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Integrals

Antiderivatives and Indefinite Integrals (CED Unit 6)

Section titled “Antiderivatives and Indefinite Integrals (CED Unit 6)”

An antiderivative of ff is a function FF such that F′=fF' = f. The indefinite integral is:

Definite Integral as Area Under a Curve

Adjust the parameters in the graph above to explore the relationships between variables.

∫f(x) dx=F(x)+C\int f(x)\, dx = F(x) + C

Where CC is the constant of integration.

| Function f(x)f(x) | Antiderivative F(x)F(x) | | ------------------------ | ------------------------- | --- | ---- | | xnx^n (n≠−1n \ne -1) | xn+1n+1+C\frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C | | 1x\frac{1}{x} | ln⁡∣x∣+C\ln | x | + C | | exe^x | ex+Ce^x + C | | 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 | | csc⁡2x\csc^2 x | −cot⁡x+C-\cot x + C | | sec⁡xtan⁡x\sec x \tan x | sec⁡x+C\sec x + C | | csc⁡xcot⁡x\csc x \cot x | −csc⁡x+C-\csc x + C | | 11+x2\frac{1}{1+x^2} | arctan⁡x+C\arctan x + C | | 11−x2\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} | arcsin⁡x+C\arcsin x + C |

∫xn dx=xn+1n+1+C,n≠−1\int x^n\, dx = \frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C, \quad n \ne -1

Why the power rule excludes n=−1n = -1. Substituting n=−1n = -1 gives x00\frac{x^0}{0}Which is Undefined. The antiderivative of 1x\frac{1}{x} is ln⁡∣x∣\ln|x|A fundamental result with deep Connections to the natural logarithm.

Why the absolute value in ln⁡∣x∣\ln|x|. The derivative of ln⁡x\ln x is 1x\frac{1}{x} for x>0x \gt 0. For x<0x \lt 0The derivative of ln⁡(−x)\ln(-x) is 1−x⋅(−1)=1x\frac{1}{-x} \cdot (-1) = \frac{1}{x}. So the Antiderivative of 1x\frac{1}{x} on any interval not containing 00 is ln⁡∣x∣+C\ln|x| + C.

Example

Evaluate ∫(3x4−2x2+5x−1) dx\displaystyle\int (3x^4 - 2x^2 + 5x - 1)\, dx.

∫(3x4−2x2+5x−1) dx=3x55−2x33+5x22−x+C\int (3x^4 - 2x^2 + 5x - 1)\, dx = \frac{3x^5}{5} - \frac{2x^3}{3} + \frac{5x^2}{2} - x + C

Example

Evaluate ∫3x2 dx\displaystyle\int \frac{3}{x^2}\, dx.

Rewrite as ∫3x−2 dx=3x−1−1+C=−3x+C\displaystyle\int 3x^{-2}\, dx = \frac{3x^{-1}}{-1} + C = -\frac{3}{x} + C.

Example

Evaluate ∫2x3−x+4x dx\displaystyle\int \frac{2x^3 - x + 4}{\sqrt{x}}\, dx.

Rewrite: ∫(2x5/2−x1/2+4x−1/2) dx=4x7/27−2x3/23+8x1/2+C\displaystyle\int (2x^{5/2} - x^{1/2} + 4x^{-1/2})\, dx = \frac{4x^{7/2}}{7} - \frac{2x^{3/2}}{3} + 8x^{1/2} + C.

Riemann Sums and the Definite Integral (CED Unit 6)

Section titled “Riemann Sums and the Definite Integral (CED Unit 6)”

A Riemann sum approximates the area under a curve by dividing the region into rectangles:

∑i=1nf(xi∗)Δx\sum_{i=1}^{n} f(x_i^*) \Delta x

Where Δx=b−an\Delta x = \frac{b - a}{n} and xi∗x_i^* is a sample point in the iiTh subinterval.

TypeSample Point xi∗x_i^*
Left Riemann sumLeft endpoint
Right Riemann sumRight endpoint
Midpoint sumMidpoint of subinterval
Trapezoidal sumAverage of endpoints (trapezoids, not rectangles)

Why Riemann sums matter. They are the foundation of the definite integral. As n→∞n \to \infty The approximation becomes exact (for continuous functions).

Theorem. If ff is continuous on [a,b][a, b]Then the Riemann sum converges to the same value Regardless of the choice of sample points xi∗x_i^*.

The definite integral of ff from aa to bb is:

∫abf(x) dx=lim⁡n→∞∑i=1nf(xi∗)Δx\int_a^b f(x)\, dx = \lim_{n \to \infty} \sum_{i=1}^{n} f(x_i^*) \Delta x

Provided this limit exists. When it does, ff is said to be integrable on [a,b][a, b].

