Q.Integrate the following functions w.r.t. x:
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.
Each integrand is an inner function times (a constant multiple of) its own derivative — a u-substitution.
(i) u=mx, du=mdx: ∫sinmxdx=−m1cosmx+C.
(ii) u=x2+1, du=2xdx: ∫2xsin(x2+1)dx=−cos(x2+1)+C.
(iii) u=tanx, so du=2xsec2xdx, giving xsec2xdx=2du:
∫xtan4xsec2xdx=∫u4⋅2du=52tan5x+C.
(iv) u=tan−1x, du=1+x2dx: ∫1+x2sin(tan−1x)dx=−cos(tan−1x)+C=−1+x21+C.
- −m1cosmx+C;
- −cos(x2+1)+C;
- 52tan5x+C;
- −cos(tan−1x)+C
All four are u-substitutions: (i) −mcosmx+C;
(ii) −cos(x2+1)+C;
(iii) 52tan5x+C;
(iv) −cos(tan−1x)+C=−1+x21+C.
The common idea
A u-substitution reverses the chain rule: if the integrand is f(g(x))g′(x), set u=g(x), du=g′(x)dx, and integrate f(u). In each part, find the inner function whose derivative is present (perhaps up to a constant).
(i) ∫sinmxdx
Let u=mx, so du=mdx, i.e. dx=mdu:
∫sinmxdx=m1∫sinudu=−m1cosu+C=−mcosmx+C.
Check: dxd(−mcosmx)=sinmx.
(ii) ∫2xsin(x2+1)dx
Here u=x2+1 has du=2xdx — exactly the factor present:
∫sinudu=−cosu+C=−cos(x2+1)+C.
(iii) ∫xtan4xsec2xdx
Take u=tanx. Then
du=sec2x⋅2x1dx⇒xsec2xdx=2du.
The integrand is tan4x⋅xsec2xdx=u4⋅2du, so
∫2u4du=52u5+C=52tan5x+C.
(iv) ∫1+x2sin(tan−1x)dx
Let u=tan−1x, so du=1+x2dx:
∫sinudu=−cosu+C=−cos(tan−1x)+C.
A right triangle with opposite x, adjacent 1, hypotenuse 1+x2 gives cos(tan−1x)=1+x21, so this is also −1+x21+C.
- −mcosmx+C;
- −cos(x2+1)+C;
- 52tan5x+C;
- −cos(tan−1x)+C=−1+x21+C
Method: Reverse Chain Rule (Spotting f(g(x))g′(x))
Use this for any integrand that is a composite function multiplied by (a constant times) the derivative of its inner part.
Steps
Step 1: Identify the inner function g(x).
Look for a function whose derivative is present in the integrand. Candidates: the argument of a trig function (mx, x2+1), or a nested expression such as tanx or tan−1x.
Step 2: Set u=g(x) and compute du.
Then du=g′(x)dx. Confirm the remaining factor in the integrand is du up to a constant. For u=mx, du=mdx, so a m1 is pulled out.
Step 3: Integrate in u and restore x.
The integral reduces to a standard form in u (e.g. ∫sinudu=−cosu, ∫u4du=5u5). Finish by back-substituting u=g(x) and adding C.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Omitting the m1 in ∫sinmxdx.
Why it's wrong: du=mdx introduces a m1; forgetting it gives −cosmx instead of −mcosmx. Correct approach: always divide by the constant from du.
Mistake 2: Missing the "hidden" du in xsec2x.
Why it's wrong: with u=tanx, du=2xsec2xdx, so the whole factor is exactly 2du. Correct approach: differentiate the composite inner function fully before deciding the substitution.
Mistake 3: Not simplifying −cos(tan−1x).
Why it's wrong: leaving it unsimplified hides the neat closed form −1+x21. Correct approach: use cos(tan−1x)=1+x21.
Showing the 12 most recent of 16 on this concept.
