The Indefinite Integrals

Concept:

 In differentiation: Given the function →

𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒
 In integration: Given the derivative or differential of a
function → 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

 Useful Terminologies: a) The Process is called

integration
b) The required function is known as the integral of
the given derivative or differential of a function

c) The given differential is called the integrand

Symbol of Operation: ∫ (distorted
letter S)
It is a subtle instruction to perform the process of anti-
differentiation or integration
 If
f(x) is a given function and F(x) is a function
whose derivative is f(x), their relationship can be
expressed as:

∫ 𝑓 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝐹 𝑥 + 𝐶
Properties of the Indefinite Integral

1) ∫ 𝑑𝑢 = 𝑢 + 𝐶
2) ∫ 𝑐𝑑𝑢 = 𝑐 ∫ 𝑑𝑢 + 𝐶 ( c is constant)
3) ∫ 𝑑𝑢 + 𝑑𝑣 + … . . +𝑑𝑧 = ∫ 𝑑𝑢 + ∫ 𝑑𝑣 + ⋯ … + ∫ 𝑑𝑧

Note: A function whose derivative is given is not completely

determined due to the arbitrary additive constant (C) known
as the constant of integration. It is because of this reason that
∫ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 is called the indefinite integral of f(x)
Formula No. 1: POWER Formula

𝑛 𝑢𝑛+1
∫ 𝑢 𝑑𝑢 = + C; 𝑛 ≠ −1
𝑛+1

 𝑑𝑢 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 or

𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 base u
Series of Illustrations

Evaluate the following:

1) ∫ 𝑥 4 𝑑𝑥:
Here, u = x and n = 4. The exact derivative of base x is dx which
means that it meet the requirement for power formula to apply.
Therefore,
4 𝑥5
∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 5
+𝐶
2) ∫(𝑥 3 − 4𝑥) 𝑑𝑥:
In this exercise, the properties of indefinite integrals apply, i.e.,
∫(𝑥 3 − 4𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑥 − ∫ 4𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑥 − 4 ∫𝑥 𝑑𝑥 . Evaluating
𝑥4 𝑥2
each term independently yield - + C.
4 2
 6𝑑𝑧
3) ∫ :
𝑧4
Little of algebra and basic property of indefinite integral result in
6𝑑𝑧
∫ 𝑧 4 = 6∫ 𝑧 −4 𝑑𝑧. Here, n= - 4 which do not fall under the restriction
for powers. Note the n could be any value except negative 1. Using the
6𝑑𝑧 𝑧 −3
routine evaluation yield, ∫ 4 = 6 + C = -2𝑧 −3 + C
𝑧 −3
𝑑𝑥
4) ∫ :
(𝑥−5)2
𝑑𝑥
= ∫(𝑥 − 5)−2 𝑑𝑥; u=(x-5) and n= -2. The total
∫ (𝑥−5)2
differential of u is dx, hence, exact.
(𝑥−5)−1 −1
= −1
+c= 𝑋−5
+ c
More illustrations:

6) ∫ 3𝑦 − 7𝑑𝑦 = ∫(3𝑦 − 7)1/2 𝑑𝑦. Here, u = 3y-7 and du = 3dy. This

means that the total differential required lacks constant 3. In
integration, constants can be inserted in order to meet the
requirement of all basic integration formulas. Let me repeat, only
constant. Where variables are involved necessary adjustments
(algebraic manipulations) must be made or another suitable formula
1
be used. Then, ∫(3𝑦 − 7) 𝑑𝑦 = ∫(3𝑦 − 7)1/2 (3𝑑𝑦). Note: The
1/2
3
inclusion of constant 3 in the original integral alter the meaning of the
same. In order to retain the original integral, it must be neutralized or
counteracted by multiplying the whole integral by the RECIPROCAL of
the constant inserted. In this sense, the original integral is retained.
1 1 (3𝑦−7)3/2 2
∫(3𝑦 − 7)1/2 𝑑𝑦 = 3 ∫(3𝑦 − 7)1/2 (3𝑑𝑦) = 3 3/2
+ C = 9 (3𝑦 − 7)3/2 + C
More exercises

𝑦𝑑𝑦
7) ∫ = ∫(𝑎2 − 𝑦 2 )−1/2 ydy
𝑎2 −𝑦 2
This illustration will orient students regarding recognition of the
variable of integration and full understanding of the phrase “total
differential” as a requirement of every formula. Here the variable of
integration must be y and a is treated as constant. Hence, u = 𝑎2 − 𝑦 2
and du = -2ydy. Notice that y dy is already in the integrand. It only
need -2 to be exact. Therefore,
1
1 1 (𝑎2 −𝑦 2 )1/2
∫ (𝑎2 − 𝑦 2 )−1/2 ydy =- ∫ 𝑎2 − 𝑦 2 −2 (−2y)dy = (- ) +C
2 2 1/2

