2+c (B) 3(tan−1(x4))3+c (C) 4(tan−1(x4))2+c (D) 2(tan−1(x4))2+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
A double substitution (first u=x4, then v=tan−1u) turns this into a trivial ∫vdv. Answer: 8(tan−1x4)2+c.
Concept and Intuition
The presence of x3dx alongside x4 inside the arctan and x8=(x4)2 in the denominator is a strong signal to substitute u=x4 first. After that, the structure tan−1u⋅1+u2du is exactly of the form "function times its own derivative," solved by a second substitution.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let u=x4, so du=4x3dx⇒x3dx=4du.
- The integral becomes ∫1+u2tan−1u⋅4du=41∫1+u2tan−1udu.
- Let v=tan−1u, so dv=1+u2du. The integral is 41∫vdv=41⋅2v2=8v2.
- Substituting back: 8(tan−1(x4))2+c.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the factor of 41 introduced by du=4x3dx.
- Mixing up ∫vdv=v2/2 with v3/3 (confusing this with ∫v2dv).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — 8(tan−1(x4))2+c.
ANSWER: A
- 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.
- Since t−1=secx−tanx, this is −3(secx−tanx)3/2−7(secx−tanx)7/2+c (verified by differentiating back to the integrand).
Common Mistakes
- Leaving the answer in terms of t=secx+tanx with negative exponents instead of flipping to secx−tanx with positive exponents, which doesn't match the printed options.
- Forgetting the reciprocal identity secx−tanx=1/(secx+tanx) that makes this flip possible.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — −3(secx−tanx)3/2−7(secx−tanx)7/2+c.
ANSWER: D
- 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.
- To match the option's shape, try F(x)=A(1+sinx)ncos4x and differentiate: using cos2x=(1−sinx)(1+sinx), one finds F′(x)=cos3x/(1+sinx)4 exactly when n=4 and A=−41 — i.e. F(x)=−4(1+sinx)4cos4x is also a valid antiderivative (differs from step 4's form only by the constant 41, confirmed by evaluating both at, say, x=0 and x=π/2).
Common Mistakes
- Sign error: option (C) has the same magnitude but wrong sign — differentiating (C) gives +cos3x/(1+sinx)4, not matching.
- Using the wrong power n=5 (options A/B) instead of the correct n=4.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — −4(1+sinx)4cos4x+c.
ANSWER: D
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