Q.Integrate the following function: cos3x
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 argument is linear (3x), so use the reverse chain rule (substitution) — no triple-angle identity is needed.
Recall ∫cos(ax)dx=a1sin(ax)+C. Here a=3:
∫cos3xdx=31sin3x+C.
Check: dxd(31sin3x)=31⋅3cos3x=cos3x.
∫cos3xdx=31sin3x+C
Integrating cos3x is a linear-argument reverse chain rule: ∫cos3xdx=31sin3x+C.
The idea
We are integrating a cosine whose inside is 3x, not x. Guessing sin3x is close but wrong: differentiating sin3x gives 3cos3x — a factor of 3 too big. To undo that factor we divide by 3. (The triple-angle identity cos3x=4cos3x−3cosx is not the operative idea here and only complicates matters.)
Substitution
Let u=3x, so du=3dx, i.e. dx=3du. Then
∫cos3xdx=∫cosu⋅3du=31∫cosudu=31sinu+C.
Back-substitute
Replace u=3x:
∫cos3xdx=31sin3x+C.
General rule: ∫cos(ax+b)dx=a1sin(ax+b)+C — just divide by the coefficient of x.
∫cos3xdx=31sin3x+C
Method: Integrating cos(ax+b) by the linear-argument rule
When a trig (or exponential) has a linear inside ax+b, no identity is needed — just divide by the coefficient of x.
Steps
Step 1: Recognise the linear argument.
cos3x has inner 3x; its antiderivative is a sine of the same argument, adjusted by the chain-rule factor.
Step 2: Apply the rule.
∫cos(ax+b)dx=a1sin(ax+b)+C.
Step 3: Verify.
Differentiate: dxd(a1sinax)=cosax. (Expanding cos3x=4cos3x−3cosx only complicates a one-step problem.)
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Forgetting the 31 factor.
Why it's wrong: dxdsin3x=3cos3x, so you must divide by 3. Correct approach: ∫cos3xdx=31sin3x+C, not sin3x+C.
Mistake 2: Expanding via the triple-angle identity.
Why it's wrong: it is unnecessary here — the argument is already linear. Correct approach: use the one-step rule ∫cos(ax)dx=a1sin(ax).
Showing the 12 most recent of 32 on this concept.
- KEAM 2026Set eng-2026-04174 marksMCQQ.∫xx+1dx= (A) 34(x+1)23+C (B) 32(x+1)23+C (C) 34(x+1)43+C (D) 31(x+1)23+C (E) 43(x+1)23+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute u=x+1.
With u=x+1, du=2x1dx, i.e. xdx=2du. Then
∫xx+1dx=∫u⋅2du=2⋅32u3/2+C=34(x+1)3/2+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
- KEAM 2026Set eng-2026-04184 marksMCQQ.∫sinx+cosxsecxsecxdx= (A) 2(tanx−loge(tanx+1))+C (B) 2(tanx+loge(tanx+1))+C (C) 2tanx−loge(tanx+1)+C (D) 2tanx+loge(tanx+1)+C (E) tanx−loge(tanx+1)+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
Factor sinx+cosx=cosx(tanx+1) to reduce the integrand to tanx+1sec2x; substituting u=tanx gives option (A).
Write the denominator as sinx+cosx=cosx(tanx+1). The numerator is secxsecx=cos−3/2x, so
cosx(tanx+1)cos−3/2x=tanx+1cos−2x=tanx+1sec2x.
Let t=tanx, dt=sec2xdx, then u=t, t=u2, dt=2udu:
∫t+1dt=∫u+12udu=2∫(1−u+11)du=2(u−log(u+1))+C.
Thus the integral is 2(tanx−log(tanx+1))+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
- KEAM 2026Set eng-2026-04184 marksMCQQ.∫(2ex+5)310exdx is equal to (A) 2(2ex+5)25+C (B) (2ex+5)2−5+C (C) (2ex+5)2−10+C (D) 2(2ex+5)2−5+C (E) (2ex+5)25+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute u=2ex+5, du=2exdx, giving 5∫u−3du=−2(2ex+5)25+C.
