Q.Integrate the following function: $\frac{x+2}{\sqrt{x^2 + 2x + 3}}$

Showing the 12 most recent of 51 on this concept.

1. AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-07-AN1 markMCQ
   Q.$\displaystyle\int \sqrt{x+\sqrt{x^2+2}}\,dx =$ (A) $\dfrac{3}{2}\left(x+\sqrt{x+2}\right)^{3/2} - 2\left(x+\sqrt{x^2+2}\right)^{1/4} + C$ (B) $\dfrac{1}{3}\left(x+\sqrt{x^2+2}\right)^{3/2} - 2\left(x+\sqrt{x^2+2}\right)^{1/4} + C$ (C) $\left(x+\sqrt{x^2+2}\right)^{-3/2} - 2\left(x+\sqrt{x^2+2}\right)^{-1/2} + C$ (D) $\dfrac{\left(x+\sqrt{x^2+2}\right)^2 - 6}{3\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x^2+2}}} + C$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   The substitution $t=x+\sqrt{x^2+2}$ rationalises the nested radical; the resulting antiderivative, written as a single fraction, matches option (D). Answer: option (D).

   Concept and Intuition

   Integrals containing $x+\sqrt{x^2+a^2}$ 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 $\sqrt{x^2+a^2}$ can both be written as clean rational/linear functions of $t$.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. Let $t=x+\sqrt{x^2+2}$. Then $\sqrt{x^2+2}=t-x$; squaring, $x^2+2=t^2-2tx+x^2\Rightarrow 2=t^2-2tx\Rightarrow x=\dfrac{t^2-2}{2t}$.
   2. Then $\sqrt{x^2+2}=t-x=t-\dfrac{t^2-2}{2t}=\dfrac{2t^2-t^2+2}{2t}=\dfrac{t^2+2}{2t}$.
   3. Differentiate $t$ w.r.t. $x$: $\dfrac{dt}{dx}=1+\dfrac{x}{\sqrt{x^2+2}}=\dfrac{\sqrt{x^2+2}+x}{\sqrt{x^2+2}}=\dfrac{t}{\sqrt{x^2+2}}=\dfrac{t}{(t^2+2)/(2t)}=\dfrac{2t^2}{t^2+2}$, so $dx=\dfrac{t^2+2}{2t^2}dt$.
   4. Substitute into the integral: $\int\sqrt t\;dx=\int t^{1/2}\cdot\dfrac{t^2+2}{2t^2}dt=\dfrac12\int\left(t^{1/2}+2t^{-3/2}\right)dt$.
   5. Integrate: $\dfrac12\left[\dfrac23t^{3/2}-4t^{-1/2}\right]+C=\dfrac13t^{3/2}-2t^{-1/2}+C$. …

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2. AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-06-FN1 markMCQ
   Q.$\displaystyle\int \dfrac{1}{\left(\sin x + \cos x + \sqrt{2}\sqrt{\sin 2x}\right)^2}\,dx =$ (A) $\dfrac{-(1+3\sqrt{\tan x})}{(3+\tan^2 x)^3} + C$ (B) $\dfrac{-(1+3\sqrt{\tan x})}{3(1+\sqrt{\tan x})^3} + C$ (C) $\dfrac{-(1+\sqrt{\tan x})}{3(1+3\sqrt{\tan x})^2} + C$ (D) $\dfrac{1}{(1+3\sqrt{\tan x})^3} + C$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Recognising the denominator as $(\sqrt{\sin x}+\sqrt{\cos x})^4$ and substituting $u=\sqrt{\tan x}$ reduces this to a rational integral, giving $-\dfrac{1+3\sqrt{\tan x}}{3(1+\sqrt{\tan x})^3}+C$.

