Q.∫0π/2cosxesinxdx= _______.
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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 Power Rule Integration in reverse, applied after a substitution that simplifies the exponential.
Let u=sinx, so du=cosxdx. When x=0, u=0; when x=π/2, u=1. The integral becomes:
∫01eudu …
The key idea is to use substitution u=sinx, which transforms the integral into a simple exponential form. The value is e−1.
Why this approach works
When you see an integral like ∫cosxesinxdx, your first instinct should be to look for a function and its derivative. Here, sinx appears inside the exponential, and its derivative cosx sits right next to it as a factor. That’s the classic signal for the reverse chain rule — or, more formally, integration by substitution.
The power rule for integration (∫undu=n+1un+1+C) doesn’t apply directly because we have an exponential, not a power. But the substitution method works the same way: we let u be the “inner” function, rewrite everything in terms of u, and then integrate using the rule for exponentials (∫eudu=eu+C).
Let’s walk through it step by step.
-
Choose the substitution.
Let u=sinx. Then du=cosxdx. This is perfect because the integrand has cosxdx multiplied by esinx.
-
Change the limits of integration.
When x=0, u=sin0=0.
When x=2π, u=sin2π=1.
So the integral becomes:
∫0π/2cosxesinxdx=∫01eudu
- Integrate with respect to u. The antiderivative of eu is eu itself. So: ∫01eudu=[eu]01=e1−e0=e−1 …
Method: Reverse chain rule for ∫g′(x)eg(x)dx
When a factor is exactly the derivative of the exponent (or of an inner function), substitute that inner function.
Steps
Step 1: Spot the inner function and its derivative.
Here sinx is the exponent and cosxdx=d(sinx) sits alongside it.
Step 2: Substitute u=sinx. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Keeping the original x-limits after substituting u=sinx.
Why it's wrong: the variable has changed, so the limits must change too. Correct approach: convert to u=0 and u=1, giving ∫01eudu=e−1 (or back-substitute before applying x-limits). …
Showing the 12 most recent of 16 on this concept.
- 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 …
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-M1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] ∫x(1+xex)x+1dx=
(A) log∣cxex(1+xex)∣ (B) log∣cxex(1+xex)∣ (C) logxexc(1+xex) (D) log1+xexcxex›Reveal solutionSolution
The integral simplifies by noticing the derivative of xex appears in the denominator; the result is log1+xexcxex, which matches option (D).
The key insight is that the integrand contains xex in the denominator, and the derivative of xex is ex(1+x). That derivative is almost exactly the numerator x+1, except for a factor of ex. This suggests a substitution or a clever split of the fraction to reveal a logarithmic derivative.
- Rewrite the integrand to expose the derivative of xex. Notice that
dxd(xex)=ex+xex=ex(1+x).
Our numerator is x+1, so we can write:
x(1+xex)x+1=ex⋅x(1+xex)ex(x+1)=xex(1+xex)ex(1+x).
The numerator is now exactly the derivative of xex.
- Perform a substitution. Let t=xex. Then dt=ex(1+x)dx. The integral becomes:
∫xex(1+xex)ex(1+x)dx=∫t(1+t)dt.
- Decompose the rational function. Use partial fractions:
t(1+t)1=t1−1+t1.
So the integral is:
∫(t1−1+t1)dt=log∣t∣−log∣1+t∣+C=log1+tt+C.
- Substitute back. Since t=xex, we have: ∫x(1+xex)x+1dx=log1+xexxex+C. …
- 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. …
- KCET 2026Set UNKNOWN1 markMCQQ.If 'n' is a natural number, then ∫cosn+2xsinnxdx= (A) n−1tann−1x+C (B) ntannx+C (C) n+2tann+2x+C (D) n+1tann+1x+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
Split the integrand into tannx and sec2x, then substitute t=tanx.
Step 1 — Rewrite the integrand
cosn+2xsinnx=cosnxsinnx⋅cos2x1=tannxsec2x
Step 2 — Substitute
Let t=tanx, so dt=sec2xdx: …
- 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
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-A1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] ∫f(x)log(f(x))f′(x)dx is equal to
(A) f(x)logf(x)+C (B) log(logf(x))1+C (C) logf(x)f(x)+C (D) log(logf(x))+C›Reveal solutionSolution
The integral simplifies by substitution u=log(f(x)), leading directly to log(logf(x))+C, so the correct choice is (D).
Concept & Intuition
When you see a fraction where the numerator is the derivative of the denominator’s “inside,” a substitution is almost always the cleanest path. Here, the denominator is f(x)log(f(x)), and the numerator is f′(x). Notice that the derivative of log(f(x)) is f(x)f′(x), which appears in the integrand. That suggests setting u=log(f(x)), turning the whole integral into a simple ∫udu.
Step-by-step solution
- Identify the substitution Let u=log(f(x)). Then differentiate:
dxdu=f(x)f′(x)⇒du=f(x)f′(x)dx.
- Rewrite the integral The original integral is
∫f(x)log(f(x))f′(x)dx.
Factor the f(x) in the denominator:
∫log(f(x))f′(x)/f(x)dx.
Now substitute u=log(f(x)) and du=f(x)f′(x)dx:
∫udu.
- Integrate The integral ∫udu is a standard result:
∫udu=log∣u∣+C.
- Back-substitute Replace u with log(f(x)): log∣log(f(x))∣+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. …
- 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:
- KCET 2023Set A-21 markMCQQ.If u=sin−1(1+x22x) and v=tan−1(1−x22x) then dvdu is (A) 2 (B) 1+x21−x2 (C) 1 (D) 21
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to simplify u and v using standard inverse trigonometric identities before differentiating. The result is dvdu=1.
We are given two functions of x:
u=sin−1(1+x22x),v=tan−1(1−x22x).
The question asks for dvdu, the derivative of u with respect to v. A direct approach — differentiating each with respect to x and then dividing — is possible, but messy. A cleaner path is to recognize that both expressions are standard forms for inverse trigonometric functions when x=tanθ.
- Substitute x=tanθ. This is a classic trick because 1+x22x and 1−x22x appear in double-angle formulas. Let θ=tan−1x, so x=tanθ. Then:
1+x22x=1+tan2θ2tanθ=sin2θ.
Hence,
u=sin−1(sin2θ).
- Simplify u carefully. The identity sin−1(sinα)=α holds only when α is in the principal range [−π/2,π/2]. Here α=2θ, and θ=tan−1x lies in (−π/2,π/2). So 2θ lies in (−π,π). For u to be defined as the principal value of sin−1, we need 2θ∈[−π/2,π/2], which corresponds to x∈[−1,1]. In that interval, we can safely write:
u=2θ=2tan−1x.
Watch outOutside x∈[−1,1], the simplification u=2tan−1x would be off by a constant (like π−2tan−1x). However, the derivative dxdu remains the same because the constant vanishes. So the derivative result holds for all x where the functions are defined.
- Simplify v similarly. Using x=tanθ again:
1−x22x=1−tan2θ2tanθ=tan2θ.
Therefore,
v=tan−1(tan2θ). …
- 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. …
- 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: …
- 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) …
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