Q.Integrate the function x6+13x2
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.
The key idea is U Substitution: the numerator 3x2 is almost the derivative of x3, which appears inside the denominator.
Let u=x3. Then du=3x2dx, so the integral becomes
∫x6+13x2dx=∫u2+1du.
This is a standard form: ∫u2+1du=tan−1u+C.
Substitute back u=x3 to get the final antiderivative.
The integral is tan−1(x3)+C.
The integral ∫x6+13x2dx is solved by the substitution u=x3, which transforms it into the standard arctangent form ∫u2+1du=tan−1(u)+C. The final result is tan−1(x3)+C.
The key to this problem is recognizing that the numerator is almost the derivative of the denominator's "inner" part. The denominator is x6+1, which is (x3)2+1. If we set u=x3, then du=3x2dx — and that's exactly the numerator! This is a textbook case for U Substitution: we look for a function and its derivative hiding in the integrand.
Let's walk through it step by step.
- Identify the substitution. The denominator x6+1 can be written as (x3)2+1. This suggests letting u=x3. Why? Because the derivative of x3 is 3x2, which appears in the numerator. So set:
u=x3
- Compute the differential. Differentiate both sides:
du=3x2dx
Notice that 3x2dx is exactly the numerator of the integrand. This is perfect — the substitution will replace the entire numerator and dx in one go.
- Rewrite the integral in terms of u. The original integral is:
∫x6+13x2dx
Replace 3x2dx with du, and x6 with (x3)2=u2:
∫u2+1du
- Integrate using a standard formula. The integral ∫u2+a2du is a1tan−1(au)+C. Here a=1, so:
∫u2+1du=tan−1(u)+C
∫u2+a2du=a1tan−1(au)+C
- Substitute back to x. Since u=x3, we replace u:
tan−1(x3)+C
A common mistake is to forget the constant of integration C or to incorrectly substitute back. Always check that your final answer is in terms of the original variable.
If the numerator had been something like x2 instead of 3x2, you'd need to adjust by a constant factor. For example, ∫x6+1x2dx would require multiplying by 31 after substitution. Always check if the derivative of your u matches the numerator exactly.
The integral evaluates to tan−1(x3)+C.
Method: Substitution Recognising "Derivative-in-the-Numerator"
Use this when the numerator is (a constant times) the derivative of an inner expression that appears in the denominator — a hallmark of reverse chain rule leading to a standard form.
Steps
Step 1: Rewrite the denominator to reveal the inner function.
Look for a perfect power. Here x6+1=(x3)2+1, which suggests the inner function u=x3.
Step 2: Check the numerator against du.
With u=x3, du=3x2dx — exactly the numerator 3x2dx. When the numerator matches du, the substitution collapses the integral cleanly:
∫x6+13x2dx=∫u2+1du.
Step 3: Apply the standard form and back-substitute.
Recognise ∫u2+1du=tan−1u+C, then restore u=x3:
∫x6+13x2dx=tan−1(x3)+C.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Not recognising x6=(x3)2.
Why it's wrong: missing this hides the u=x3 substitution and makes the integral look intractable. Correct approach: rewrite even-power denominators as squares to spot the arctan form.
Mistake 2: Confusing u2+11 with a logarithm.
Why it's wrong: ∫u2+1du=tan−1u, whereas the log form needs u2−11 or ff′. Correct approach: memorise ∫u2+1du=tan−1u+C.
Mistake 3: Introducing a stray constant factor.
Why it's wrong: since du=3x2dx matches the numerator exactly, no extra 31 is needed. Correct approach: only insert a compensating constant when the numerator is a multiple of du, not an exact match.
Showing the 12 most recent of 44 on this concept.
- CBSE 2020Set 65/1/11 markQ.Evaluate: ∫x4logxdx(OR)Evaluate: ∫3x2+12xdx
›Reveal solutionSolution
- ∫x4logxdx=5x5logx−25x5+C.
- ∫3x2+12xdx=23(x2+1)2/3+C.
Part (a)
Use integration by parts, ∫udv=uv−∫vdu, choosing u=logx (differentiates simply) and dv=x4dx, so du=x1dx and v=5x5:
∫x4logxdx=5x5logx−∫5x5⋅x1dx=5x5logx−51∫x4dx.
=5x5logx−51⋅5x5+C=5x5logx−25x5+C.
✓Final answer∫x4logxdx=5x5logx−25x5+C.
Part (b)
Substitute u=x2+1, so du=2xdx — exactly the numerator:
∫3x2+12xdx=∫u1/3du=∫u−1/3du=2/3u2/3+C=23u2/3+C.