   Concept and Intuition

   The key algebraic identity here is $(\sqrt{\sin x}+\sqrt{\cos x})^2 = \sin x + \cos x + 2\sqrt{\sin x\cos x} = \sin x+\cos x+\sqrt{2\sin 2x}$ (since $2\sqrt{\sin x\cos x}=\sqrt{4\sin x\cos x}=\sqrt{2\sin2x}$). That matches the given denominator's base exactly, turning a scary-looking radical expression into a clean fourth power.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. Verify $(\sqrt{\sin x}+\sqrt{\cos x})^2 = \sin x+\cos x+2\sqrt{\sin x\cos x} = \sin x+\cos x+\sqrt{2\sin2x}$, matching $\sin x+\cos x+\sqrt2\sqrt{\sin2x}$.
   2. So the denominator is $(\sqrt{\sin x}+\sqrt{\cos x})^4$.
   3. Factor out $\sqrt{\cos x}$: $\sqrt{\sin x}+\sqrt{\cos x} = \sqrt{\cos x}(\sqrt{\tan x}+1)$, so the denominator $=\cos^2x(1+\sqrt{\tan x})^4$.
   4. Integral becomes $\displaystyle\int \dfrac{\sec^2x\,dx}{(1+\sqrt{\tan x})^4}$. Let $t=\tan x$, $dt=\sec^2x\,dx$: $\displaystyle\int \dfrac{dt}{(1+\sqrt t)^4}$.
   5. Let $u=\sqrt t$, $t=u^2$, $dt=2u\,du$: $\displaystyle\int \dfrac{2u\,du}{(1+u)^4}$.
   6. Write $2u = 2(1+u)-2$: $\displaystyle\int\left[\dfrac{2}{(1+u)^3}-\dfrac{2}{(1+u)^4}\right]du = -\dfrac{1}{(1+u)^2}+\dfrac{2}{3(1+u)^3}+C$. …

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3. AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-17-AN1 markMCQ
   Q.If $\displaystyle\int \dfrac{x^3}{\sqrt{1+x^2}}\,dx = A(1+x^2)^{3/2}+B(1+x^2)^{1/2}+C$, then $A+B=$ (A) $2/3$ (B) $-2/3$ (C) $1/3$ (D) $-1/3$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   The substitution $u=1+x^2$ turns the integral into a simple power-rule computation, giving $A=1/3$ and $B=-1$, so $A+B=-2/3$.

   Concept and Intuition

   Whenever the integrand has an odd power of $x$ alongside a function of $x^2$ (here $\sqrt{1+x^2}$), substituting $u=1+x^2$ (so $du=2x\,dx$) converts the odd-power part into a polynomial in $u$, making the integral elementary.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. Let $u=1+x^2$, $du=2x\,dx$, and $x^2=u-1$.
   2. $x^3\,dx=x^2\cdot x\,dx=(u-1)\cdot\dfrac{du}{2}$.
   3. $\displaystyle\int\frac{x^3}{\sqrt{1+x^2}}dx=\int\frac{(u-1)}{\sqrt u}\cdot\frac{du}{2}=\frac12\int\left(u^{1/2}-u^{-1/2}\right)du$.
   4. $=\frac12\left(\dfrac{2}{3}u^{3/2}-2u^{1/2}\right)+C=\dfrac13u^{3/2}-u^{1/2}+C$. …

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4. AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-18-FN1 markMCQ
   Q.If $\displaystyle\int \sqrt{x}(1-x^3)^{\frac{-1}{2}}dx=\dfrac{2}{3}g(f(x))+c$, then (A) $f(x)=\sqrt{x},\ g(x)=\sin^{-1}x$ (B) $f(x)=x^{3/2},\ g(x)=\sin^{-1}x$ (C) $f(x)=x^{3/2},\ g(x)=\cos^{-1}x$ (D) $f(x)=\sqrt{x},\ g(x)=\cos^{-1}x$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   A substitution $u=x^{3/2}$ turns the integral into the standard $\int du/\sqrt{1-u^2}$ form, giving $f(x)=x^{3/2}$ and $g=\sin^{-1}$.

   Concept and Intuition

   The presence of $\sqrt x\,dx$ alongside $x^3=(x^{3/2})^2$ inside a square root strongly signals the substitution $u=x^{3/2}$ (its derivative is proportional to $\sqrt x$, exactly what's needed to absorb the leftover $\sqrt x\,dx$). Once substituted, the integral collapses to the standard arcsine form.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. Let $u=x^{3/2}$. Then $du=\dfrac32 x^{1/2}\,dx=\dfrac32\sqrt x\,dx$, so $\sqrt x\,dx=\dfrac23\,du$.
   2. Also, $u^2=x^3$, so $1-x^3=1-u^2$.
   3. Substitute into the integral: $\displaystyle\int\sqrt x\,(1-x^3)^{-1/2}\,dx=\int\dfrac23\cdot\dfrac{du}{\sqrt{1-u^2}}=\dfrac23\int\dfrac{du}{\sqrt{1-u^2}}$.
   4. This is the standard form: $\displaystyle\int\dfrac{du}{\sqrt{1-u^2}}=\sin^{-1}u+c$.
   5. So the integral $=\dfrac23\sin^{-1}(u)+c=\dfrac23\sin^{-1}\left(x^{3/2}\right)+c$. …

