Q.Integrate the following function: $\frac{\sec^2 x}{\sqrt{\tan^2 x+4}}$

Showing the 12 most recent of 51 on this concept.

1. 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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2. AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-22-FN1 markMCQ
   Q.$\displaystyle\int \dfrac{x^3 \tan^{-1} x^4}{1 + x^8}\,dx =$ (A) $\dfrac{(\tan^{-1}(x^4))^2}{8} + c$ (B) $\dfrac{(\tan^{-1}(x^4))^3}{3} + c$ (C) $\dfrac{(\tan^{-1}(x^4))^2}{4} + c$ (D) $\dfrac{(\tan^{-1}(x^4))^2}{2} + c$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   A double substitution (first $u=x^4$, then $v=\tan^{-1}u$) turns this into a trivial $\int v\,dv$. Answer: $\dfrac{(\tan^{-1}x^4)^2}{8}+c$.

   Concept and Intuition

   The presence of $x^3\,dx$ alongside $x^4$ inside the arctan and $x^8=(x^4)^2$ in the denominator is a strong signal to substitute $u=x^4$ first. After that, the structure $\tan^{-1}u \cdot \dfrac{du}{1+u^2}$ is exactly of the form "function times its own derivative," solved by a second substitution.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. Let $u=x^4$, so $du=4x^3\,dx \Rightarrow x^3\,dx = \dfrac{du}{4}$.
   2. The integral becomes $\displaystyle\int \frac{\tan^{-1}u}{1+u^2}\cdot\frac{du}{4} = \frac14\int \frac{\tan^{-1}u}{1+u^2}\,du$. …

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3. AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-AN1 markMCQ
   Q.$\displaystyle\int \dfrac{dx}{x^2(x^4+1)^{3/4}}=$ (A) $\left(1+\dfrac{1}{x^4}\right)^{3/4}+c$ (B) $\left(1+\dfrac{1}{x^6}\right)^{1/2}+c$ (C) $-\left(1+\dfrac{1}{x^4}\right)^{-1/4}+c$ (D) $-\left(1+\dfrac{1}{x^4}\right)^{1/4}+c$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Pulling $x^4$ out from under the radical and substituting $t=1+x^{-4}$ reduces the integral to a simple power rule, giving $-(1+1/x^4)^{1/4}+c$.

   Concept and Intuition

   When the integrand has $(x^n+1)^p$, 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

   1. Write $(x^4+1)^{3/4} = \left(x^4\left(1+\dfrac{1}{x^4}\right)\right)^{3/4} = x^3\left(1+\dfrac{1}{x^4}\right)^{3/4}$.
   2. So $\dfrac{1}{x^2(x^4+1)^{3/4}} = \dfrac{1}{x^2\cdot x^3\left(1+\frac{1}{x^4}\right)^{3/4}} = \dfrac{1}{x^5\left(1+\frac{1}{x^4}\right)^{3/4}} = x^{-5}\left(1+x^{-4}\right)^{-3/4}$.
   3. Let $t = 1+x^{-4}$. Then $dt = -4x^{-5}dx$, so $x^{-5}dx = -\dfrac{dt}{4}$. …

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4. 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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5. AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-FN1 markMCQ
   Q.$\displaystyle\int \dfrac{\cos^3 x}{(1 + \sin x)^4}\, dx =$ (A) $-\dfrac{\cos^4 x}{5(1 + \sin x)^5} + c$ (B) $\dfrac{\cos^4 x}{5(1 + \sin x)^5} + c$ (C) $\dfrac{\cos^4 x}{4(1 + \sin x)^4} + c$ (D) $-\dfrac{\cos^4 x}{4(1 + \sin x)^4} + c$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Factor $\cos^3x$ using $\cos^2x=(1-\sin x)(1+\sin x)$ and substitute $t=\sin x$; the resulting antiderivative can equivalently be written in the $\cos^4x/(1+\sin x)^4$ form given in the options (they differ only by an added constant). Answer: $-\dfrac{\cos^4x}{4(1+\sin x)^4}+c$.