  1. ∫aaf(x) dx=0\displaystyle\int_a^a f(x)\, dx = 0
  2. ∫abf(x) dx=−∫baf(x) dx\displaystyle\int_a^b f(x)\, dx = -\int_b^a f(x)\, dx
  3. ∫ab[f(x)±g(x)] dx=∫abf(x) dx±∫abg(x) dx\displaystyle\int_a^b [f(x) \pm g(x)]\, dx = \int_a^b f(x)\, dx \pm \int_a^b g(x)\, dx
  4. ∫abc⋅f(x) dx=c∫abf(x) dx\displaystyle\int_a^b c \cdot f(x)\, dx = c \int_a^b f(x)\, dx
  5. ∫abf(x) dx=∫acf(x) dx+∫cbf(x) dx\displaystyle\int_a^b f(x)\, dx = \int_a^c f(x)\, dx + \int_c^b f(x)\, dx (Additivity)

Property 5 (Additivity) is powerful. It allows splitting integrals at discontinuities. For Example, if ff has a jump at c∈(a,b)c \in (a, b)You can split:

∫abf(x) dx=∫acf(x) dx+∫cbf(x) dx\int_a^b f(x)\, dx = \int_a^c f(x)\, dx + \int_c^b f(x)\, dx

Comparison properties. If f(x)≥g(x)f(x) \ge g(x) on [a,b][a, b]Then ∫abf(x) dx≥∫abg(x) dx\displaystyle\int_a^b f(x)\, dx \ge \int_a^b g(x)\, dx.

In particular, if m≤f(x)≤Mm \le f(x) \le M on [a,b][a, b]Then m(b−a)≤∫abf(x) dx≤M(b−a)m(b-a) \le \displaystyle\int_a^b f(x)\, dx \le M(b-a).

If f(x)≥0f(x) \ge 0 on [a,b][a, b]Then ∫abf(x) dx\displaystyle\int_a^b f(x)\, dx equals the area under the curve. If ff changes sign, the integral gives the net (signed) area.

The total area between ff and the xx-axis on [a,b][a, b] is:

\mathrm{Total Area = \int_a^b |f(x)|\, dx

Example

Find the total area between f(x)=x2−4f(x) = x^2 - 4 and the xx-axis on [−3,3][-3, 3].

Find the zeros: x2−4=0  ⟹  x=±2x^2 - 4 = 0 \implies x = \pm 2.

\mathrm{Total Area = \int_{-3}^{-2} (x^2 - 4)\, dx + \int_{-2}^{2} (4 - x^2)\, dx + \int_{2}^{3} (x^2 - 4)\, dx=[x33−4x]−3−2+[4x−x33]−22+[x33−4x]23= \left[\frac{x^3}{3} - 4x\right]_{-3}^{-2} + \left[4x - \frac{x^3}{3}\right]_{-2}^{2} + \left[\frac{x^3}{3} - 4x\right]_{2}^{3}=−8−(−27)3−−83+8−(−8)3+27−83=193+163+193=543=18= \frac{-8 - (-27)}{3} - \frac{-8}{3} + \frac{8 - (-8)}{3} + \frac{27 - 8}{3} = \frac{19}{3} + \frac{16}{3} + \frac{19}{3} = \frac{54}{3} = 18

The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (CED Unit 6)

Section titled “The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (CED Unit 6)”

If ff is continuous on [a,b][a, b]Then the function gg defined by:

G(x)=∫axf(t) dtG(x) = \int_a^x f(t)\, dt

Is differentiable on (a,b)(a, b)And:

G′(x)=f(x)G'(x) = f(x)

More generally, by the chain rule:

ddx ⁣[∫au(x)f(t) dt]=f(u(x))⋅u′(x)\frac{d}{dx}\!\left[\int_a^{u(x)} f(t)\, dt\right] = f(u(x)) \cdot u'(x)

Intuition. FTC Part 1 says: the rate at which the accumulated area changes is just the height of The curve at that point. This connects the two halves of calculus: the derivative and the integral Are inverse operations.

Example

Find ddx ⁣[∫1x2sin⁡(t2) dt]\displaystyle\frac{d}{dx}\!\left[\int_1^{x^2} \sin(t^2)\, dt\right].