Let u=2ex+5, so du=2exdx, i.e. exdx=2du. Then
∫(2ex+5)310exdx=∫u310⋅2du=5∫u−3du=5⋅−2u−2=−2u25+C.
Hence the answer is −2(2ex+5)25+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D).
- KEAM 2026Set eng-2026-04184 marksMCQQ.∫(27x3(1−x3))32dx= (A) −43(1−x3)34+C (B) −53(1−x3)35+C (C) −39(1−x3)31+C (D) −49(1−x3)34+C (E) −59(1−x3)35+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
Simplify to 9x2(1−x3)2/3, then substitute u=1−x3 to obtain −59(1−x3)5/3+C.
Since (27x3(1−x3))2/3=272/3(x3)2/3(1−x3)2/3=9x2(1−x3)2/3, let u=1−x3, du=−3x2dx, so x2dx=−3du:
∫9x2(1−x3)2/3dx=9(−31)∫u2/3du=−3⋅5/3u5/3=−59u5/3+C.
Thus the integral is −59(1−x3)5/3+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (E).
- KEAM 2026Set eng-2026-04194 marksMCQQ.∫1+x2sin(cot−1x)dx is equal to (A) −cos(cot−1x)+C (B) cos(cot−1x)+C (C) 1+x2cos(cot−1x)+C (D) 2cos(cot−1x)+C (E) 1+x2−cos(cot−1x)+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute u=cot−1x so du=−1+x2dx.
Let u=cot−1x⇒du=−1+x2dx, i.e. 1+x2dx=−du.
∫1+x2sin(cot−1x)dx=∫sinu(−du)=−(−cosu)+C=cosu+C.
Back-substituting, =cos(cot−1x)+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
- KEAM 2026Set eng-2026-04194 marksMCQQ.∫(13+36sin2tsint+cost)dt is equal to (A) 841log7−6(sint−cost)7+6(sint−cost)+C (B) 811log7−6(sint−cost)7+6(sint−cost)+C (C) 841log7+6(sint−cost)7−6(sint−cost)+C (D) 481log7−6(sint−cost)7+6(sint−cost)+C (E) 641log7−6(sint−cost)7+6(sint−cost)+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
Let u=sint−cost; the numerator becomes du and 13+36sin2t=49−36u2, giving a standard a2−k2u2du integral.
Set u=sint−cost. Then
du=(cost+sint)dt,
which is exactly the numerator, and
u2=1−2sintcost=1−sin2t⇒sin2t=1−u2.
So the denominator is
13+36sin2t=13+36(1−u2)=49−36u2.
Hence
∫49−36u2du=∫72−(6u)2du.
Using ∫a2−k2u2du=2ak1loga−kua+ku with a=7,k=6,
=2⋅7⋅61log7−6u7+6u=841log7−6(sint−cost)7+6(sint−cost)+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
- KEAM 2025Set eng-2025-04234 marksMCQQ.∫1−x2sin−1xdx= (A) 21(sin−1x)2+C (B) −(sin−1x)1−x2+C (C) (sin−1x)1−x2+x+C (D) (sin−1x)1−x2−x+C (E) (sin−1x)2+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substituting u=sin^{-1}x turns the integral into u du = (1/2)(sin^{-1}x)^2 + C.
Concept and Intuition
The factor 1/sqrt(1-x^2) is exactly the derivative of sin^{-1}x, so the substitution u = sin^{-1}x collapses the integral.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let u = sin^{-1}x, then du = dx/sqrt(1-x^2).
- The integral becomes integral of u du.
- That equals u^2/2 + C = (1/2)(sin^{-1}x)^2 + C.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the factor 1/2 from integrating u.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — (1/2)(sin^{-1}x)^2 + C.