   Concept and Intuition

   Integrals of $\cos^{\text{odd}}x$ over powers of $(1+\sin x)$ are handled by peeling off one factor of $\cos x$ to pair with $dx$ (making $d(\sin x)$) and expressing the remaining even power of $\cos x$ in terms of $\sin x$. Since the MCQ options are phrased in terms of $\cos^4x$ rather than $\sin x$ directly, it is often faster (and safer against sign traps) to guess-and-check an antiderivative of that shape by differentiating a general form $A\cos^4x(1+\sin x)^{-n}$ and matching powers/coefficients — this is exactly how the printed option is confirmed.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. $\cos^3x=\cos x\cdot\cos^2x=\cos x(1-\sin^2x)=\cos x(1-\sin x)(1+\sin x)$.
   2. Integrand $=\dfrac{\cos x(1-\sin x)(1+\sin x)}{(1+\sin x)^4}=\dfrac{\cos x(1-\sin x)}{(1+\sin x)^3}$.
   3. Let $t=\sin x$, $dt=\cos x\,dx$: $I=\displaystyle\int\frac{1-t}{(1+t)^3}dt$. Writing $1-t=2-(1+t)$: $I=\displaystyle\int\left(\frac{2}{(1+t)^3}-\frac{1}{(1+t)^2}\right)dt=-\frac{1}{(1+t)^2}+\frac{1}{1+t}+c=\frac{t}{(1+t)^2}+c$.
   4. So $I=\dfrac{\sin x}{(1+\sin x)^2}+c$ is one valid closed form. …

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6. 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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7. AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-18-FN1 markMCQ
   Q.$\displaystyle\int(\tan^7x+\tan x)\,dx=$ (A) $\dfrac{\tan^2 x}{12}(2\tan^4 x - 3\tan^2 x+6)+c$ (B) $\dfrac{\tan^2 x}{6}-\dfrac{\tan^5 x}{4}+\dfrac{\tan^4 x}{2}+c$ (C) $\dfrac{\tan^2 x}{6}(\tan^4 x+3\tan^2 x+4)+c$ (D) $\dfrac{\tan x}{12}(\tan^4 x-3\tan^2 x+6)+c$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Factoring $\tan^7x+\tan x$ using the sum-of-like-terms identity $t^7+t=t(t^6+1)=t(t^2+1)(t^4-t^2+1)$ exposes the $\sec^2x$ needed for a clean $t=\tan x$ substitution. Answer: $\dfrac{\tan^2x}{12}(2\tan^4x-3\tan^2x+6)+c$.

   Concept and Intuition

   Whenever an integrand is built purely from powers of $\tan x$ together with an explicit or hidden $\sec^2x$, substituting $t=\tan x$ turns it into a polynomial integral — the key is recognizing that $t^6+1=(t^2+1)(t^4-t^2+1)$ supplies exactly the $\sec^2x=1+\tan^2x$ factor needed.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. $\tan^7x+\tan x=\tan x(\tan^6x+1)=\tan x(\tan^2x+1)(\tan^4x-\tan^2x+1)=\tan x\sec^2x(\tan^4x-\tan^2x+1)$.
   2. Let $t=\tan x$, $dt=\sec^2x\,dx$. Integral becomes $\displaystyle\int t(t^4-t^2+1)dt=\int(t^5-t^3+t)dt$.
   3. $=\dfrac{t^6}{6}-\dfrac{t^4}{4}+\dfrac{t^2}{2}+c=\dfrac{\tan^6x}{6}-\dfrac{\tan^4x}{4}+\dfrac{\tan^2x}{2}+c$. …