=- 𝑎2 − 𝑦 2 + C
8) ∫(𝑥 6 − 7𝑥)4 𝑑𝑥:
In this illustration we notice that the direct use of power formula
is not possible since putting the base, u = 𝑥 6 − 7𝑥 yield a total
differential of (6𝑥 5 − 7)dx. Note that a variable is involved, hence, can
not be inserted in the integrand in order to meet the requirement of
powers. What must be done? The only way to manage it is by the use
of basic principles in algebra particularly the law of exponents
∫(𝑥 6 − 7𝑥)4 𝑑𝑥 = ∫[𝑥 𝑥 5 − 7 ]4 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑥 4 (𝑥 5 − 7)4 𝑑𝑥.
Put u = 𝑥 5 − 7 and n = 4. The exact derivative needed is 5𝑥 4 dx.
1
Therefore, ∫(𝑥 6 − 7𝑥)4 𝑑𝑥 = 1/5 ∫(𝑥 5 − 7)4 (5𝑥 4 𝑑𝑥)= (𝑥 5 − 7)5 +C
25
The other option is by expanding the polynomial, however, it is
not encouraged due to its poor quality.
9) ∫ 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 𝑑𝑥
The power formula is not limited only to algebraic functions. It
can also be used on transcendental functions. In this exercise, put the
base, u = sin x and n =3. The exact derivative required is cos x dx which
1
is in the integrand. Therefore, ∫ 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛4 x + C
4
10) ∫𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛼 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝛼𝑑𝛼 (In two ways) :
This can be done in two ways. First, put u = 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛼 and n = 1. The
exact derivative is −𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝛼𝑑𝛼. Hence,
1
∫𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛼 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝛼𝑑𝛼 = -∫𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛼 (−𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝛼)𝑑𝛼 = - 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 𝛼 + C
2
Second, By factoring . ∫𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛼 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝛼𝑑𝛼 =∫csc 𝛼 . 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝛼𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛼𝑑𝛼.
Here, put u = 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝛼 and n = 1. The exact derivative, du =
1
− 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝛼𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛼𝑑𝛼. Simplification yield: - 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝛼 + C
2
 𝑑𝛽
11) ∫
𝛽𝑙𝑛4 𝛽
The original integral do not conform to the standard format of
powers , that is, the base u is unclear. But by algebra, it can be written
𝑑𝛽 −4 𝑑𝛽
equivalent to: ∫ 4 = ∫ 𝑙𝑛 𝛽 ( ). Here, the base, u = ln𝛽 and
𝛽𝑙𝑛 𝛽 𝛽
𝑑𝛽
n = -4. The exact derivative, du = . Therefore,
𝛽
−4 𝑑𝛽 1
∫ 𝑙𝑛 𝛽 ( 𝛽 ) = - 𝑙𝑛−3 𝛽+C
3
𝑒 4𝑣 𝑑𝑣
12) =∫(1 + 𝑒 4𝑣 )−2 𝑒 4𝑣 𝑑𝑣. Put u = 1+𝑒 4𝑣 and n = -2. the
∫ (1+𝑒 4𝑣 )2
exact derivative, du = 4𝑒 4𝑣 𝑑𝑣. Inserting the needed constant and
4𝑣 −2 4𝑣 −1
simplifying, ∫(1 + 𝑒 ) 𝑒 𝑑v = 4𝑣 + C
4(1+𝑒 )
13. ∫(3𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃)−1/2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑑𝜃 . The simple procedure in
solving this exercise is by putting u = 3𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 and n = -1/2.
The total differential needed is 6𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑑𝜃 − 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 −𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑑𝜃 or a
total of 8𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑑𝜃. The exact derivative needs only 8. Therefore,
∫(3𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃)−1/2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑑𝜃=
1 1
8
∫(3𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃)−1/2 [8𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃]𝑑𝜃 = 3𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + C.
4

The other method is by the use of fundamental trigonometric

identities which is left for the students to explore.
 cosh 3𝑧
14. ) ∫ 𝑑𝑧 = ∫(1 + 2𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ3𝑧)−5 𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ3𝑧 𝑑𝑧
(1+2𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ3𝑧)5

Put u = 1+2sinh 3z and n = -5; du = 6cosh3zdz

cosh 3𝑧 1
∫ (1+2𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ3𝑧)5 𝑑𝑧 = ∫(1 + 2𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ3𝑧)−5 (6𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ3𝑧 𝑑𝑧)
6
1 (1+2𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ3𝑧)−4 1
= [ ] = - (1 + 2𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ3𝑧)−4 + C
6 −4 24
Illustrations Continued

(𝑥+1)3/2
15) ∫ 𝑥 7/2 𝑑𝑥.
This exercise demonstrates the greatest value of ALGEBRA in
dealing with integration. In fact this is the biggest challenge everyone
must face in the study of calculus.
Remember always that for an elementary formula to apply, its
standard form must be adhered to. The given exercise do not conform
immediately to powers, hence, valid algebraic manipulation is needed.
(𝑥+1)3/2 (𝑥+1)3/2 𝑑𝑥 𝑥+1 3/2 −2 1
∫ 𝑥 7/2 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑥 3/2 (𝑥 2) = ∫( ) 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ∫(1 + )3/2 𝑥 −2 𝑑𝑥.
𝑥 𝑥
1
Put u = 1 + and n = 3/2. The exact derivative, du = - 𝑥 −2 𝑑𝑥.
The
𝑥
exact derivative lacks -1 . Simplifying yield the integral function as
2 1 5/2
- (1 + ) + C. Note: The Law of exponents in algebra is important.
5 𝑥
Summary

A piece of advice for beginners:

 When doubt arise in your final answer, differentiate the solution
obtained. If the outcome tally with the given differential (found in
the integrand) then you are assured of doing it right.
 Review fundamental laws and operation in algebra.
 Review analytic geometry or pre-calculus subject you have taken in
high school. These are useful in the geometric applications of the
integral calculus.
 Practice is the key to success in calculus. Do all assignment sets that
will be given. It is designed to help you. Do not let anyone solve it
for you since it ends just fooling yourself.