Back-substitute u=x2+1:
=23(x2+1)2/3+C.
✓Final answer∫3x2+12xdx=23(x2+1)2/3+C.
- CBSE 2026Set 65/1/11 markMCQQ.If ∫b2+c2x23axdx=Alog∣b2+c2x2∣+K, then the value of A is: (A) 3a (B) 2b23a (C) b2c23a (D) 2c23a
›Reveal solutionSolution
The integral fits the pattern ∫udu=log∣u∣+C after a substitution. The constant A turns out to be 2c23a, which corresponds to option (D).
The problem gives you the result of an integral and asks you to identify the constant A that makes the equation true. This is a classic "match the form" question — you don't need to guess; you just need to perform the integration carefully and compare.
The key insight is that the integrand b2+c2x23ax is a rational function where the numerator is almost the derivative of the denominator. The derivative of b2+c2x2 is 2c2x. Our numerator is 3ax, which is a constant multiple of x. So a simple substitution u=b2+c2x2 will turn the integral into ∫udu.
Let's work through it step by step.
-
Set up the substitution.
Let u=b2+c2x2. Then du=2c2xdx, so xdx=2c2du.
-
Rewrite the integral in terms of u.
The integral is ∫b2+c2x23axdx=∫u3a⋅(xdx).
Substitute xdx=2c2du:
∫u3a⋅2c2du=2c23a∫udu.
- Integrate. ∫udu=log∣u∣+C, so
2c23alog∣u∣+C=2c23alog∣b2+c2x2∣+K,
where K is the constant of integration (we renamed C to K to match the problem).
- Compare with the given form. The problem states that the integral equals Alog∣b2+c2x2∣+K. Matching coefficients, we see
A=2c23a.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget the factor from du — specifically, that xdx becomes 2c2du, not just du. If you skip that, you might get 3a or something like 2b23a, which are wrong. Always check the derivative of your substitution.
TipNotice that the constants b2 and c2 appear in the denominator, but b2 disappears from the final A because it's part of the constant term inside the log — it doesn't affect the coefficient. Only c2 matters because it comes from the derivative.
✓Final answerThe value of A is 2c23a, which corresponds to option (D).
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- CBSE 2020Set 65/1/11 markQ.Find : ∫9−4x2dx
›Reveal solutionSolution
The integral ∫9−4x2dx is a standard inverse sine form. By rewriting the denominator as 4(49−x2) and using substitution u=2x, we get the result 21sin−1(32x)+C.
When you see a square root with a constant minus a square term, your mind should immediately jump to the inverse trigonometric integrals. The classic formula is:
∫a2−u2du=sin−1(au)+C
Our job is to force the given integral into this exact shape. The denominator is 9−4x2. Notice that 9=32, so we have a=3 in the formula. But the 4x2 term is not a pure u2 — it has a coefficient 4. That’s the only obstacle.
The key insight: Factor out the 4 from inside the square root. Write:
9−4x2=4(49−x2)=249−x2
Now the integral becomes:
∫249−x2dx=21∫(23)2−x2dx
This is exactly the inverse sine form with a=23 and u=x. So:
21sin−1(3/2x)+C=21sin−1(32x)+C
That’s the answer. But let’s walk through it step by step with a substitution to make it foolproof.
-
Identify the target form. We want ∫a2−u2du. Here, the denominator has 9−4x2. Compare with a2−u2: we need a2=9 and u2=4x2. So set u=2x. Then du=2dx, so dx=2du.
-
Substitute. The integral becomes:
∫9−4x2dx=∫9−u2du/2=21∫9−u2du
- Apply the standard formula. With a=3:
21sin−1(3u)+C
- Back-substitute u=2x:
21sin−1(32x)+C
Watch outA common mistake is to forget the factor from the substitution. If you set u=2x, you must also replace dx with du/2. Skipping that step gives the wrong coefficient. Also, note that 9−4x2 is not the same as 9−(2x)2 — it is exactly that, but the substitution handles it cleanly.
TipYou can also factor directly: 9−4x2=249−x2 and then use a=3/2 without an explicit substitution. Both methods are equivalent; choose whichever feels more natural.
✓Final answerThe value is 21sin−1(32x)+C.
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- CBSE 2026Set CX1 markQ.Find the value of the integral ∫x2tan(x3+2)dx.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute u=x3+2; the integral becomes 31∫tanudu=31ln∣sec(x3+2)∣+C.