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8. AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-15-AN1 markMCQ
   Q.$\displaystyle\int \dfrac{dx}{4+5\cos x} =$ (A) $-\dfrac{1}{3}\log\left|\dfrac{3+\tan\frac{x}{2}}{3-\tan\frac{x}{2}}\right|+C$ (B) $\dfrac{1}{3}\log\left|\dfrac{3+\tan\frac{x}{2}}{3-\tan\frac{x}{2}}\right|+C$ (C) $-\dfrac{1}{9}\log\left|\dfrac{3-\tan\frac{x}{2}}{3+\tan\frac{x}{2}}\right|+C$ (D) $\dfrac{1}{9}\log\left|\dfrac{3-\tan\frac{x}{2}}{3+\tan\frac{x}{2}}\right|+C$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   The Weierstrass substitution $t=\tan(x/2)$ turns this into a standard $\int dt/(a^2-t^2)$ integral, giving option (B).

   Concept and Intuition

   For $\int\dfrac{dx}{a+b\cos x}$ the substitution $t=\tan(x/2)$ (so $\cos x=\tfrac{1-t^2}{1+t^2}$, $dx=\tfrac{2\,dt}{1+t^2}$) always converts the integral into a rational function of $t$ alone.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. $\cos x=\dfrac{1-t^2}{1+t^2}$, $dx=\dfrac{2\,dt}{1+t^2}$, with $t=\tan(x/2)$.
   2. $4+5\cos x=4+5\cdot\dfrac{1-t^2}{1+t^2}=\dfrac{4(1+t^2)+5(1-t^2)}{1+t^2}=\dfrac{9-t^2}{1+t^2}$.
   3. Integral becomes $\int\dfrac{2\,dt/(1+t^2)}{(9-t^2)/(1+t^2)}=\int\dfrac{2\,dt}{9-t^2}$.
   4. Using $\int\dfrac{dt}{a^2-t^2}=\dfrac{1}{2a}\log\left|\dfrac{a+t}{a-t}\right|+C$ with $a=3$: $\int\dfrac{dt}{9-t^2}=\dfrac16\log\left|\dfrac{3+t}{3-t}\right|+C$. …

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9. AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-18-FN1 markMCQ
   Q.$\displaystyle\int \dfrac{1}{x^5\sqrt[5]{x^5+1}}\,dx=$ (A) $\dfrac{4}{\sqrt[5]{x^5+1}}+c$ (B) $4x^4(x^5+1)^{4/5}+c$ (C) $-\dfrac{(x^5+1)^{4/5}}{4x^4}+c$ (D) $-\dfrac{(x^5+1)^{4/5}}{4x^5}+c$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Rewriting the integrand to expose $1+x^{-5}$ as the natural substitution variable solves this cleanly; the answer is $-\dfrac{(x^5+1)^{4/5}}{4x^4}+c$.

   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

   1. $(x^5+1)^{-1/5}=\left(x^5\left(1+x^{-5}\right)\right)^{-1/5}=x^{-1}(1+x^{-5})^{-1/5}$.
   2. So the integrand $x^{-5}(x^5+1)^{-1/5}=x^{-6}(1+x^{-5})^{-1/5}$.
   3. Let $t=1+x^{-5}$, so $dt=-5x^{-6}dx\Rightarrow x^{-6}dx=-\dfrac{dt}{5}$.
   4. Integral $=\displaystyle\int t^{-1/5}\left(-\dfrac{dt}{5}\right)=-\dfrac15\cdot\dfrac{t^{4/5}}{4/5}+c=-\dfrac14t^{4/5}+c$. …

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10. AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-05-FN1 markMCQ
    Q.$\displaystyle\int \dfrac{dx}{(x-3)^{4/5}(x+1)^{6/5}} =$ (A) $\dfrac{5}{4}\sqrt[5]{\dfrac{x-3}{x+1}} + C$ (B) $\dfrac{5}{4}\left(\dfrac{x+1}{x-3}\right)^{1/5} + C$ (C) $\dfrac{1}{5}\left(\dfrac{x-3}{x+1}\right)^{1/5} + C$ (D) $\dfrac{5}{4}\left(\dfrac{x-3}{x+4}\right)^{4/5} + C$

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    Splitting off $(x+1)^2$ turns the integrand into a pure power of $t=\frac{x-3}{x+1}$, giving $\frac54\left(\frac{x-3}{x+1}\right)^{1/5}+C$.