- GUJCET 2020Set 071 markMCQQ.∫cosxsinxcotxdx= ________ +C. (A) −2cotx (B) −2tanx (C) 2cotx (D) cotx1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute t=cotx.
Concept: Rewrite sinxcosx1=cotxcsc2x and substitute.
Since cosx=cotxsinx, we have sinxcosx=sin2xcotx, so
sinxcosxcotx=cotxcotxcsc2x=(cotx)−1/2csc2x
Let t=cotx⇒dt=−csc2xdx:
∫t−1/2csc2xdx=−∫t−1/2dt=−2t1/2=−2cotx+C
✓Final answer(A) −2cotx
ANSWER: (A)
- GUJCET 2022Set 081 markMCQQ.∫esinxsin2xdx= ______ +C. (A) esinx(sinx+1) (B) 2esinx(sinx−1) (C) 2esinx(sinx+1) (D) esinx(sinx−1)
›Reveal solutionSolution
sin2x=2sinxcosx turns the integral into 2∫ueudu=2eu(u−1).
Concept. ∫esinxsin2xdx=∫esinx2sinxcosxdx.
Let u=sinx, du=cosxdx:
2∫ueudu=2(ueu−eu)+C=2esinx(sinx−1)+C.
✓Final answer(B) 2esinx(sinx−1)
ANSWER: (B)
- GUJCET 2022Set 081 markMCQQ.∫1−cos3xcosx−cos3xdx= ______ +C. (A) −23cos−1(cos3/2x) (B) −32cos−1(cos3/2x) (C) 23cos−1(cos3/2x) (D) 32cos−1(cos3/2x)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Simplify cosx−cos3x=cosxsin2x and recognise the derivative of cos−1(cos3/2x).
Concept. Numerator =cosx(1−cos2x)=cosxsin2x, so the integrand is
1−cos3xcosxsin2x=1−cos3xsinxcos1/2x.
Now with u=cos3/2x, dxdcos−1u=1−u2−u′=1−cos3x23sinxcos1/2x. Thus the integrand =32dxdcos−1(cos3/2x), and
∫…dx=32cos−1(cos3/2x)+C.
✓Final answer(D) 32cos−1(cos3/2x)
ANSWER: (D)
- GUJCET 2019Set 171 markMCQQ.If ∫sin13xcos3xdx=Asin14x+Bsin16x+C, then A+B= (A) 11217 (B) 11215 (C) 1101 (D) 1121
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substituting u=sinx gives ∫u13(1−u2)du=14sin14x−16sin16x, so A+B=1121.
Concept: cos3x=(1−sin2x)cosx. Let u=sinx, du=cosxdx:
∫u13(1−u2)du=14u14−16u16
So A=141, B=−161, and A+B=1128−7=1121.
✓Final answer(D) 1121
ANSWER: (D)
- GUJCET 2023Set 091 markMCQQ.∫x2019⋅ex2020dx= ______ +C. (A) 20191ex2019 (B) 20201ex2019 (C) ex2020 (D) 20201ex2020
›Reveal solutionSolution
The x²⁰¹⁹ factor is (up to a constant) the derivative of the exponent x²⁰²⁰.
Concept. Substitution u=x2020, du=2020x2019dx.
Solution.
∫x2019ex2020dx=20201∫eudu=20201ex2020+C.
✓Final answer(D) 20201ex2020
ANSWER: (D)
- GUJCET 2022Set 081 markMCQQ.∫(x+1)(x+3)(x+2)7dx= ______ +C. (A) 10(x+3)10+8(x+3)8 (B) 10(x+2)10+8(x+2)8 (C) 10(x+3)10−8(x+3)8 (D) 10(x+2)10−8(x+2)8
›Reveal solutionSolution
Centering at t=x+2 turns (x+1)(x+3) into t2−1.
Concept. Let t=x+2, so x+1=t−1, x+3=t+1, and (t−1)(t+1)=t2−1.
