Q.Integrate the function cos(x+a)cos(x+b)1
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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 to rewrite the product of cosines using the identity for the difference of sines, then integrate via U Substitution.
We start with the identity:
cos(x+a)cos(x+b)1=sin(a−b)1⋅cos(x+a)cos(x+b)sin((x+a)−(x+b))
Using sin(A−B)=sinAcosB−cosAsinB, the numerator becomes sin(x+a)cos(x+b)−cos(x+a)sin(x+b). Dividing by the denominator gives:
sin(a−b)1(tan(x+a)−tan(x+b))
Now integrate term by term: …
The key idea is to rewrite the integrand using the sine difference identity, converting the product of cosines into a difference of tangents. The integral evaluates to sin(a−b)1logcos(x+a)cos(x+b)+C.
Why This Approach Works
When you see a product of cosines in the denominator, your first instinct might be to try trigonometric identities. The product cos(x+a)cos(x+b) looks like it could be part of a sum-to-product formula, but that leads to messy expressions. Instead, think about differentiation: the derivative of tanθ is sec2θ, and secθ=1/cosθ. If we could somehow express 1/(cosAcosB) as a difference of two tangent derivatives, the integral becomes trivial.
The trick lies in the identity:
sin(A−B)=sinAcosB−cosAsinB
If we set A=x+a and B=x+b, then A−B=a−b, a constant. This means:
sin(a−b)=sin(x+a)cos(x+b)−cos(x+a)sin(x+b)
Now divide both sides by cos(x+a)cos(x+b):
cos(x+a)cos(x+b)sin(a−b)=cos(x+a)sin(x+a)−cos(x+b)sin(x+b)=tan(x+a)−tan(x+b)
This is the breakthrough: the constant sin(a−b) factors out, leaving a simple difference of tangents. The integral then becomes straightforward.
A common mistake is to forget that sin(a−b) is a constant with respect to x. Students sometimes try to integrate it as if it depends on x, or they misplace the sign when rearranging. Also, note that a−b could be negative — the formula still works, but the sign matters.
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Set up the integral and apply the key identity
We want:
I=∫cos(x+a)cos(x+b)dx
Multiply numerator and denominator by sin(a−b):
I=sin(a−b)1∫cos(x+a)cos(x+b)sin(a−b)dx
Using the identity derived above:
cos(x+a)cos(x+b)sin(a−b)=tan(x+a)−tan(x+b)
So:
I=sin(a−b)1∫[tan(x+a)−tan(x+b)]dx
2. Integrate the difference of tangents
Each tangent integrates to a logarithm:
∫tan(x+a)dx=−log∣cos(x+a)∣+C1 …
Method: Introduce sin(a−b) to split cos(x+a)cos(x+b)1 into tangents
Use this for a product of two cosines (or sines) with constant-shifted arguments in the denominator: the constant angle-difference lets you write the integrand as a difference of tangents.
Steps
Step 1: Multiply and divide by sin(a−b).
Since a−b=(x+a)−(x+b) is constant, sin(a−b) is just a number you may insert freely.
Step 2: Expand sin((x+a)−(x+b)) and divide by cos(x+a)cos(x+b).
This yields …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Treating sin(a−b) as depending on x.
Why it's wrong: a−b is constant, so sin(a−b) is a number that factors out; treating it as variable breaks the method. Correct approach: pull sin(a−b)1 outside the integral.
Mistake 2: Sign error integrating tangent.
Why it's wrong: ∫tan(x+c)dx=−log∣cos(x+c)∣; dropping the minus inverts the final log ratio. Correct approach: use the negative log-cosine form. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 51 on this concept.
- 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 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-2024-05-20-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 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 …
- 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 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 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 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 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 2022Set eng-2022-07-06-AN1 markMCQQ.∫cos4xcos2x1dx=421log(1−f(x)1+f(x))−21logg(x)+C, then g(6π)−2f(6π)= (A) 22π (B) π+3 (C) 2 (D) 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Solving the integral via t=sin2x identifies f(x)=2sin2x and g(x)=1−sin2x1+sin2x; evaluating at x=π/6 gives g(π/6)−2f(π/6)=2.
Concept and Intuition
The integral ∫cos4xcos2xdx is tackled by substituting t=sin2x, since cos4x=1−2sin22x=1−2t2 turns the whole integrand into a rational function of t, solvable by partial fractions into two logarithmic terms — one built from 1−t2 and one from 1−2t2, matching exactly the two-log structure given in the problem.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let t=sin2x, so dt=2cos2xdx and cos4x=1−2t2.
- Rewriting the integral in terms of t: ∫cos4xcos2xdx=∫2(1−t2)(1−2t2)dt.
- Partial fractions: (1−t2)(1−2t2)1=1−t2−1+1−2t22.
- Integrating each piece gives standard log forms: one in 1−t1+t (from the 1−t2 term) and one in 1−2t1+2t (from the 1−2t2 term), exactly matching the pattern 421log1−f1+f−21logg with f(x)=2sin2x and g(x)=1−sin2x1+sin2x.
- Evaluate at x=π/6: 2x=π/3, sin(π/3)=23. …
- 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 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. …
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