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5. AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-19-FN1 markMCQ
   Q.If $f(x) = \dfrac{x}{(1 + nx^n)^{1/n}}$ for $n \geq 2$, then $\displaystyle\int x^{n-2} f(x)\, dx =$ (A) $\dfrac{1}{n(n-1)} (1 + nx^n)^{1 - \frac{1}{n}} + C$ (B) $\dfrac{1}{n-1} (1 + nx^n)^{1 - \frac{1}{n}} + C$ (C) $\dfrac{1}{n(n-1)} (1 + nx^n)^{1 + \frac{1}{n}} + C$ (D) $\dfrac{1}{n+1} (1 + nx^n)^{1 + \frac{1}{n}} + C$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   A direct substitution $u=1+nx^n$ turns the integral into a simple power rule.

   Concept and Intuition

   The integrand's power of $x$ (namely $x^{n-1}$) is exactly proportional to the derivative of $u=1+nx^n$, which is the classic signal to substitute.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. $x^{n-2}f(x)=x^{n-2}\cdot\dfrac{x}{(1+nx^n)^{1/n}}=\dfrac{x^{n-1}}{(1+nx^n)^{1/n}}$.
   2. Let $u=1+nx^n$. Then $du=n\cdot n x^{n-1}dx=n^2x^{n-1}dx$, so $x^{n-1}dx=\dfrac{du}{n^2}$.
   3. Integral becomes $\displaystyle\int u^{-1/n}\cdot\dfrac{du}{n^2}=\dfrac{1}{n^2}\cdot\dfrac{u^{1-1/n}}{1-1/n}+C$.
   4. Simplify: $\dfrac{1}{n^2}\cdot\dfrac{1}{\frac{n-1}{n}}=\dfrac{1}{n^2}\cdot\dfrac{n}{n-1}=\dfrac{1}{n(n-1)}$. …

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6. AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-25-AN1 markMCQ
   Q.$\int \cos\sqrt{x}\, dx =$ (A) $2\sqrt{x}\sin\sqrt{x} + 2\cos\sqrt{x} + c$ (B) $2\sqrt{x}\sin\sqrt{x} + 2\sin\sqrt{x} + c$ (C) $2\sqrt{x}\sin\sqrt{x} - 2\cos\sqrt{x} + c$ (D) $\sqrt{x}\cos\sqrt{x} - 2\sin\sqrt{x} + c$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Substitute $t=\sqrt x$ to turn the integral into a standard integration-by-parts problem. Answer: $2\sqrt x\sin\sqrt x+2\cos\sqrt x+c$.

   Concept and Intuition

   Whenever you see $\sqrt x$ trapped inside a trig or exponential function, substituting $t=\sqrt x$ converts it into a polynomial-times-trig integral solvable by parts.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. Let $t=\sqrt x \Rightarrow x=t^2,\ dx=2t\,dt$.
   2. $\int\cos\sqrt x\,dx = \int\cos t\cdot 2t\,dt = 2\int t\cos t\,dt$.
   3. Integrate by parts: $\int t\cos t\,dt = t\sin t - \int\sin t\,dt = t\sin t+\cos t$. …

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7. AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-23-AN1 markMCQ
   Q.If $\displaystyle\int \dfrac{dx}{2\cos x + 3\sin x + 4} = \dfrac{2}{\sqrt{3}}f(x) + c$, then $f\left(\dfrac{2\pi}{3}\right) =$ (A) $\dfrac{\pi}{12}$ (B) $\dfrac{\pi}{8}$ (C) $\dfrac{5\pi}{12}$ (D) $\dfrac{5\pi}{8}$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   This is a Weierstrass ($t=\tan(x/2)$) substitution problem for a linear combination of sine and cosine plus a constant in the denominator. Evaluating $f$ at the given point gives $\dfrac{5\pi}{12}$, option (C).