ANSWER: A
- KEAM 2025Set eng-2025-04234 marksMCQQ.∫x7(x8+1)−3/4dx= (A) 21(1+x81)1/4+C (B) 4(1+x81)1/4+C (C) (x8+1)1/4+C (D) 4(x8+1)1/4+C (E) 21(x8+1)1/4+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substituting u=x^8+1 gives (1/2)(x^8+1)^{1/4} + C.
Concept and Intuition
The presence of x^7 alongside x^8 signals the substitution u = x^8 + 1, whose differential absorbs x^7 dx.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let u = x^8 + 1, then du = 8 x^7 dx, so x^7 dx = du/8.
- Integral = (1/8) integral of u^{-3/4} du.
- = (1/8) * u^{1/4}/(1/4) = (1/8)4u^{1/4} = (1/2)u^{1/4}.
- = (1/2)(x^8+1)^{1/4} + C.
Common Mistakes
- Dropping the 1/8 from du and getting 4(x^8+1)^{1/4} instead.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (E) — (1/2)(x^8+1)^{1/4} + C.
ANSWER: E
- KEAM 2025Set eng-2025-04234 marksMCQQ.∫ex(x2−2)cos(ex(x2−2x))dx= (A) sin(ex(x2−2x))+C (B) sin(ex(x2−2))+C (C) x2exsin(ex(x2−2))+C (D) exsin(ex(x2−2))+C (E) exsin(x2ex−2xex)+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
Since d/dx[e^x(x^2-2x)] = e^x(x^2-2), the integral is sin(e^x(x^2-2x)) + C.
Concept and Intuition
Look for the outer function's argument, g(x) = e^x(x^2-2x), and check whether the rest of the integrand is exactly g'(x); if so the integral is a direct substitution.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let g(x) = e^x(x^2 - 2x).
- g'(x) = e^x(x^2-2x) + e^x(2x-2) = e^x(x^2 - 2), which is exactly the prefactor.
- So the integrand is cos(g)*g' dx, and integral cos(g) dg = sin(g) + C.
- Result: sin(e^x(x^2-2x)) + C.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing the argument (x^2-2x) with the prefactor (x^2-2).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — sin(e^x(x^2-2x)) + C.
ANSWER: A
- KEAM 2025Set eng-2025-04254 marksMCQQ.∫2x+5sec2(2x+5)dx= (A) 2tan(2x+5)+C (B) 21tan(2x+5)+C (C) tan(2x+5)+C (D) tan(2x+5)+C (E) 2tan(2x+5)+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute u=2x+5; the differential cancels the 2x+51 factor.
Let u=2x+5. Then
du=22x+51⋅2dx=2x+5dx.
So the integral becomes
∫sec2udu=tanu+C=tan(2x+5)+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D).
- KEAM 2025Set eng-2025-04254 marksMCQQ.The value of ∫0π/3costtantdt is equal to (A) 21 (B) 2−1 (C) 2 (D) −2 (E) 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Write costtant=cos2tsint; its antiderivative is sect.
costtant=cos2tsint.
With u=cost, du=−sintdt, the antiderivative is cost1=sect. Thus
∫0π/3cos2tsintdt=[sect]0π/3=sec3π−sec0=2−1=1.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (E).
- KEAM 2025Set eng-2025-04264 marksMCQQ.If ∫x7(x61+1)2/31dx=−21x61+11p+c, then p= (A) 32 (B) 3−1 (C) 31 (D) 3−2 (E) 61
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute u=x61+1; the result is −21u1/3, matched to the given form −21(1/u)p gives p=−1/3.
Let u=x61+1, so du=−x76dx, i.e. x7dx=−6du.
∫x7u−2/3dx=∫u−2/3(−6du)=−61⋅1/3u1/3=−21u1/3+c.
The given answer is −21(u1)p=−21u−p. Matching exponents, −p=31, so p=−31.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
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