Q.Find the following integrals:
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.
Concept: Standard forms – these are direct applications of the inverse hyperbolic / logarithmic and inverse trigonometric integration formulas.
(i) ∫x2−16dx
Factor the denominator: x2−16=(x−4)(x+4). Use partial fractions or the standard formula
∫x2−a2dx=2a1logx+ax−a+C.
Here a=4, so:
∫x2−16dx=81logx+4x−4+C.
(ii) ∫2x−x2dx
Complete the square: 2x−x2=−(x2−2x)=−(x−1)2+1=1−(x−1)2.
Thus the integral becomes ∫1−(x−1)2dx, which matches ∫a2−u2du=sin−1au+C with a=1, u=x−1.
∫2x−x2dx=sin−1(x−1)+C.
- The value is 81logx+4x−4+C.
- The value is sin−1(x−1)+C.
Both integrals are standard forms solved by completing the square or direct recognition. (i) ∫x2−16dx=81logx+4x−4+C;
(ii) ∫2x−x2dx=sin−1(x−1)+C.
The key to both problems is recognising that they match the standard forms from your integral tables — but with a slight twist. For (i), the denominator is a difference of squares, which screams for partial fractions or the inverse hyperbolic tangent formula. For (ii), the expression under the square root is a quadratic that doesn’t immediately look like 1−u2, but completing the square will make it so.
Let’s work through each one.
(i) ∫x2−16dx
1. Recognise the standard form.
You know that ∫x2−a2dx=2a1logx+ax−a+C. Here a2=16, so a=4. This is a direct match — no substitution needed.
2. Apply the formula.
Plug a=4 into the formula:
∫x2−16dx=2⋅41logx+4x−4+C=81logx+4x−4+C.
If you forget the formula, you can derive it quickly using partial fractions: x2−161=81(x−41−x+41), then integrate term by term. You’ll get the same result.
3. Done.
No further simplification is needed. The absolute value ensures the logarithm is defined for x outside the interval (−4,4) as well.
A common mistake is to write x2−161 as (x−4)(x+4)1 and then try a trigonometric substitution — that’s overkill. Stick to the standard formula unless the problem explicitly asks for a different method.
(ii) ∫2x−x2dx
1. Complete the square inside the square root.
The expression 2x−x2 is a quadratic. Write it as:
2x−x2=−(x2−2x)=−(x2−2x+1−1)=−[(x−1)2−1]=1−(x−1)2.
So the integral becomes:
∫1−(x−1)2dx.
2. Recognise the standard form.
Now it matches ∫1−u2du=sin−1u+C, with u=x−1 and du=dx.
3. Substitute and integrate.
Let u=x−1, then du=dx. The integral is:
∫1−u2du=sin−1u+C=sin−1(x−1)+C.
The domain of the original integral requires 2x−x2>0, i.e., x(2−x)>0, which gives 0<x<2. Within this interval, x−1 lies between −1 and 1, so the arcsine is well-defined.
4. Done.
No constant factor appears because the completed square gave exactly 1−(x−1)2 — the coefficient of u2 is 1.
- ∫x2−16dx=81logx+4x−4+C;
- ∫2x−x2dx=sin−1(x−1)+C.
Method: Complete the Square, Then Match a Standard Form
Use this for integrals of x2±a21, a2−x21 type expressions, especially when the quadratic has a linear term hidden in it.
Steps
Step 1: Recognise or create a pure quadratic-in-(x−h).
If the denominator is x2−a2, it is already a difference of squares. If it is 2x−x2 or similar, complete the square first: 2x−x2=1−(x−1)2.
Step 2: Apply the matching standard formula.
Use the appropriate table result:
∫x2−a2dx=2a1logx+ax−a+C,∫a2−u2dx=sin−1au+C.
Step 3: Substitute u=x−h if you completed the square, then finish.
For 2x−x21=1−(x−1)21, use u=x−1 to get sin−1(x−1)+C.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Confusing x2−a21 with x2+a21.
Why it's wrong: the minus form gives a logarithm, the plus form gives a1tan−1ax. Correct approach: check the sign before choosing the formula.
Mistake 2: Not completing the square for 2x−x2.
Why it's wrong: it does not match a2−u2 until rewritten as 1−(x−1)2. Correct approach: complete the square to expose the standard form.
Mistake 3: Getting the 2a1 factor wrong in the log formula.