By FTC Part 1 and the chain rule:

ddx ⁣[∫1x2sin⁡(t2) dt]=sin⁡ ⁣((x2)2)⋅2x=2xsin⁡(x4)\frac{d}{dx}\!\left[\int_1^{x^2} \sin(t^2)\, dt\right] = \sin\!\left((x^2)^2\right) \cdot 2x = 2x \sin(x^4)

Example

Find ddx ⁣[∫0xet2 dt]\displaystyle\frac{d}{dx}\!\left[\int_0^{\sqrt{x}} e^{t^2}\, dt\right].

ddx ⁣[∫0xet2 dt]=e(x)2⋅12x=ex2x\frac{d}{dx}\!\left[\int_0^{\sqrt{x}} e^{t^2}\, dt\right] = e^{(\sqrt{x})^2} \cdot \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}} = \frac{e^x}{2\sqrt{x}}

Example

Find ddx ⁣[∫xx211+t2 dt]\displaystyle\frac{d}{dx}\!\left[\int_x^{x^2} \frac{1}{1+t^2}\, dt\right].

Split the integral at a constant (say 00):

∫xx211+t2 dt=∫0x211+t2 dt−∫0x11+t2 dt\int_x^{x^2} \frac{1}{1+t^2}\, dt = \int_0^{x^2} \frac{1}{1+t^2}\, dt - \int_0^x \frac{1}{1+t^2}\, dt

Differentiating:

11+x4⋅2x−11+x2=2x1+x4−11+x2\frac{1}{1+x^4} \cdot 2x - \frac{1}{1+x^2} = \frac{2x}{1+x^4} - \frac{1}{1+x^2}

If ff is continuous on [a,b][a, b] and FF is any antiderivative of ffThen:

∫abf(x) dx=F(b)−F(a)\int_a^b f(x)\, dx = F(b) - F(a)

This is the evaluation theorem. We write F(x)∣abF(x)\Big|_a^b to denote F(b)−F(a)F(b) - F(a).

Example

Evaluate ∫13(x2+1x)dx\displaystyle\int_1^3 \left(x^2 + \frac{1}{x}\right) dx.

∫13(x2+1x)dx=[x33+ln⁡x]13=(273+ln⁡3)−(13+0)=263+ln⁡3\int_1^3 \left(x^2 + \frac{1}{x}\right) dx = \left[\frac{x^3}{3} + \ln x\right]_1^3 = \left(\frac{27}{3} + \ln 3\right) - \left(\frac{1}{3} + 0\right) = \frac{26}{3} + \ln 3

Let FF be an antiderivative of ff. Define g(x)=∫axf(t) dtg(x) = \int_a^x f(t)\, dt.

By FTC Part 1, g′(x)=f(x)=F′(x)g'(x) = f(x) = F'(x)So g(x)=F(x)+Cg(x) = F(x) + C for some constant CC.

At x=ax = a: g(a)=0=F(a)+C  ⟹  C=−F(a)g(a) = 0 = F(a) + C \implies C = -F(a).

Therefore, g(x)=F(x)−F(a)g(x) = F(x) - F(a)And:

∫abf(t) dt=g(b)=F(b)−F(a)\int_a^b f(t)\, dt = g(b) = F(b) - F(a)

■\blacksquare

If ∫f(g(x))⋅g′(x) dx\displaystyle\int f(g(x)) \cdot g'(x)\, dxLet u=g(x)u = g(x), du=g′(x) dxdu = g'(x)\, dx:

∫f(u) du=F(u)+C=F(g(x))+C\int f(u)\, du = F(u) + C = F(g(x)) + C

Strategy for choosing uu. Look for a function and its derivative in the integrand. If you can Spot f(g(x))f(g(x)) and g′(x)g'(x)Set u=g(x)u = g(x).

Example

Evaluate ∫2xex2 dx\displaystyle\int 2x e^{x^2}\, dx.

Let u=x2u = x^2, du=2x dxdu = 2x\, dx:

∫2xex2 dx=∫eu du=eu+C=ex2+C\int 2x e^{x^2}\, dx = \int e^u\, du = e^u + C = e^{x^2} + C

Example

Evaluate ∫xx2+1 dx\displaystyle\int \frac{x}{x^2 + 1}\, dx.

Let u=x2+1u = x^2 + 1, du=2x dxdu = 2x\, dxGiving 12du=x dx\frac{1}{2}du = x\, dx:

∫xx2+1 dx=12∫1u du=12ln⁡∣u∣+C=12ln⁡(x2+1)+C\int \frac{x}{x^2 + 1}\, dx = \frac{1}{2}\int \frac{1}{u}\, du = \frac{1}{2}\ln|u| + C = \frac{1}{2}\ln(x^2 + 1) + C

Example

Evaluate ∫ln⁡xx dx\displaystyle\int \frac{\ln x}{x}\, dx.