∫(t2−1)t7dt=∫(t9−t7)dt=10t10−8t8=10(x+2)10−8(x+2)8+C.
✓Final answer(D) 10(x+2)10−8(x+2)8
ANSWER: (D)
- GSEB Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Examination 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.∫x4−x2sec−1xdx= ____ +C.(a) −sec−1x(b) sec−1x(c) −21(sec−1x)2(d) 21(sec−1x)2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Recognize the integrand as f(x)f′(x) where f(x)=sec−1x.
x4−x2=∣x∣x2−1, and dxd(sec−1x)=∣x∣x2−11.
So the integrand equals sec−1x⋅dxd(sec−1x), whose integral is 21(sec−1x)2+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (d) 21(sec−1x)2.
- GSEB Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Examination 2025Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.∫(4x2+1)6x9dx = ____ +C.(a) 5x1(4+x21)−5(b) 10x1(x21+4)−5(c) 51(4+x21)−5(d) 101(x21+4)−5
›Reveal solutionSolution
Factor x12 out of the denominator and substitute t=4+x21.
Write (4x2+1)6x9=x12(4+x21)6x9=x−3(4+x21)−6.
Let t=4+x21, so dt=−x32dx, i.e. x−3dx=−2dt.
∫t−6(−2dt)=−21⋅−5t−5=10t−5=101(x21+4)−5+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (d) 101(x21+4)−5.
- GSEB Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Examination 2025Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.∫cos26xsin24xdx = ____ +C.(a) 24tan24x(b) 26tan26x(c) 25tan25x(d) 27tan27x
›Reveal solutionSolution
Split off sec2x and write the rest in terms of tanx.
cos26xsin24x=tan24x⋅sec2x.
With u=tanx, du=sec2xdx: ∫u24du=25u25=25tan25x+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (c) 25tan25x.
- GSEB Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Examination 2025Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.∫3+4cos2xsinxdx = ____ +C.(a) log(3+4cos2x)(b) 231tan−1(23secx)(c) −231tan−1(3cosx)(d) 231tan−1(32cosx)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute u=cosx to turn this into a standard ∫a2+b2u2du integral.
Let u=cosx, so du=−sinxdx, i.e. sinxdx=−du.
∫3+4cos2xsinxdx=−∫3+4u2du=−41∫u2+3/4du
=−41⋅3/21tan−1(3/2u)=−231tan−1(32u)+C
=−231tan−1(32cosx)+C.
Checking by differentiation confirms this is correct: dxd[231tan−1(32cosx)]=−3+4cos2xsinx, i.e. option (d) as literally printed is the negative of the true antiderivative -- the argument 32cosx is exactly right, only the overall sign in the option is off (likely a printing slip, since options (b) and (c) both have the wrong argument form entirely).
✓Final answer∫3+4cos2xsinxdx=−231tan−1(32cosx)+C -- matching option (d) in every respect except a sign that appears mistyped in the option.
- GSEB Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Examination 2025Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.∫cos2(x⋅ex)ex(1+x)dx = ____ +C.(a) −cot(x⋅ex)(b) tan(ex)(c) tan(x⋅ex)(d) cot(ex)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Recognize that ex(1+x) is the derivative of x⋅ex, so substitute t=xex.
dxd(xex)=ex+xex=ex(1+x).
Let t=xex, dt=ex(1+x)dx: ∫cos2tdt=∫sec2tdt=tant+C=tan(xex)+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (c) tan(x⋅ex).
- GSEB Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Examination 2025Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.∫ex+e−xdx = ____ +C.(a) tan−1(ex)(b) log(ex−e−x)(c) tan−1(e−x)(d) log(ex+e−x)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Multiply through by ex to turn the denominator into 1+e2x, a standard arctan form.
ex+e−x1=e2x+1ex.
Let u=ex, du=exdx: ∫u2+1du=tan−1u+C=tan−1(ex)+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (a) tan−1(ex).
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