Which method of integration do you use?

The methods of integrating an expression are:

1) directly writing it down (either by memory or by looking in the formula book);
2) writing the expression in partial fractions;
3) using the method of integration by parts;
4) using a substitution;
5) using a trigonometric identity (such as sin 2 x = 12 (1 − cos 2 x) or cos 2 x = 12 (1 + cos 2 x) )

First look to see if the question tells you (or gives you a hint) about which method of integration you
should be using!!

First look to see if the integral is easy to work out: Is it one that you should remember (see my sheet)
5x + 2
or is it one in the formula book? Also is the integral easier to work out than it looks – e.g. ∫ x
dx

If you are asked to integrate an algebraic Other quotients (where the denominator cannot
ax + b be factorised into linear factors) can usually be
fraction of the form or integrated using a substitution.
(cx + d )(ex + f )
Examples are:
ax 2 + bx + c
, you could try writing it in x
(dx + e) 2 ( fx + g ) • ∫x +1
2
dx put u = x 2 + 1
partial fractions.
sin x
(Note: you might be asked in the first part of • ∫ put u = cos x
the question to express it in partial fractions)
cos x
2x +1
Examples are: • ∫ 2 dx put u = x 2 + x − 1
4 ( x + x − 1)2
• ∫ (2 x + 1)( x − 2) dx
4+ x
• ∫ x(4 − x)dx
Use a substitution if you have to integrate a Use integration by parts to integrate other
product of two functions in the form products, especially when one function is a simple
f '( x ) × gf ( x) . Substitute u = f ( x) . polynomial.
Examples here are: Examples here are:

∫ xe dx
−x
∫ 2 xe dx
x2
• •

∫ (3x + 1)e dx
2x
∫ x cos( x − 2)dx •
2 3
•

∫ x cos xdx
2
∫ (cos x)e dx •
2sin x
•

∫ 2 x ln xdx
3
∫ (2 x − 5) ln( x − 5 x)dx •
2
•
To integrate even powers of sin x or cos x , use To integrate odd powers of sin x or cos x , start
the formulae sin x = (1 − cos 2 x) or
2 1
2
by using the formula sin 2 x + cos 2 x = 1 and then
use a substitution.
cos x = 12 (1 + cos 2 x) .
2

Examples are:
Examples are:
∫ cos xdx
5
•
• ∫ cos xdx
4

∫ sin xdx
3
•
∫ sin
2
• xdx