Concept: The factor x2 is (up to a constant) the derivative of the inner function x3+2, so substitution works.
Let u=x3+2⇒du=3x2dx⇒x2dx=3du.
∫x2tan(x3+2)dx=31∫tanudu=31ln∣secu∣+C.
Replacing u:
=31lnsec(x3+2)+C.
✓Final answer∫x2tan(x3+2)dx=31lnsec(x3+2)+C.
- CBSE 2026Set A1 markMCQQ.∫1−x2tan(sin−1x)dx=(a) log∣sec(sin−1x)∣+k(b) log∣cos(sin−1x)∣+k(c) tan(sin−1x)+k(d) log∣sin−1x∣+k
›Reveal solutionSolution
With u=sin−1x (so du=1−x2dx) the integral is ∫tanudu=log∣secu∣+k.
Let u=sin−1x. Then du=1−x2dx, so
∫1−x2tan(sin−1x)dx=∫tanudu=log∣secu∣+k=log∣sec(sin−1x)∣+k.
✓Final answer(A) log∣sec(sin−1x)∣+k.
- CBSE 2026Set A1 markMCQQ.∫ex+e−xdx=(a) cot−1(ex)+k(b) tan−1(ex)+k(c) log∣ex+1∣+k(d) sin−1(ex)+k
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute t=ex: ∫ex+e−xdx=∫1+t2dt=tan−1(ex)+k.
Multiply numerator and denominator by ex:
ex+e−x1=e2x+1ex.
Let t=ex, dt=exdx. Then
∫e2x+1exdx=∫t2+1dt=tan−1t+k=tan−1(ex)+k.
✓Final answer(B) tan−1(ex)+k.
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.∫sin(2x+3)dx=(a) cos(2x+3)+C(b) −2cos(2x+3)+C(c) tan2x+C(d) None of these
›Reveal solutionSolution
∫sin(ax+b)dx=−acos(ax+b)+C.
With a=2,b=3: ∫sin(2x+3)dx=−2cos(2x+3)+C.
✓Final answer(b) −2cos(2x+3)+C.
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.∫1ex(logx)2dx=(a) 31e3(b) 31(e3−1)(c) 31(d) None of these
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute u=logx, du=dx/x, converting the limits from x=1,e to u=0,1.
Let u=logx⇒du=xdx. When x=1,u=0; when x=e,u=1.
∫1ex(logx)2dx=∫01u2du=[3u3]01=31.
✓Final answer(c) 31.
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.∫x(1+logx)1dx is equal to:(a) x+logx+c(b) ∣x+logx∣+c(c) log∣1+logx∣+c(d) log(1+x)+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute u=1+logx so du=xdx, turning the integral into ∫udu.
I=∫x(1+logx)1dx
Let u=1+logx⇒du=x1dx.
I=∫udu=log∣u∣+c=log∣1+logx∣+c
✓Final answerOption (c): log∣1+logx∣+c
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.∫cos8xsin6xdx is equal to:
›Reveal solutionSolution
Rewrite the integrand as tan6xsec2x and substitute t=tanx.
I=∫cos8xsin6xdx=∫cos6xsin6x⋅cos2x1dx=∫tan6xsec2xdx
Let t=tanx⇒dt=sec2xdx.
I=∫t6dt=7t7+c=7tan7x+c
✓Final answer7tan7x+c
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.\int x^2 e^{x^3} dx equals:(a)(i) \frac{e^{x^3}}{3} + c(b)(ii) 3e^{x^3} + c(c)(iii) \frac{e^{x^2}}{3} + c(d)(iv) \frac{1}{2}e^{x^2} + c
›Reveal solutionSolution
∫x2ex3dx=3ex3+c — option (i).
Concept. Substitution (u-substitution): choose u whose derivative already appears (up to a constant) in the integrand.
Steps.
-
Let u=x3, then du=3x2dx, i.e. x2dx=31du.
-
∫x2ex3dx=∫eu⋅31du=31eu+c.
-
Back-substitute u=x3: 3ex3+c.
✓Final answer3ex3+c — option (i).
-
- CBSE 2025Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.∫1+sin2xcosxdx=(a) −tan−1(sinx)+c(b) tan−1(cosx)+c(c) tan−1(sinx)+c(d) −tan−1(cosx)+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
A direct substitution u = sin x reduces this to the standard ∫du/(1+u²) form.
Let u=sinx, so du=cosxdx.
∫1+sin2xcosxdx=∫1+u2du=tan−1u+c=tan−1(sinx)+c
✓Final answer(c) tan−1(sinx)+c.
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