Let u=ln⁡xu = \ln x, du=1x dxdu = \frac{1}{x}\, dx:

∫ln⁡xx dx=∫u du=u22+C=(ln⁡x)22+C\int \frac{\ln x}{x}\, dx = \int u\, du = \frac{u^2}{2} + C = \frac{(\ln x)^2}{2} + C

When using uu-substitution for definite integrals, change the limits of integration:

∫abf(g(x))g′(x) dx=∫g(a)g(b)f(u) du\int_a^b f(g(x))g'(x)\, dx = \int_{g(a)}^{g(b)} f(u)\, du

Example

Evaluate ∫01x1+x2 dx\displaystyle\int_0^1 x\sqrt{1 + x^2}\, dx.

Let u = 1 + x^2$$du = 2x\, dx. When x = 0$$u = 1. When x=1,u=2x = 1, u = 2.

∫01x1+x2 dx=12∫12u du=12[2u3/23]12=13(22−1)\int_0^1 x\sqrt{1 + x^2}\, dx = \frac{1}{2}\int_1^2 \sqrt{u}\, du = \frac{1}{2}\left[\frac{2u^{3/2}}{3}\right]_1^2 = \frac{1}{3}(2\sqrt{2} - 1)

Example

Evaluate ∫012x1+x2 dx\displaystyle\int_0^1 \frac{2x}{\sqrt{1 + x^2}}\, dx.

Let u = 1 + x^2$$du = 2x\, dx. When x = 0$$u = 1. When x = 1$$u = 2.

∫012x1+x2 dx=∫12u−1/2 du=[2u]12=22−2\int_0^1 \frac{2x}{\sqrt{1 + x^2}}\, dx = \int_1^2 u^{-1/2}\, du = \left[2\sqrt{u}\right]_1^2 = 2\sqrt{2} - 2∫u dv=uv−∫v du\int u\, dv = uv - \int v\, du

Choose uu using LIATE priority: Logarithmic, Inverse trig, Algebraic, Trig, Exponential.

Why LIATE works. The antiderivative of uu should be simpler than uu itself. Logarithmic and Inverse trig functions simplify upon differentiation. Algebraic functions require integration by Parts to reduce their degree.

Tabular integration (DI method). For integrals of the form ∫f(x)g(x) dx\displaystyle\int f(x)g(x)\, dx Where f(x)f(x) is a polynomial and g(x)g(x) has an repeatable derivative pattern, use a table. Label columns D (derivatives of ff) and I (integrals of gg), alternating signs +$$-$$+$$-. The result is the sum of diagonal products.

Example

Evaluate ∫xex dx\displaystyle\int x e^x\, dx.

Let u = x$$dv = e^x\, dx. Then du = dx$$v = e^x.

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

Example

Evaluate ∫x2ex dx\displaystyle\int x^2 e^x\, dx.

Let u = x^2$$dv = e^x\, dx. Then du = 2x\, dx$$v = e^x.

=x2ex−∫2xex dx= x^2 e^x - \int 2x e^x\, dx

Apply integration by parts again for ∫2xex dx\int 2x e^x\, dx. Let u = 2x$$dv = e^x\, dx du = 2\, dx$$v = e^x:

∫2xex dx=2xex−2ex+C\int 2x e^x\, dx = 2xe^x - 2e^x + C

Therefore:

∫x2ex dx=x2ex−2xex+2ex+C=ex(x2−2x+2)+C\int x^2 e^x\, dx = x^2 e^x - 2xe^x + 2e^x + C = e^x(x^2 - 2x + 2) + C

Tabular method check:

SignD (derivatives)I (integrals)
++x2x^2exe^x
−-2x2xexe^x
++22exe^x

Result: x2ex−2xex+2ex=ex(x2−2x+2)x^2 e^x - 2xe^x + 2e^x = e^x(x^2 - 2x + 2). Confirmed.

Example

Evaluate ∫ln⁡x dx\displaystyle\int \ln x\, dx.

Let u = \ln x$$dv = dx. Then du = \frac{1}{x}dx$$v = x.

∫ln⁡x dx=xln⁡x−∫x⋅1x dx=xln⁡x−x+C\int \ln x\, dx = x\ln x - \int x \cdot \frac{1}{x}\, dx = x\ln x - x + C

Example

Evaluate ∫0π/2xsin⁡x dx\displaystyle\int_0^{\pi/2} x\sin x\, dx.

Let u = x$$dv = \sin x\, dx$$du = dx$$v = -\cos x.

=[−xcos⁡x]0π/2−∫0π/2(−cos⁡x) dx=(0+π2cos⁡0)−[−sin⁡x]0π/2=π2−1= [-x\cos x]_0^{\pi/2} - \int_0^{\pi/2} (-\cos x)\, dx = \left(0 + \frac{\pi}{2}\cos 0\right) - [-\sin x]_0^{\pi/2} = \frac{\pi}{2} - 1

Decompose a rational function into simpler fractions before integrating.