Why it's wrong: with a=4 the factor is 81; omitting it or using 41 scales the answer wrongly. Correct approach: use 2a1 exactly.
Showing the 12 most recent of 16 on this concept.
- COMEDK 2023Set 2023-M1 markMCQQ.∫2(1+x)3/2xdx is equal to (A) 1+x2+x+C (B) x1+x2+x+C (C) 1+xx+C (D) −1+xx+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
With u=1+x, the integral becomes 21∫(u−1/2−u−3/2)du=u1/2+u−1/2=1+x2+x+C.
∫2(1+x)3/2xdx. Let u=1+x⇒x=u−1, dx=du:
21∫u3/2u−1du=21∫(u−1/2−u−3/2)du.
=21(2u1/2+2u−1/2)=u1/2+u−1/2=1+x+1+x1.
Combine over a common denominator:
1+x(1+x)+1=1+x2+x+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — 1+x2+x+C
- COMEDK 2023Set 2023-M1 markMCQQ.∫1−16x4xdx is equal to (A) (log4)sin−14x+C (B) 41sin−1(4x)+C (C) log41sin−14x+C (D) 4log4sin−14+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
Put u=4x so 16x=u2 and du=4xln4dx; the integral becomes ln41∫1−u2du=log41sin−1(4x)+C.
∫1−16x4xdx. Let u=4x⇒du=4xln4dx⇒4xdx=ln4du, and 16x=(4x)2=u2:
∫1−u21⋅ln4du=ln41sin−1u+C=log41sin−1(4x)+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — log41sin−14x+C
- COMEDK 2021Set 20211 markMCQQ.∫1−4x2xdx is equal to (A) (log2)sin−12x+C (B) 21sin−12x+C (C) log21sin−12x+C (D) 2log2sin−12x+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
I = (1/log 2) * integral du / sqrt(1 - u^2) = (1/log 2) * arcsin(u) + C = (1/log 2) * arcsin(2^x) + C.
Concept: substitution reducing the integrand to the standard form 1/sqrt(1 - u^2), whose integral is arcsin(u).
I = integral 2^x / sqrt(1 - 4^x) dx. Note 4^x = (2^x)^2.
Put u = 2^x. Then du = 2^x * log 2 dx, so 2^x dx = du / log 2.
I = (1/log 2) * integral du / sqrt(1 - u^2)
= (1/log 2) * arcsin(u) + C
= (1/log 2) * arcsin(2^x) + C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — log21sin−12x+C
ANSWER: C
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-A1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] ∫xx2+4dx=
(A) 41logx2+4+2x2+4−2+C (B) 41logx2+4−2x2+4+2+C (C) 21logx2+4−2x2+4+2+C (D) 21logx2+4+2x2+4−2+C›Reveal solutionSolution
Substituting x=2tanθ gives 41logx2+4+2x2+4−2+C — option (A).
For ∫xx2+4dx put x=2tanθ, so dx=2sec2θdθ and x2+4=2secθ:
∫2tanθ⋅2secθ2sec2θdθ=21∫cscθdθ=21log∣cscθ−cotθ∣+C
With cscθ=xx2+4 and cotθ=x2:
=21logxx2+4−2+C
Since x2+4+2x2+4−2=x2(x2+4−2)2=(xx2+4−2)2, we can write
21logxx2+4−2=41logx2+4+2x2+4−2
✓Final answer∫xx2+4dx=41logx2+4+2x2+4−2+C — option (A).
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-M1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] ∫x2+x21elog(1+x21)dx=
(A) 21tan−1(x2x2+1)+C (B) 21tan−1(2xx2−1)+C (C) −21tan−1(x−x1)+C (D) 21tan−1(x−x1)+C›Reveal solutionSolution
The integrand simplifies dramatically using exponent rules and algebraic manipulation, leading to a standard arctangent integral; the correct antiderivative matches option (D).
We start with the integral
∫x2+x21elog(1+x21)dx.
Concept & Intuition
The presence of elog(⋯) is a huge clue: for any positive argument, elog(u)=u. That immediately collapses the numerator into something algebraic. Then the denominator is symmetric in x and 1/x, which often suggests a substitution like t=x−1/x because its derivative appears in the numerator. This is a classic trick for integrals involving x2+1/x2.
Step-by-step solution
- Simplify the exponential Since elog(u)=u for u>0 (and 1+1/x2>0 for all real x=0), we have
elog(1+x21)=1+x21.