   Concept and Intuition

   Whenever the denominator mixes $\sin x$, $\cos x$ and a constant, the universal substitution $t=\tan(x/2)$ (with $\cos x=\frac{1-t^2}{1+t^2}$, $\sin x=\frac{2t}{1+t^2}$, $dx=\frac{2\,dt}{1+t^2}$) converts the trigonometric denominator into a plain quadratic in $t$, reducing the whole problem to a standard $\int\frac{dt}{\text{quadratic}}$ that integrates to an arctangent.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. Substitute: denominator becomes

   $2\cdot\frac{1-t^2}{1+t^2}+3\cdot\frac{2t}{1+t^2}+4=\frac{2-2t^2+6t+4+4t^2}{1+t^2}=\frac{2t^2+6t+6}{1+t^2}.$

   2. The integral becomes $\displaystyle\int\frac{2\,dt/(1+t^2)}{(2t^2+6t+6)/(1+t^2)}=\int\frac{2\,dt}{2t^2+6t+6}=\int\frac{dt}{t^2+3t+3}$.
   3. Complete the square: $t^2+3t+3=\left(t+\tfrac32\right)^2+\tfrac34$, so $\int\frac{dt}{\left(t+\frac32\right)^2+\frac34}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}/2}\arctan\!\left(\frac{t+3/2}{\sqrt3/2}\right)+c=\frac{2}{\sqrt3}\arctan\!\left(\frac{2t+3}{\sqrt3}\right)+c.$ …

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8. AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-22-FN1 markMCQ
   Q.$\int\frac{x^4 - 1}{x^2\sqrt{x^4 + x^2 + 1}}dx =$ (A) $\frac{2\sqrt{x^4+x^2+1}}{x} + c$ (B) $\frac{\sqrt{x^4+x^2+1}}{x} + c$ (C) $\frac{\sqrt{x^4+x^2+1}}{2x} + c$ (D) $\frac{4\sqrt{x^4+x^2+1}}{x} + c$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Differentiating the candidate $\frac{\sqrt{x^4+x^2+1}}{x}$ 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

   1. Try $g(x)=\dfrac{\sqrt{x^4+x^2+1}}{x}=\dfrac{N}{x}$ where $N=\sqrt{x^4+x^2+1}$.
   2. $N'=\dfrac{4x^3+2x}{2\sqrt{x^4+x^2+1}}=\dfrac{x(2x^2+1)}{N}$.
   3. Quotient rule: $g'(x)=\dfrac{N'x-N}{x^2}=\dfrac{\frac{x^2(2x^2+1)}{N}-N}{x^2}=\dfrac{x^2(2x^2+1)-N^2}{Nx^2}$.
   4. $N^2=x^4+x^2+1$, so the numerator is $x^2(2x^2+1)-(x^4+x^2+1)=2x^4+x^2-x^4-x^2-1=x^4-1$.
   5. So $g'(x)=\dfrac{x^4-1}{x^2\sqrt{x^4+x^2+1}}$ — exactly the given integrand. …

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9. AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-07-AN1 markMCQ
   Q.$\displaystyle\int \dfrac{dx}{\left(1+\sqrt{x}\right)^{2022}} =$ (A) $\dfrac{2}{(1+\sqrt{x})^{2021}}\left[\dfrac{1+\sqrt{x}}{2020} - \dfrac{1}{2021}\right] + C$ (B) $\dfrac{2}{(1+\sqrt{x})^{2022}}\left[\dfrac{1+\sqrt{x}}{2020} - \dfrac{\sqrt{x}}{2021}\right] + C$ (C) $\dfrac{2}{(1+\sqrt{x})}\left[\dfrac{(1+\sqrt{x})^{2022}}{2022} - \dfrac{(1+\sqrt{x})^{2021}}{2021}\right] + C$ (D) $\dfrac{1}{(1+\sqrt{x})^2}\left[\dfrac{1}{(1+\sqrt{x})^{1010}} - \dfrac{1}{(1+\sqrt{x})^{1011}}\right] + C$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Substituting $t=1+\sqrt x$ 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 $1+\sqrt x$, the substitution $t=1+\sqrt x$ (so $\sqrt x = t-1$, $x=(t-1)^2$) 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