Example

Evaluate ∫1x2−1 dx\displaystyle\int \frac{1}{x^2 - 1}\, dx.

Factor: x2−1=(x−1)(x+1)x^2 - 1 = (x-1)(x+1).

1(x−1)(x+1)=Ax−1+Bx+1\frac{1}{(x-1)(x+1)} = \frac{A}{x-1} + \frac{B}{x+1}1=A(x+1)+B(x−1)1 = A(x+1) + B(x-1)

At x=1x = 1: 1=2A  ⟹  A=121 = 2A \implies A = \frac{1}{2}. At x=−1x = -1: 1=−2B  ⟹  B=−121 = -2B \implies B = -\frac{1}{2}.

∫1x2−1 dx=12∫1x−1 dx−12∫1x+1 dx=12ln⁡∣x−1∣−12ln⁡∣x+1∣+C=12ln⁡ ⁣∣x−1x+1∣+C\int \frac{1}{x^2 - 1}\, dx = \frac{1}{2}\int \frac{1}{x-1}\, dx - \frac{1}{2}\int \frac{1}{x+1}\, dx = \frac{1}{2}\ln|x-1| - \frac{1}{2}\ln|x+1| + C = \frac{1}{2}\ln\!\left|\frac{x-1}{x+1}\right| + C

An improper integral involves either an infinite limit of integration or an infinite discontinuity In the interval.

Type 1: Infinite interval:

∫a∞f(x) dx=lim⁡b→∞∫abf(x) dx\int_a^{\infty} f(x)\, dx = \lim_{b \to \infty} \int_a^b f(x)\, dx

Type 2: Infinite discontinuity at aa:

∫abf(x) dx=lim⁡t→a+∫tbf(x) dx\int_a^b f(x)\, dx = \lim_{t \to a^+} \int_t^b f(x)\, dx

Example

Determine whether ∫1∞1xp dx\displaystyle\int_1^{\infty} \frac{1}{x^p}\, dx converges for p>0p \gt 0.

If p≠1p \ne 1:

=lim⁡b→∞[x1−p1−p]1b=lim⁡b→∞b1−p−11−p= \lim_{b \to \infty} \left[\frac{x^{1-p}}{1-p}\right]_1^b = \lim_{b \to \infty} \frac{b^{1-p} - 1}{1-p}

This converges to 1p−1\frac{1}{p-1} when p>1p \gt 1 and diverges when p<1p \lt 1.

If p=1p = 1:

\lim_{b \to \infty} [\ln x]_1^b = \lim_{b \to \infty} \ln b = \infty \quad \mathrm{(diverges)

Example

Evaluate ∫0∞xe−x2 dx\displaystyle\int_0^{\infty} xe^{-x^2}\, dx.

Let u = x^2$$du = 2x\, dx:

∫0∞xe−x2 dx=12∫0∞e−u du=12[−e−u]0∞=12(0+1)=12\int_0^{\infty} xe^{-x^2}\, dx = \frac{1}{2}\int_0^{\infty} e^{-u}\, du = \frac{1}{2}\left[-e^{-u}\right]_0^{\infty} = \frac{1}{2}(0 + 1) = \frac{1}{2}

The Gaussian integral. The integral ∫0∞e−x2 dx=π2\displaystyle\int_0^{\infty} e^{-x^2}\, dx = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2} is a celebrated result that Cannot be evaluated by elementary methods. The standard technique uses a double integral in polar Coordinates. The full Gaussian integral from −∞-\infty to ∞\infty equals π\sqrt{\pi}.

Note that ∫0∞xe−x2 dx=12\displaystyle\int_0^{\infty} xe^{-x^2}\, dx = \frac{1}{2} (computed above via uu-substitution) is a different integral from ∫0∞e−x2 dx=π2\displaystyle\int_0^{\infty} e^{-x^2}\, dx = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2}.

Example

Evaluate ∫0∞e−x dx\displaystyle\int_0^{\infty} e^{-x}\, dx.

lim⁡b→∞[−e−x]0b=lim⁡b→∞(−e−b+1)=1\lim_{b \to \infty} \left[-e^{-x}\right]_0^b = \lim_{b \to \infty}(-e^{-b} + 1) = 1

The integral converges to 11.

The area between y=f(x)y = f(x) and y=g(x)y = g(x) from x=ax = a to x=bx = b (where f(x)≥g(x)f(x) \geq g(x)):

A=∫ab[f(x)−g(x)] dxA = \int_a^b [f(x) - g(x)]\, dx

When to split. If ff and gg cross, split the integral at the intersection points.

Example

Find the area between y=x2y = x^2 and y=2xy = 2x.