So the integral becomes
∫x2+x211+x21dx.
- Rewrite numerator and denominator Multiply numerator and denominator by x2 to clear fractions:
x2+x211+x21=x4+1x2+1.
So the integral is
∫x4+1x2+1dx.
- Divide numerator and denominator by x2 This is the key algebraic trick:
x4+1x2+1=x2+x211+x21.
Notice that the numerator 1+1/x2 is the derivative of x−1/x (since dxd(x−1/x)=1+1/x2).
Also, x2+1/x2=(x−1/x)2+2.
- Substitute Let t=x−x1. Then
dt=(1+x21)dx.
And
x2+x21=t2+2.
The integral becomes
∫t2+2dt.
- Integrate This is a standard arctangent form:
∫t2+a2dt=a1tan−1(at)+C.
Here a=2, so
∫t2+2dt=21tan−1(2t)+C.
- Back-substitute Replace t with x−x1:
21tan−1(2x−x1)+C.
Simplify the argument:
2x−x1=2xx2−1.
So the antiderivative is
21tan−1(2xx2−1)+C.
TipNotice that option (B) has 2xx2−1 inside the arctan, but with a minus sign in front? Actually (B) is 21tan−1(2xx2−1)+C — that matches exactly! But wait, check (D): 21tan−1(x−x1)+C. Are these the same?
No: tan−1(x−1/x) is not equal to tan−1((x2−1)/(2x)) in general. However, our result has the 2 inside the arctan argument. Let’s re-check: we got 21tan−1(2x−1/x). That is not the same as 21tan−1(x−1/x). So (D) is missing the division by 2 inside. But (B) has exactly 2xx2−1 which is 2x−1/x. So (B) matches our result.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget the factor 1/2 inside the arctan argument. Option (D) tempts you by dropping it, but that would give a different derivative. Always check by differentiating.
Thus the correct choice is (B).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-M1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] The value of ∫x+x−11dx is
(A) log(x+x−1)+sin−1(xx−1)+C (B) log(x+x−1)−32tan−1(32x−1+1)+C (C) log(x+x−1)+C (D) log(x−1+x−1)+31logx−2+3x−2−3+C›Reveal solutionSolution
The integral simplifies by substituting t=x−1, turning it into a rational function that integrates to a logarithm and an arctangent, matching option (B).
We are asked to evaluate
∫x+x−11dx.
The presence of x−1 suggests a substitution that removes the square root, turning the integrand into a rational function. The trick is to set t=x−1, so that x=t2+1 and dx=2tdt. This transforms the integral into a form we can handle with partial fractions or a standard arctangent formula.
Let’s work through it step by step.
- Substitute t=x−1. Then x=t2+1 and dx=2tdt. The denominator becomes
x+x−1=(t2+1)+t=t2+t+1.
So the integral becomes
∫t2+t+11⋅2tdt=2∫t2+t+1tdt.
- Prepare for integration by rewriting the numerator to match the derivative of the denominator. The derivative of t2+t+1 is 2t+1. We have 2t in the numerator, so write
2t=(2t+1)−1.
Then
2∫t2+t+1tdt=∫t2+t+12t+1dt−∫t2+t+11dt.
- First integral:
∫t2+t+12t+1dt=log∣t2+t+1∣+C1.
Since t2+t+1>0 for all real t, we can drop the absolute value.
- Second integral: Complete the square in the denominator:
t2+t+1=(t+21)2+43.
So
∫t2+t+11dt=∫(t+21)2+(23)21dt.
Using the formula ∫u2+a2du=a1tan−1(au), with u=t+21 and a=23, we get
∫t2+t+11dt=32tan−1(32t+1)+C2.
- Combine results:
2∫t2+t+1tdt=log(t2+t+1)−32tan−1(32t+1)+C.
- Back-substitute t=x−1:
t2+t+1=(x−1)+x−1+1=x+x−1.
Hence
∫x+x−11dx=log(x+x−1)−32tan−1(32x−1+1)+C.
This matches option (B) exactly.
Watch outA common mistake is to try a direct substitution like u=x+x−1, but that leads to a messy derivative. The substitution t=x−1 is cleaner because it eliminates the square root entirely.
