Comprehensive Guide to
Integration Techniques
Focusing on: Substitution Method & Integration by
Parts
Introduction
Integration is a fundamental concept in calculus used to find areas, volumes, and
solve real-world problems involving continuous functions. Two widely used
techniques for integration are:
1. Substitution Method – Useful when the integral contains a composite
function.
2. Integration by Parts – Based on the product rule for differentiation, useful
for integrating products of functions.
1. Integration Using the
Substitution Method
What is Substitution Method?
The Substitution Method, also known as u-substitution, simplifies an integral by
changing variables, making the function easier to integrate.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Identify the Inner Function
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○ Look for a function inside another function (e.g., under a root,
exponent, or denominator).
○ Assign it a new variable: Let u = g(x).
2. Differentiate Both Sides
○ Compute du/dx = g'(x).
○ Solve for dx (i.e., express dx in terms of du).
3. Rewrite the Integral
○ Substitute u into the integral and replace dx with its equivalent
expression.
4. Evaluate the New Integral
○ Solve the integral in terms of u.
5. Substitute Back
○ Replace u with the original function g(x).
Example 1: Basic Substitution
Evaluate:
I=∫(3x2)ex3dxI = \int (3x^2) e^{x^3} dx
Solution:
1. Identify the inner function:
Let u = x³, then du/dx = 3x² ⟹ du = 3x² dx.
2. Rewrite the integral:
I=∫euduI = \int e^u du
3. Integrate:
I=eu+CI = e^u + C
4. Substitute back u = x³:
I=ex3+CI = e^{x^3} + C
Example 2: Trigonometric Substitution
2
Evaluate:
J=∫cosxsinxdxJ = \int \frac{\cos x}{\sin x} dx
Solution:
1. Let u = sin x, then du/dx = cos x ⟹ du = cos x dx.
2. Rewrite the integral: J=∫duuJ = \int \frac{du}{u}
3. Integrate: J=ln∣u∣+CJ = \ln |u| + C
4. Substitute back u = sin x: J=ln∣sinx∣+CJ = \ln |\sin x| + C
Flowchart for Substitution Method
Identify inner function (u)
Differentiate to find du
Rewrite integral in terms of u
Solve the integral
Substitute u back into original function
2. Integration by Parts
What is Integration by Parts?
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This method is based on the product rule for differentiation:
∫udv=uv−∫vdu\int u dv = uv - \int v du
Where:
● u: A function that simplifies when differentiated.
● dv: A function that is easy to integrate.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Choose u and dv wisely using LIATE rule:
○ Logarithmic (ln x)
○ Inverse Trigonometric (tan⁻¹x)
○ Algebraic (x, x², etc.)
○ Trigonometric (sin x, cos x)
○ Exponential (e^x)
2. Differentiate u to find du.
3. Integrate dv to find v.
4. Apply the formula:
∫udv=uv−∫vdu\int u dv = uv - \int v du
5. Solve the remaining integral.
Example 1: Basic Integration by Parts
Evaluate:
I=∫xexdxI = \int x e^x dx
Solution:
1. Choose u = x (Algebraic) and dv = e^x dx (Exponential).
2. Differentiate u:
4
○ du = dx
3. Integrate dv:
○ v = e^x
4. Apply the formula: I=xex−∫exdxI = x e^x - \int e^x dx
5. Solve: I=xex−ex+CI = x e^x - e^x + C
Example 2: Using Logarithmic Function
Evaluate:
J=∫lnxdxJ = \int \ln x dx
Solution:
1. Choose u = ln x (Logarithmic), dv = dx.
2. Differentiate u:
○ du = (1/x) dx
3. Integrate dv:
○ v=x
4. Apply the formula: J=xlnx−∫x⋅1xdxJ = x \ln x - \int x \cdot \frac{1}{x} dx
5. Solve: J=xlnx−x+CJ = x \ln x - x + C
Flowchart for Integration by Parts
Choose u (LIATE) and dv
Differentiate u to get du
Integrate dv to get v
Apply formula: ∫u dv = uv - ∫v du
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Solve remaining integral
Conclusion
● Substitution Method is best for integrals involving composite functions.
● Integration by Parts is best for product functions, especially logarithms and
algebraic expressions.
● Choosing u and dv properly is crucial for easy integration.
● Practice different types of problems to master these techniques.
