Q.Integrate the following function: x(x+1)(x+logx)2
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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)∣ …
Concept: U Substitution — the derivative of x+logx appears in the numerator, making it a perfect candidate.
First, expand the integrand:
x(x+1)(x+logx)2=(1+x1)(x+logx)2
Notice that dxd(x+logx)=1+x1. So let u=x+logx, then du=(1+x1)dx.
The integral becomes: …
The key idea is to rewrite the integrand so that the derivative of (x+logx) appears as a factor, enabling a direct u-substitution. The integral evaluates to 3(x+logx)3+C.
Why substitution works here
When you see an expression like (x+logx)2 multiplied by something, your first instinct should be: can I find the derivative of the inside function somewhere in the integrand? Here, the inside function is u=x+logx, and its derivative is 1+x1. The given integrand is x(x+1)(x+logx)2. Notice that xx+1=1+x1, which is exactly u′. That’s the signal — the whole integrand is u′⋅u2, a perfect candidate for the reverse chain rule.
Spotting u′ multiplied by a power of u is the most common pattern for u-substitution. If you see (something)n and its derivative nearby, substitution is almost always the path.
Step-by-step solution
1. Rewrite the integrand to reveal the pattern
Break the fraction into two simpler terms:
x(x+1)(x+logx)2=(xx+1)(x+logx)2=(1+x1)(x+logx)2
Now it’s clear: the factor 1+x1 is the derivative of x+logx.
2. Perform the substitution
Let u=x+logx. Then: …
Method: Recognise the g′(x)[g(x)]n pattern and substitute the inner function
This is the "derivative of the inside is also present" case: when a power of some block g(x) is multiplied by (a constant times) g′(x), substitute u=g(x).
Steps
Step 1: Split any awkward fraction to reveal a derivative.
Break the coefficient apart — for example xx+1=1+x1. Now compare this against the derivative of the block being raised to a power.
Step 2: Confirm the derivative match.
Here the block is g(x)=x+logx, whose derivative is g′(x)=1+x1 — exactly the factor you just isolated. When g′(x) multiplies [g(x)]n, substitution is guaranteed to work:
u=g(x),du=g′(x)dx …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Expanding (x+logx)2 and distributing the whole thing.
Why it's wrong: it buries the clean g′(x)[g(x)]2 structure under many terms. Correct approach: rewrite xx+1=1+x1, recognise it as dxd(x+logx), and substitute u=x+logx.
Mistake 2: Not simplifying xx+1 first, so the derivative match is missed. …
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. …
- 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. …
- 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 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-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:
- 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 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 …
- 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. …
- 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) …
- 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. …
- 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 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) …
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