TipNotice that the logarithm term log(x+x−1) appears in multiple options, so the distinguishing feature is the arctangent term with 32. That alone points to option (B).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- COMEDK 2021Set 2021-B1 markMCQQ.If ∫1−4x2xdx=ksin−1(2x)+c, then k is (A) 2log2 (B) log21 (C) 2log21 (D) log2
›Reveal solutionSolution
k=log21.
Let u=2x, so du=2xln2dx and 4x=u2. Then
∫1−4x2xdx=∫1−u2u⋅uln2du=ln21∫1−u2du=ln21sin−1u+c.
So the integral is log21sin−1(2x)+c, giving k=log21.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — log21
- COMEDK 2021Set 20211 markMCQQ.Integral of ∫x2[1+x4]3/4dx. (A) −4(x1/4+1)1/4+C (B) 4(x1/4+1)1/4+C (C) 4(x4+1)1/4+C (D) None of these
›Reveal solutionSolution
The result -(x^4 + 1)^(1/4)/x + C matches none of options (A), (B), (C) (they are missing the 1/x factor, and (A)/(B) even have x^(1/4)).
Concept: for integrands of the form 1/(x^2 (1 + x^4)^(3/4)), take x^4 out of the bracket and substitute u = 1 + x^(-4).
(1 + x^4)^(3/4) = x^3 (1 + x^(-4))^(3/4) (for x > 0).
So the integrand = 1 / [ x^2 * x^3 * (1 + x^(-4))^(3/4) ] = x^(-5) (1 + x^(-4))^(-3/4).
Let u = 1 + x^(-4) => du = -4 x^(-5) dx => x^(-5) dx = -du/4.
I = -(1/4) * integral u^(-3/4) du = -(1/4) * (u^(1/4)/(1/4)) + C = -u^(1/4) + C
= -(1 + x^(-4))^(1/4) + C
= -((x^4 + 1)/x^4)^(1/4) + C
= -(x^4 + 1)^(1/4) / x + C.
Check by differentiating: d/dx [ -(1 + x^4)^(1/4) x^(-1) ] = -(1/4)(1 + x^4)^(-3/4)(4x^3)x^(-1) + (1 + x^4)^(1/4) x^(-2)
= -x^2 (1 + x^4)^(-3/4) + (1 + x^4)^(1/4) x^(-2)
= x^(-2)(1 + x^4)^(-3/4) [ -x^4 + (1 + x^4) ] = 1 / (x^2 (1 + x^4)^(3/4)). Correct.
The result -(x^4 + 1)^(1/4)/x + C matches none of options (A), (B), (C) (they are missing the 1/x factor, and (A)/(B) even have x^(1/4)).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — None of these
ANSWER: D
- COMEDK 2021Set 2021-B1 markMCQQ.∫1−cos3xcosx−cos3xdx= (A) −31log1−cos3/2x1+cos3/2x+c (B) −31logcos3/2x+1cos3/2x−1+c (C) −32sin−1(cos3/2x)+c (D) −32sin−1(cos3x)+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
The integral equals −32sin−1(cos3/2x)+c.
Simplify the radicand: cosx−cos3x=cosx(1−cos2x)=cosxsin2x, so
1−cos3xcosx−cos3x=1−cos3xcosx∣sinx∣.
Let u=cos3/2x. Then dxdu=23cos1/2x⋅(−sinx)=−23cosxsinx, so cosxsinxdx=−32du, and 1−cos3x=1−u2.
Thus
∫1−u2cosxsinxdx=−32∫1−u2du=−32sin−1(u)+c=−32sin−1(cos3/2x)+c.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — −32sin−1(cos3/2x)+c
- COMEDK 2022Set 20221 markMCQQ.∫1−9x3xdx is equal to (A) (log3)sin−13x+C (B) 31sin−1(3x)+C (C) log31sin−13x+C (D) 3log3sin−13x+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
I = (1/log 3) * Integral du / sqrt(1 - u^2) = (1/log 3) * arcsin(u) + C = (1 / log 3) * sin^-1 (3^x) + C
Concept: Substitution reducing to the arcsin form, integral du/sqrt(1 - u^2) = arcsin u.
