Integration Techniques

Integrate by substitution, by parts, and using partial fractions at A-Level.

A-Level integration goes beyond basic reverse differentiation to include substitution, integration by parts, and partial fractions.

Integration by Substitution

Replace a complex expression with uu.

∫2x(x2+1)3dx\int 2x(x^2+1)^3 dx. Let u=x2+1u = x^2+1, du=2x dxdu = 2x\,dx.

=∫u3 du=u44+C=(x2+1)44+C= \int u^3\,du = \frac{u^4}{4} + C = \frac{(x^2+1)^4}{4} + C.

Integration by Parts

∫u dv=uv−∫v du\int u\,dv = uv - \int v\,du

∫xex dx\int x e^x\,dx. Let u=xu = x, dv=ex dxdv = e^x\,dx. Then du=dxdu = dx, v=exv = e^x.

=xex−∫ex dx=xex−ex+C=ex(x−1)+C= xe^x - \int e^x\,dx = xe^x - e^x + C = e^x(x-1) + C.

Using Partial Fractions

∫5x+1(x+1)(x−2) dx=∫2x+1+3x−2 dx=2ln⁡∣x+1∣+3ln⁡∣x−2∣+C\int \frac{5x+1}{(x+1)(x-2)}\,dx = \int \frac{2}{x+1} + \frac{3}{x-2}\,dx = 2\ln|x+1| + 3\ln|x-2| + C.

Standard Integrals

f(x)f(x) ∫f(x) dx\int f(x)\,dx
sin⁡x\sin x −cos⁡x+C-\cos x + C
cos⁡x\cos x sin⁡x+C\sin x + C
sec⁡2x\sec^2 x tan⁡x+C\tan x + C
exe^x ex+Ce^x + C
1x\frac{1}{x} $\ln

Trig Integration

Use identities: sin⁡2x=1−cos⁡2x2\sin^2 x = \frac{1-\cos 2x}{2}, cos⁡2x=1+cos⁡2x2\cos^2 x = \frac{1+\cos 2x}{2}.

Worked Example

∫xsin⁡x dx\int x\sin x\,dx: by parts with u=xu = x, dv=sin⁡x dxdv = \sin x\,dx.

=−xcos⁡x+∫cos⁡x dx=−xcos⁡x+sin⁡x+C= -x\cos x + \int \cos x\,dx = -x\cos x + \sin x + C.

Practice Problems

    1. ∫(2x+1)5 dx\int (2x+1)^5\,dx (substitution).
    1. ∫xln⁡x dx\int x\ln x\,dx (by parts).
    1. ∫3(x+1)(x+2) dx\int \frac{3}{(x+1)(x+2)}\,dx (partial fractions).

Want to check your answers and get step-by-step solutions?

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store

Key Takeaways

  • ✓

    Substitution: simplify by replacing a sub-expression.

  • ✓

    By parts: for products, especially x×x \times trig/exp.

  • ✓

    Partial fractions: for rational functions.

  • ✓

    Use trig identities for powers of sin/cos.

Ready to Ace Your A-Level maths?

Get instant step-by-step solutions to any problem. Snap a photo and learn with Tutor AI — your personal exam prep companion.

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store