    Concept and Intuition

    When an integrand has the form $(x-a)^{p}(x-b)^{q}$ with $p+q$ an integer (here $\frac45+\frac65=2$), factoring out $(x-b)^{p+q}$ and substituting $t=\frac{x-a}{x-b}$ collapses the whole thing to a simple power of $t$ — a standard trick for these "unequal fractional exponent" integrals.

    Step-by-Step Solution

    1. $(x-3)^{4/5}(x+1)^{6/5} = (x+1)^2\left[\dfrac{x-3}{x+1}\right]^{4/5}$ (factoring out $(x+1)^{4/5+6/5}=(x+1)^2$).
    2. So the integrand is $(x+1)^{-2}\left[\dfrac{x-3}{x+1}\right]^{-4/5}$.
    3. Let $t=\dfrac{x-3}{x+1}$. Then $\dfrac{dt}{dx} = \dfrac{(x+1)-(x-3)}{(x+1)^2} = \dfrac{4}{(x+1)^2}$, so $(x+1)^{-2}dx = \dfrac{dt}{4}$.
    4. The integral becomes $\dfrac14\displaystyle\int t^{-4/5}\,dt = \dfrac14\cdot\dfrac{t^{1/5}}{1/5}+C = \dfrac54\,t^{1/5}+C$. …

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11. 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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12. AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-06-AN1 markMCQ
    Q.$\displaystyle\int \dfrac{\cos^4 x}{\left(\sin^2 x + \sin^{-3} x \cos^5 x\right)^{3}}\;dx =$ (A) $\dfrac{1}{5}\left(1 + \cot^5 x\right)^{-2} + C$ (B) $\dfrac{1}{10}\left(1 + \cot^2 x\right)^{-5} + C$ (C) $\dfrac{1}{10}\left(1 + \cot^5 x\right)^{-2} + C$ (D) $\dfrac{1}{5}\left(1 + \cot^5 x\right)^{-5} + C$

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    Factoring $\sin^2x$ out of the denominator turns it into $\sin^2x(1+\cot^5x)$, and the substitution $t=1+\cot^5x$ makes the whole integral a simple power-rule integration, giving $\dfrac{1}{10}(1+\cot^5x)^{-2}+C$.

    Concept and Intuition

    Integrals with mixed powers of $\sin x$ and $\cos x$ in odd/negative combinations often simplify beautifully once you factor out a common power to expose a $(1+\cot^n x)$ or $(1+\tan^n x)$ structure — this is exactly the kind of expression whose derivative (via chain rule) reproduces $\cot^{n-1}x\csc^2x$, matching what's left over in the integrand.

    Step-by-Step Solution

    1. Denominator: $\sin^2x+\sin^{-3}x\cos^5x$. Factor out $\sin^2x$: $=\sin^2x\left[1+\dfrac{\cos^5x}{\sin^5x}\right]=\sin^2x\,(1+\cot^5x)$.
    2. So the full denominator cubed: $\left[\sin^2x(1+\cot^5x)\right]^3=\sin^6x\,(1+\cot^5x)^3$.
    3. Integrand: $\dfrac{\cos^4x}{\sin^6x(1+\cot^5x)^3} = \dfrac{\cos^4x}{\sin^4x}\cdot\dfrac{1}{\sin^2x}\cdot(1+\cot^5x)^{-3}=\cot^4x\,\csc^2x\,(1+\cot^5x)^{-3}$.
    4. Substitute $t=1+\cot^5x$. Then $\dfrac{dt}{dx}=5\cot^4x\cdot(-\csc^2x)=-5\cot^4x\csc^2x$, so $\cot^4x\csc^2x\,dx=-\dfrac{dt}{5}$. …

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