Find intersections: x2=2xx^2 = 2xSo x2−2x=0x^2 - 2x = 0Giving x=0x = 0 and x=2x = 2.

Between x=0x = 0 and x = 2$$2x \ge x^2.

A=∫02(2x−x2) dx=[x2−x33]02=4−83=43A = \int_0^2 (2x - x^2)\, dx = \left[x^2 - \frac{x^3}{3}\right]_0^2 = 4 - \frac{8}{3} = \frac{4}{3}

Disk method (rotating about the xx-axis):

V=π∫ab[f(x)]2 dxV = \pi \int_a^b [f(x)]^2\, dx

Washer method (rotating region between f(x)f(x) and g(x)g(x) about the xx-axis):

V=π∫ab([f(x)]2−[g(x)]2) dxV = \pi \int_a^b \left([f(x)]^2 - [g(x)]^2\right)\, dx

Shell method (rotating about the yy-axis):

V=2π∫abx⋅f(x) dxV = 2\pi \int_a^b x \cdot f(x)\, dx

When to use which method. Use the disk/washer method when integrating perpendicular to the axis Of rotation. Use the shell method when integrating parallel to the axis of rotation.

Example

Find the volume of the solid obtained by rotating y = \sqrt{x}$$y = 0$$x = 4 about the xx-axis.

Using the disk method:

V=π∫04(x)2 dx=π∫04x dx=π[x22]04=8πV = \pi \int_0^4 (\sqrt{x})^2\, dx = \pi \int_0^4 x\, dx = \pi\left[\frac{x^2}{2}\right]_0^4 = 8\pi

Example

Find the volume of the solid obtained by rotating the region bounded by y=x2y = x^2 and y=xy = x about The yy-axis.

The curves intersect at x=0x = 0 and x=1x = 1. Using the shell method:

V=2π∫01x(x−x2) dx=2π∫01(x2−x3) dx=2π[x33−x44]01=2π(13−14)=2π⋅112=π6V = 2\pi \int_0^1 x(x - x^2)\, dx = 2\pi \int_0^1 (x^2 - x^3)\, dx = 2\pi\left[\frac{x^3}{3} - \frac{x^4}{4}\right]_0^1 = 2\pi\left(\frac{1}{3} - \frac{1}{4}\right) = 2\pi \cdot \frac{1}{12} = \frac{\pi}{6}

Example

Find the volume of the solid obtained by rotating the region bounded by y = e^{-x}$$y = 0 x = 0$$x = 1 about the xx-axis.

Using the disk method:

V=π∫01(e−x)2 dx=π∫01e−2x dx=π[−e−2x2]01=π(−e−22+12)=π2 ⁣(1−1e2)V = \pi \int_0^1 (e^{-x})^2\, dx = \pi \int_0^1 e^{-2x}\, dx = \pi\left[-\frac{e^{-2x}}{2}\right]_0^1 = \pi\left(-\frac{e^{-2}}{2} + \frac{1}{2}\right) = \frac{\pi}{2}\!\left(1 - \frac{1}{e^2}\right)

The average value of ff on [a,b][a, b] is:

F_{\mathrm{avg} = \frac{1}{b - a}\int_a^b f(x)\, dx

By the MVT for integrals, there exists c∈[a,b]c \in [a, b] such that f(c) = f_{\mathrm{avg}.

Example

Find the average value of f(x)=sin⁡xf(x) = \sin x on [0,π][0, \pi].

F_{\mathrm{avg} = \frac{1}{\pi}\int_0^{\pi} \sin x\, dx = \frac{1}{\pi}[-\cos x]_0^{\pi} = \frac{1}{\pi}(1 - (-1)) = \frac{2}{\pi}

The arc length of y=f(x)y = f(x) from x=ax = a to x=bx = b is:

L=∫ab1+[f′(x)]2 dxL = \int_a^b \sqrt{1 + [f'(x)]^2}\, dx

Example

Find the arc length of y=23x3/2y = \frac{2}{3}x^{3/2} from x=0x = 0 to x=3x = 3.

f′(x)=x1/2=xf'(x) = x^{1/2} = \sqrt{x}.