   1. Let $t=1+\sqrt x$. Then $\sqrt x=t-1$, $x=(t-1)^2$, and $dx=2(t-1)\,dt$.
   2. The integral becomes $\displaystyle\int \frac{2(t-1)}{t^{2022}}\,dt = 2\int\left(t^{-2021}-t^{-2022}\right)dt$.
   3. Integrate termwise: $2\int t^{-2021}dt = \dfrac{2}{-2020}t^{-2020}$, and $-2\int t^{-2022}dt = \dfrac{2}{-2021}\cdot(-1)\,t^{-2021}\cdot(-1)$, combining to $\dfrac{2}{2021}t^{-2021} - \dfrac{2}{2020}t^{-2020}$. …

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10. AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-23-AN1 markMCQ
    Q.If $\displaystyle\int (x^6 + x^4 + x^2)\sqrt{2x^4 + 3x^2 + 6}\,dx = f(x) + c$, then $f(3) =$ (A) $\dfrac{3}{2}(95)^{3/2}$ (B) $\dfrac{3}{2}(195)^{3/2}$ (C) $\dfrac{3}{2}(265)^{3/2}$ (D) $\dfrac{3}{2}(175)^{3/2}$

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    Guess the antiderivative in the form $(ax^3+bx)(2x^4+3x^2+6)^{3/2}$, match

    coefficients by differentiating, solve for $a,b$, then evaluate at $x=3$ to get

    $f(3)=\dfrac32(195)^{3/2}$.

    Concept and Intuition

    When an integrand is a polynomial times the square root of another polynomial,

    and the polynomial factor's degree matches what you'd get by differentiating a

    $(\text{poly})\cdot(\text{radicand})^{3/2}$ ansatz, the fastest route is the

    "reverse chain rule with an undetermined polynomial coefficient" method: guess

    the shape of the antiderivative with unknown coefficients, differentiate, and

    match coefficients of like powers of $x$ to solve for them.

    Step-by-Step Solution

    1. Guess $f(x)=(ax^3+bx)\,(2x^4+3x^2+6)^{3/2}$.
    2. Differentiate (product + chain rule), then factor out $(2x^4+3x^2+6)^{1/2}$: $f'(x)=(2x^4+3x^2+6)^{1/2}\Big[(3ax^2+b)(2x^4+3x^2+6)+(ax^3+bx)(12x^3+9x)\Big]$.
    3. Expand the bracket: it collects to $18a\,x^6+(18a+14b)x^4+(18a+12b)x^2+6b$.
    4. Match this to the target $x^6+x^4+x^2$ (constant term $0$): $6b=0\Rightarrow b=0$; then $18a=1\Rightarrow a=\dfrac1{18}$.
    5. Check remaining coefficients with $a=1/18,\ b=0$: $18a+14b=1$ ✓ (matches $x^4$ coefficient $1$), $18a+12b=1$ ✓ (matches $x^2$ coefficient $1$). All consistent.
    6. So $f(x)=\dfrac{x^3}{18}(2x^4+3x^2+6)^{3/2}$. …

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11. AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-27-FN1 markMCQ
    Q.$\displaystyle\int \dfrac{dx}{(1 + \sqrt{x})\sqrt{x - x^2}} =$ (A) $-2\sqrt{\dfrac{1 + \sqrt{x}}{1 - \sqrt{x}}} + c$ (B) $-\sqrt{\dfrac{1 - \sqrt{x}}{1 + \sqrt{x}}} + c$ (C) $-2\sqrt{\dfrac{1 - \sqrt{x}}{1 + \sqrt{x}}} + c$ (D) $2\sqrt{\dfrac{1 + \sqrt{x}}{1 - \sqrt{x}}} + c$

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    Substituting $t=\sqrt x$ turns the surd-heavy integrand into $\int \frac{2\,dt}{(1+t)^{3/2}(1-t)^{1/2}}$, whose antiderivative is exactly $-2\sqrt{\frac{1-t}{1+t}}$.

