Integration and Its Methods ∫ 2x · cos(x²) dx
Let u = x², then du = 2x dx
Introduction
2. Integration by Parts
Integration is one of the core concepts in
Based on the product rule of
calculus, alongside differentiation. While
differentiation. It is used when the
differentiation is concerned with rates of
integrand is a product of two functions.
change, integration focuses on
Formula:
accumulation — finding the total amount
∫ u dv = uv - ∫ v du
from a rate. It is widely used in
mathematics, physics, engineering, 3. Partial Fraction Decomposition
economics, and many other fields. Used when integrating rational functions
(a ratio of two polynomials). The fraction
What Is Integration? is broken into simpler terms that are
In simple terms, integration is the process easier to integrate.
of calculating the area under a curve. It
can also be seen as the reverse of 4. Trigonometric Integrals
differentiation. Through integration, we Used when the integrand involves
can find quantities like area, volume, trigonometric functions like sin(x), cos(x),
work, and total change. tan(x), etc. Specific identities help
simplify the integration.
There are two main types of integrals:
1. Definite Integral 5. Trigonometric Substitution
It computes the area under a curve Helpful for integrals involving square
between two specific limits a and b: roots such as √(a² - x²), using
∫ₐᵇ f(x) dx trigonometric identities to simplify the
It results in a numerical value. expression.
2. Indefinite Integral 6. Numerical Integration
It finds the general form of the original When a function is too complex to
function (antiderivative) before integrate analytically, numerical methods
differentiation: like the Trapezoidal Rule or Simpson’s
∫ f(x) dx = F(x) + C Rule are used to approximate the value.
where C is the constant of integration.
Conclusion
Common Methods of Integration Integration is a powerful mathematical
tool that allows us to calculate areas,
1. Substitution Method (u-substitution) volumes, and many physical quantities.
Used when the integral contains a By mastering different integration
composite function. A part of the techniques—like substitution, integration
expression is substituted to simplify the by parts, and partial fractions—we can
integral. handle a wide range of integrals
Example: efficiently. Understanding when and how
to apply each method is key to solving
problems in both theoretical and applied
contexts.