L=∫031+x dxL = \int_0^3 \sqrt{1 + x}\, dx

Let u = 1 + x$$du = dx:

L=∫14u du=[2u3/23]14=23(8−1)=143L = \int_1^4 \sqrt{u}\, du = \left[\frac{2u^{3/2}}{3}\right]_1^4 = \frac{2}{3}(8 - 1) = \frac{14}{3}
  1. Forgetting the constant of integration in indefinite integrals. Without it, the answer is incomplete.
  2. Incorrect uu-substitution limits. When using uu-substitution for definite integrals, always change the limits or substitute back to the original variable.
  3. Forgetting to change dxdx to dudu when performing uu-substitution.
  4. Applying FTC Part 2 to discontinuous functions. ff must be continuous on [a,b][a, b].
  5. Confusing net area with total area. Use absolute values for total area.
  6. Incorrectly choosing uu in integration by parts. Use LIATE: prioritize Logarithmic over Inverse trig over Algebraic over Trig over Exponential.
  7. Sign errors with FTC Part 1 chain rule. The derivative of ∫ag(x)f(t) dt\int_a^{g(x)} f(t)\, dt is f(g(x))⋅g′(x)f(g(x)) \cdot g'(x)Not f(g(x))f(g(x)).
  8. Forgetting to split improper integrals at the discontinuity when a singularity is in the interval.
  9. Choosing the disk vs. Washer vs. Shell method incorrectly. Disk: rotate around xx-axis using radius. Shell: rotate around yy-axis using height as the integrand. Washer: region between two curves rotated about an axis.
  10. Dropping the absolute value in ln⁡∣x∣\ln|x|. The antiderivative of 1x\frac{1}{x} is ln⁡∣x∣+C\ln|x| + CNot ln⁡x+C\ln x + C. On intervals where x<0x \lt 0The integral is well-defined and equals ln⁡(−x)+C\ln(-x) + C.
  11. Confusing the Gaussian integrals. ∫0∞xe−x2 dx=12\displaystyle\int_0^{\infty} xe^{-x^2}\, dx = \frac{1}{2} (evaluated via uu-substitution), but ∫0∞e−x2 dx=π2\displaystyle\int_0^{\infty} e^{-x^2}\, dx = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2} (requires advanced techniques).
  1. Evaluate ∫xx2+1 dx\displaystyle\int \frac{x}{x^2 + 1}\, dx.

  2. Evaluate ∫0π/2sin⁡2x dx\displaystyle\int_0^{\pi/2} \sin^2 x\, dx. (Hint: use the identity sin⁡2x=1−cos⁡2x2\sin^2 x = \frac{1 - \cos 2x}{2}.)

  3. Use integration by parts to evaluate ∫x2ex dx\displaystyle\int x^2 e^x\, dx.

  4. Find the area between y=x2y = x^2 and y=2xy = 2x.

  5. Find the volume of the solid obtained by rotating the region bounded by y = x^2$$y = 0 x=1x = 1 about the yy-axis. (Use the shell method.)

  6. Determine whether ∫0∞e−x dx\displaystyle\int_0^{\infty} e^{-x}\, dx converges, and find its value if it does.

  7. Find the average value of f(x)=sin⁡xf(x) = \sin x on [0,π][0, \pi].

  8. Given g(x)=∫0x3cos⁡(t2) dt\displaystyle g(x) = \int_0^{x^3} \cos(t^2)\, dtFind g′(x)g'(x).

  9. Evaluate ∫012x1+x2 dx\displaystyle\int_0^1 \frac{2x}{\sqrt{1 + x^2}}\, dx.

  10. Find the arc length of y=x28+2y = \frac{x^2}{8} + 2 from x=0x = 0 to x=4x = 4.

  11. Evaluate ∫1eln⁡xx dx\displaystyle\int_1^e \frac{\ln x}{x}\, dx.

  12. Find the volume when the region bounded by y = e^{-x}$$y = 0$$x = 0$$x = 1 is rotated about the xx-axis.

  13. Evaluate ∫0111+x2 dx\displaystyle\int_0^1 \frac{1}{1 + x^2}\, dx and explain the result geometrically.

  14. Use the substitution x=tan⁡θx = \tan\theta to evaluate ∫11+x2 dx\displaystyle\int \frac{1}{1 + x^2}\, dx.

  15. Find the area between the curves y=sin⁡xy = \sin x and y=cos⁡xy = \cos x for 0≤x≤π/20 \le x \le \pi/2.

  16. Evaluate ∫01x2e−x dx\displaystyle\int_0^1 x^2 e^{-x}\, dx using the tabular method.

Question 1: Integration by parts (tabular method)

Evaluate ∫x3ex dx\displaystyle\int x^3 e^x \, dx using the tabular method.

Answer

Differentiate x3x^3 (column 1) and integrate exe^x (column 2) alternately with signs +,−,+,−+,-,+,-:

Signsx3x^3exe^x
+x3x^3exe^x
-3x23x^2exe^x
+6x6xexe^x
-66exe^x
+00exe^x

Result: x3ex−3x2ex+6xex−6ex+C=ex(x3−3x2+6x−6)+Cx^3 e^x - 3x^2 e^x + 6xe^x - 6e^x + C = e^x(x^3 - 3x^2 + 6x - 6) + C.