    Concept and Intuition

    When an integrand mixes $\sqrt x$ and $\sqrt{x-x^2}=\sqrt{x}\sqrt{1-x}$, substituting $t=\sqrt x$ clears every square root of $x$ at once, converting the whole thing into a rational-power integral in $t$ that matches the derivative of $\sqrt{\frac{1-t}{1+t}}$ — a standard "recognise the derivative" pattern worth memorising for CET-style problems.

    Step-by-Step Solution

    1. Write $\sqrt{x-x^2}=\sqrt{x(1-x)}=\sqrt x\sqrt{1-x}$, so the integral is

    $I=\int\frac{dx}{(1+\sqrt x)\sqrt x\sqrt{1-x}}.$

    2. Let $t=\sqrt x$, so $x=t^2$, $dx=2t\,dt$:

    $I=\int\frac{2t\,dt}{(1+t)\cdot t\cdot\sqrt{1-t^2}}=\int\frac{2\,dt}{(1+t)\sqrt{(1-t)(1+t)}}=\int\frac{2\,dt}{(1+t)^{3/2}(1-t)^{1/2}}.$

    3. Let $y=\sqrt{\dfrac{1-t}{1+t}}$. Differentiating $y^2=\dfrac{1-t}{1+t}$: $2y\,y'=\frac{-(1+t)-(1-t)}{(1+t)^2}=\frac{-2}{(1+t)^2}\ \Rightarrow\ y'=\frac{-1}{y(1+t)^2}=\frac{-1}{(1+t)^{3/2}(1-t)^{1/2}}.$ …

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12. AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-23-FN1 markMCQ
    Q.$\displaystyle\int \dfrac{\sec^2 x}{(\sec x+\tan x)^{5/2}}\,dx=$ (A) $-\dfrac{(\sec x+\tan x)^{5/2}}{5}-\dfrac{(\sec x+\tan x)^{7/2}}{7}+c$ (B) $-\dfrac{(\sec x-\tan x)^{5/2}}{5}-\dfrac{(\sec x-\tan x)^{7/2}}{7}+c$ (C) $-\dfrac{(\sec x+\tan x)^{3/2}}{3}-\dfrac{(\sec x+\tan x)^{7/2}}{7}+c$ (D) $-\dfrac{(\sec x-\tan x)^{3/2}}{3}-\dfrac{(\sec x-\tan x)^{7/2}}{7}+c$

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    A substitution $t=\sec x+\tan x$ (which pairs neatly with $\sec x-\tan x=1/t$) reduces this odd-looking integral to a simple power-rule integral, whose answer re-expresses in terms of $\sec x-\tan x$.

    Concept and Intuition

    Whenever $\sec x+\tan x$ appears, remember its reciprocal identity $(\sec x+\tan x)(\sec x-\tan x)=1$, and that $\dfrac{d}{dx}(\sec x+\tan x)=\sec x(\sec x+\tan x)$ — this makes $t=\sec x+\tan x$ a natural substitution whenever $\sec x\,dx$ multiplies a function of $t$.

    Step-by-Step Solution

    1. Let $t=\sec x+\tan x$. Then $dt=\sec x(\sec x+\tan x)\,dx=\sec x\cdot t\,dx$, so $\sec x\,dx=\dfrac{dt}{t}$.
    2. Also $\sec x-\tan x=\dfrac1t$, so $\sec x=\dfrac{t+1/t}{2}=\dfrac{t^2+1}{2t}$.
    3. The integral $\displaystyle\int\frac{\sec^2x}{t^{5/2}}dx=\int\frac{\sec x}{t^{5/2}}\cdot(\sec x\,dx)=\int\frac{\sec x}{t^{5/2}}\cdot\frac{dt}{t}=\int\frac{\sec x}{t^{7/2}}dt$.
    4. Substitute $\sec x=\dfrac{t^2+1}{2t}$: integral $=\displaystyle\int\frac{t^2+1}{2t^{9/2}}dt=\frac12\int\left(t^{-5/2}+t^{-9/2}\right)dt$.
    5. $=\dfrac12\left[-\dfrac{2}{3}t^{-3/2}-\dfrac27 t^{-7/2}\right]+c=-\dfrac{t^{-3/2}}{3}-\dfrac{t^{-7/2}}{7}+c$. …

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