I = Integral of 3^x / sqrt(1 - 9^x) dx , and 9^x = (3^x)^2
Put u = 3^x => du = 3^x (log 3) dx => 3^x dx = du / log 3
I = (1/log 3) * Integral du / sqrt(1 - u^2)
= (1/log 3) * arcsin(u) + C
= (1 / log 3) * sin^-1 (3^x) + C
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — log31sin−13x+C
ANSWER: C
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-M1 markMCQQ.If ∫sin3xcosx1dx=tanxk+c then the value of k is (A) −2 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) −1
›Reveal solutionSolution
The integral simplifies by rewriting the integrand in terms of tanx, leading to a straightforward power rule integration; comparing the result with the given form shows k=−2.
We are given
∫sin3xcosx1dx=tanxk+c
and need to find k.
Concept and intuition
The integrand mixes powers of sinx and cosx. A classic trick is to express everything in terms of tanx (or cotx) because the derivative of tanx is sec2x, which itself is 1/cos2x. This often turns messy trigonometric integrals into simple power rules. Here, the presence of tanx on the right side is a strong hint: the integrand likely simplifies to something like (tanx)−3/2⋅sec2x, whose antiderivative is a constant times (tanx)−1/2.
Let’s work it out step by step.
- Rewrite the integrand using tanx.
sin3xcosx1=sin3/2x⋅cos1/2x1
Divide numerator and denominator by cos3/2x (a common trick to introduce tanx):
=cos3/2x⋅tan3/2x⋅cos1/2x1=cos2x⋅tan3/2x1
because cos3/2x⋅cos1/2x=cos2x.
Since 1/cos2x=sec2x, we have:
sin3xcosx1=tan3/2xsec2x.
- Set up the substitution. Let u=tanx. Then du=sec2xdx. The integral becomes:
∫tan3/2xsec2xdx=∫u3/2du=∫u−3/2du.
- Integrate using the power rule.
∫u−3/2du=−3/2+1u−3/2+1=−1/2u−1/2=−2u−1/2+C.
- Substitute back. Since u=tanx, we get:
∫sin3xcosx1dx=−2(tanx)−1/2+C=−tanx2+C.
- Compare with the given form. The problem states the integral equals tanxk+c. Matching coefficients, we see k=−2.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget the negative sign from the power rule: ∫u−3/2du=−2u−1/2, not +2u−1/2. Always check the exponent carefully.
TipThe substitution u=tanx is powerful whenever the integrand is a product of powers of sinx and cosx — just aim to express everything as sec2x times a power of tanx.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-A1 markMCQQ.∫(1+x2)etan−1x(1+x+x2)dx= (A) etan−1x+c (B) xetan−1x+c (C) (1+x2)etan−1x+c (D) (1+x2)xetan−1x+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
The integral simplifies by substituting u=tan−1x, which turns the expression into a sum of a standard exponential integral and a derivative-of-product pattern, yielding xetan−1x+C. The correct option is (B).
The key insight is that the denominator 1+x2 is exactly the derivative of tan−1x, so the substitution u=tan−1x is natural. Once we do that, the polynomial 1+x+x2 becomes something in terms of tanu, and we can split the integral into two recognizable pieces.
- Substitute u=tan−1x. Then du=1+x2dx, and x=tanu. The integral becomes
∫etan−1x⋅1+x21+x+x2dx=∫eu(1+tanu+tan2u)du.
- Simplify the trigonometric expression. Recall 1+tan2u=sec2u. So
1+tanu+tan2u=sec2u+tanu.
The integral is now
∫eu(sec2u+tanu)du.
- Split and recognize patterns.
∫eusec2udu+∫eutanudu.
Notice that dud(tanu)=sec2u. The first integral is of the form ∫euf′(u)du with f(u)=tanu, and the second is ∫euf(u)du.
- Use the product rule in reverse. For any differentiable f(u),
dud(euf(u))=euf′(u)+euf(u).
Here f(u)=tanu, so
dud(eutanu)=eusec2u+eutanu.
That is exactly our integrand. Therefore,
∫eu(sec2u+tanu)du=eutanu+C.
- Back-substitute u=tan−1x. Since tan(tan−1x)=x, we get
etan−1x⋅x+C=xetan−1x+C.
Watch outA common mistake is to try integrating by parts directly without the substitution, or to forget that 1+tan2u=sec2u, missing the neat cancellation.
TipThe pattern ∫eu(f′(u)+f(u))du=euf(u)+C is a powerful shortcut — it’s just the product rule in disguise.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
🎓Unlock everything free for 14 days
- ✓Full step-by-step solutions
- ✓Concept-first explanations
- ✓Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- ✓PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.