Question 2: Trigonometric substitution

Evaluate ∫x29−x2 dx\displaystyle\int \frac{x^2}{\sqrt{9 - x^2}} \, dx.

Answer

Let x = 3\sin\theta$$dx = 3\cos\theta \, d\theta$$\sqrt{9 - x^2} = 3\cos\theta.

=∫9sin⁡2θ3cos⁡θ⋅3cos⁡θ dθ=9∫sin⁡2θ dθ=9∫1−cos⁡2θ2 dθ= \int \frac{9\sin^2\theta}{3\cos\theta} \cdot 3\cos\theta \, d\theta = 9\int \sin^2\theta \, d\theta = 9\int \frac{1 - \cos 2\theta}{2} \, d\theta

=92(θ−sin⁡2θ2)+C=92θ−94sin⁡2θ+C= \frac{9}{2}\left(\theta - \frac{\sin 2\theta}{2}\right) + C = \frac{9}{2}\theta - \frac{9}{4}\sin 2\theta + C.

Since θ=arcsin⁡(x/3)\theta = \arcsin(x/3) and sin⁡2θ=2sin⁡θcos⁡θ=2x9−x29\sin 2\theta = 2\sin\theta\cos\theta = \frac{2x\sqrt{9-x^2}}{9}:

=92arcsin⁡ ⁣(x3)−x9−x22+C= \frac{9}{2}\arcsin\!\left(\frac{x}{3}\right) - \frac{x\sqrt{9-x^2}}{2} + C.

Question 3: Area between curves

Find the area enclosed by the curves y=x2y = x^2 and y=2x+3y = 2x + 3.

Answer

Intersection: x^2 = 2x + 3$$x^2 - 2x - 3 = 0$$(x-3)(x+1) = 0. x=−1x = -1 and x=3x = 3.

On [-1, 3]$$2x + 3 \ge x^2.

Area =∫−13[(2x+3)−x2] dx=[x2+3x−x33]−13= \int_{-1}^{3} [(2x + 3) - x^2] \, dx = \left[x^2 + 3x - \frac{x^3}{3}\right]_{-1}^{3}

=(9+9−9)−(1−3+1/3)=9−(−5/3)=9+5/3=32/3= (9 + 9 - 9) - (1 - 3 + 1/3) = 9 - (-5/3) = 9 + 5/3 = 32/3 square units.

Question 4: Improper integral

Determine whether ∫1∞1xp dx\displaystyle\int_1^{\infty} \frac{1}{x^p} \, dx converges or diverges, and find its value when it converges.

Answer

∫1∞1xp dx=lim⁡b→∞∫1bx−p dx\displaystyle\int_1^{\infty} \frac{1}{x^p} \, dx = \lim_{b \to \infty} \int_1^b x^{-p} \, dx.

For p≠1p \ne 1: =lim⁡b→∞[x1−p1−p]1b=lim⁡b→∞b1−p−11−p= \lim_{b \to \infty} \left[\frac{x^{1-p}}{1-p}\right]_1^b = \lim_{b \to \infty} \frac{b^{1-p} - 1}{1-p}.

  • If p>1p \gt 1: 1−p<01 - p \lt 0So b1−p→0b^{1-p} \to 0. Integral converges to 1p−1\frac{1}{p - 1}.
  • If p<1p \lt 1: 1−p>01 - p \gt 0So b1−p→∞b^{1-p} \to \infty. Integral diverges.

For p=1p = 1: ∫1b1x dx=ln⁡b→∞\int_1^b \frac{1}{x} \, dx = \ln b \to \infty. Diverges.

The integral converges if and only if p>1p \gt 1With value 1p−1\frac{1}{p-1}.

Question 5: Volume of revolution

Find the volume obtained by rotating the region bounded by y = \sqrt{x}$$y = 0And x=4x = 4 about the x-axis.

Answer

Using the disk method:

V=π∫04(x)2 dx=π∫04x dx=π[x22]04=π(8)=8πV = \pi \int_0^4 (\sqrt{x})^2 \, dx = \pi \int_0^4 x \, dx = \pi \left[\frac{x^2}{2}\right]_0^4 = \pi(8) = 8\pi cubic units.


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This topic covers the mathematical techniques and concepts related to integrals, including key theorems, methods, and problem-solving approaches.

Key concepts include:

  • differentiation from first principles
  • product, quotient, and chain rules
  • integration techniques (by parts, substitution)
  • differential equations
  • applications to kinematics

Regular practice with a variety of question types is essential to build fluency and confidence in applying these mathematical techniques.

Worked examples demonstrating the application of key concepts are covered in the detailed sub-pages linked above.